Planning a visit to the San Diego County Fair? Here are my best tips for saving money, finding parking, avoiding crowds, and making the most of your day.
The San Diego County Fair is one of my favorite summer traditions.
Every year, my family heads to the fair for Father’s Day weekend and somehow we always end up doing the exact same things: eating way too much fried food, playing carnival games we absolutely do not need to be playing, and spending hours walking around looking at all the exhibits.
And it’s always one of my favorite days!
This year, we actually did a little prep and ended up saving a surprising amount on tickets, parking, and ride credits.
Whether you’re visiting the San Diego County Fair for the first time or you’re a longtime fair-goer looking to save a little money, these are the tips I wish more people knew before visiting.
Table of Contents
- San Diego County Fair Dates & Location
- Buy Your Tickets Before You Go
- San Diego County Fair Ticket Prices
- How to Save Money at the San Diego County Fair
- Parking Tips for the Del Mar Fair
- What to Bring to the San Diego County Fair
- Arrive Early to Beat the Crowds
- Best Food at the San Diego County Fair
- Does the San Diego County Fair Sell Alcohol
- Rides, Games & Attractions
- How Much are Rides & Games at the Fair
- Concerts & Special Events
- Free Things to Do at the San Diego County Fair
- FAQs About the San Diego County Fair
- Final Thoughts
San Diego County Fair Dates & Location
Address: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014
The San Diego County Fair takes place annually at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, California.
The fair typically runs from early June through early July, though exact dates vary each year.
Because dates, entertainment schedules, and promotions change annually, I always recommend checking the official fair website before your visit.
Buy Your Tickets Before You Go
One of the easiest ways to save money at the San Diego County Fair is to purchase tickets before arriving.
Buying tickets online ahead of time can help you:
- Save money
- Avoid ticket lines
- Enter the fair more quickly
- Plan your day in advance
The fair gets incredibly busy on weekends, especially around Father’s Day and holiday weekends.
Having your tickets ready before arriving makes the entire experience much smoother.
San Diego County Fair Ticket Prices
Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
Gates Open Daily at 11 AM and Close at 10 PM Daily
| Wed – Thur | Friday | Sat – Sun | |
| General Admission | $20 | $25 | $25 |
| Senior (Age 62+) | $17 | $22 | $22 |
| Youth (Age 6 – 12) | $17 | Free | $22 |
| Children (Age 5 & Younger) | Free | Free | Free |
How to Save Money at the San Diego County Fair
Let’s talk about the good stuff.
Because fair food is expensive.
Games are expensive.
Parking is expensive.
And somehow I still leave every year carrying a giant stuffed animal.
Check Costco for Ticket Deals
This year, we purchased our tickets through Costco and it was one of the best deals we’ve ever found.
For $100 we received:
- Four adult admission tickets ($80 value)
- Parking ($25 value)
- 40 ride and game credits ($50 value)
- A coupon booklet
The value was incredible.
If you’re planning to visit with family or friends, definitely check Costco before purchasing directly.
Use the Summer Reading Program
One of the best family-friendly discounts available is through local summer reading programs.
Many participating libraries offer free fair tickets for kids who complete reading challenges.
If you’re visiting with children, this can save a significant amount of money.
Set a Food Budget
This sounds boring.
I know.
But it works.
Pick a few must-try foods and prioritize those instead of buying everything that looks interesting.
Trust me, it’s very easy to spend a small fortune on fair food.
Also, the coupon booklet that comes with the Costco pass has food coupons inside!! Lots of coupons are for free upgrades, a free drink, etc.
Parking Tips for the Del Mar Fair
Parking can be one of the most frustrating parts of visiting the fair. It always seems to cause traffic near the fairgrounds and in the surrounding neighborhood.
Be sure to give yourself extra time to naviagate parking.
Parking at the San Diego County Fair is $25.
Arrive Early
The earlier you arrive, the easier parking tends to be.
You’ll also spend less time sitting in traffic waiting to enter the fairgrounds.
Off-site Parking
Depending on what direction you’re coming from, there are a couple off-site parking lots that offer free shuttle rides to the fair.
You will still need to pay at these lots but you get to avoid the traffic on the main street to the fair.
Be Patient Leaving
Leaving the fair can take time.
Especially after concerts and evening events.
Plan accordingly and don’t expect to be out of the parking lot immediately.
What to Bring to the San Diego County Fair
Southern California summer weather can be hot.
These are the items I always bring.
Refillable Water Bottle
Bring a large water bottle and refill it throughout the day. There are water fountains and water refill stations located throughout the fairgrounds.
You’ll be doing a lot of walking and the sun gets intense quickly.
You’ll also be eatings tons of salty or sugary food and water will be helpful to have on hand for the many food moments you’re going to have.
Hat
Shade can be limited depending on where you’re spending your time.
A hat makes a huge difference.
I like bucket hats for extra sunny days but a baseball cap is always a good option.
Sunscreen
You’ll likely spend several hours outdoors.
Don’t forget sunscreen.
I use a cream sunscreen at home before leaving and then pack my sunscreen stick to reapply while I’m out.
Portable Phone Charger
Between photos, videos, ride credits, maps, and texting your group, your phone battery can disappear quickly.
Pack a phone charger for your or your family members and stay connected.
