At Del Mar, the races weren’t the only thing worth watching.
Del Mar Racetrack has long been known for horse racing, but from its earliest days, its identity was shaped just as much by who filled the grandstands as by what happened on the track. During Hollywood’s Golden Age, the seaside venue became a seasonal gathering place where film stars, comedians, and public figures mixed naturally with racing fans just steps from the Pacific Ocean.
The track opened in 1937 with strong ties to the entertainment world. Bing Crosby was one of the key figures involved in its founding, working alongside a group of business and Hollywood-connected partners to establish a racetrack that combined sport, social life, and Southern California’s coastal setting. From the beginning, Del Mar welcomed the general public rather than functioning as a private club, and that accessibility helped shape its character…