Welcoming those who love horse racing at the historic Del Mar Race Track are the California seaside town’s fine hotels, such as the L’Auberge Del Mar and Hotel Indigo Del Mar, and upscale restaurants and shops. Opened in 1937, the track was a partnership of Bing Crosby, Pat O’Brien, Gary Cooper, Joe E. Brown, Oliver Hardy and businessman Charles S. Howard. A year later, one of the great match races took place, Aug. 12, 1938, when the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club hosted a $25,000 winner-take-all match race between Howard’s immortal Seabiscuit and the Binglin Stable’s colt, Ligaroti, with Seabiscuit taking honors. History, luxury, great food and shopping until you drop down in peace on the beach: Del Mar is a gallop or a trot away. Saddle up, head on over!