Umbrella for Shade
This is one of my must-pack items for outdoor activities.
We packed an umbrella this year specifically for shade and it helped tremendously.
Those little fans will only do so much if you’re in direct sunlight. Create your own shade with an umbrella.
Arrive Early to Beat the Crowds
If you’re planning a daytime visit, arrive as early as possible.
Benefits include:
- Better parking
- Shorter food lines
- Lower ride wait times
- Cooler temperatures
By mid-afternoon, crowds and temperatures can increase significantly.
In the mornings there is so much more walking space, the lines are super short for food and rides and you’ll actually be able to find seating to rest a bit.
Best Food at the San Diego County Fair
Let’s be honest.
Half the reason we’re all here is the food.
Birria Egg Rolls
These completely stole the show this year.
They were crispy, flavorful, and absolutely worth the hype.
Deep Fried Oreos
A classic. We get them every year.
Deep Fried Twinkies
Also a yearly tradition. I really wish we had these more often.
Deep Fried Cookie Dough
This was a new addition for us this year and it did not disappoint. It was basically melted cookie dough in a cake. Yummy but also very intense.
Deep Fried Zucchini Straws
Like fries but better! Okay, maybe not better and definitely not healthier but they are tasty!! Omg and dip them in ranch. So good!
Ramen Taco
The taco shell is made from ramen noodles!!
It was fun, unique, and definitely worth trying at least once. We loved dipping it in the consume that came with the birria eggrolls.
Grilled Corn
Another favorite that we love to get at all fairs. You can’t go wrong with grilled corn.
Tacos
You can never keep me away from tacos. A taco trio is really something special. Load up on toppings and salsa. It’s absolute perfection.
Does the San Diego County Fair Sell Alcohol?
Yes, the San Diego County Fair sells alcohol. Guests 21 years and older can purchase beer, cocktails and wine at a number of bars across the fairgrounds. There are also a number of bars scattered throughout the fairgrounds – always with a fun theme! So be sure to check them out.
Rides, Games & Attractions
The San Diego County Fair has something for everyone.
You’ll find:
- Carnival rides
- Midway games
- Animal exhibits
- Shopping vendors
- Live entertainment
- Art exhibits
- Community displays
If you’re planning to ride attractions, purchasing ride credits in advance can sometimes save money.
They have ticket booths setup across the fairgrounds. And now they don’t sell tickets – they sell credits. And you receive a play card that you can refill throughout the day.
Our favroite activity at the fair is riding the gondola across the fairgrounds. It give you the most beautiful ocean view and seeing the ferris wheel with the ocean behind it is truly breathtaking.
@julia.vaness Have ya’ll seen these rides at the fair lately?!?! It’s a pass for me. #sdcountyfair #sandiegocountyfair #carnivalrides #crazycarnivalrides #countyfair ♬ original sound – mudassarfr
How Much are Rides & Games at the San Diego County Fair
Each ride and game will be a different number of credits. You purchase the credits on the Blast Pass card. The games we played were around 4-6 credits per person.
San Diego County Fair Blast Pass Prices
| 1 Credit | $1.25 |
| 4 Credits | $5 |
| 16 Credits | $20 |
| 40 Credits | $50 |
| 80 Credits | $100 |
| Fastpass | $40 |
Concerts & Special Events
The fair hosts concerts and special events throughout the season.
Popular performers can sell out quickly.
If there’s a specific show you want to see, book early.
We’ve also attended special events like the beer festival in previous years and always had a great experience.
The event calendar changes annually, so it’s worth checking before your visit.
Free Things to Do at the San Diego County Fair
Not everything costs extra.
Some of my favorite free activities include:
- Walking through the exhibit halls
- Viewing local art displays
- Watching live entertainment
- Exploring agricultural exhibits
- Visiting animal areas
- People watching
FAQs About the San Diego County Fair
Can you bring a bag into the San Diego County Fair?
Yes, bags are allowed, but check current fair policies before visiting since rules can change.
Can you bring water into the San Diego County Fair?
Yes, but always check the latest fair guidelines before your visit. They recommend packing a factory sealed water bottle or an empty reusable bottle to fill inside the fairgrounds.
Is Costco selling San Diego County Fair tickets?
Costco frequently offers fair ticket packages, though availability varies by year.
What is the best day to visit the San Diego County Fair?
Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
How much is parking at the San Diego County Fair?
Parking prices vary each year but usually run around $25. Check the official fair website before your visit for up to date pricing.
Is the San Diego County Fair worth visiting?
Absolutely. Between the food, entertainment, rides, exhibits, and seasonal atmosphere, it’s one of San Diego’s most popular summer events.
Final Thoughts
The San Diego County Fair has become one of our favorite family traditions.
Every year we eat way too much fried food, spend more money on games than we planned, and leave with happy memories and slightly questionable food choices.
If you’re planning a visit, buy your tickets ahead of time, look for discounts through Costco or local library programs, bring plenty of water, arrive early, and make a list of the foods you want to try.
Most importantly, leave room for the deep fried food!
XOXO,
Julia
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About the Author: Hey there! I’m Julia, a passionate theme park and travel writer. My love for theme parks has fueled my obsession with sharing tips and adventures for years. Join me as I uncover the magic of San Diego and beyond!
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