Del Mar recommendations?

[westcoastinvader]

I'll be making a quick and casual visit to Del Mar for the August 12, 13 races.

I'm very excited. I'm a jaded traveler who has been to 50 states and 20+ countries, mostly via creative and cost-efficient travel, and business.

I've made it to Saratoga, and know well why it is revered. I'm attended all the Triple Crown races multiple times, and was there the days Seattle Slew won the Preakness, and then the Belmont.

But, I have never made it to Bing Crosby's Del Mar.

However, my wife just told me that for my August birthday she has purchased two tickets for us to fly to San Diego on Friday the 11th, then stay in Del Mar about two miles from the track.

Honestly, I'm about as excited over this birthday present as I was when I got my "Stingray" bike with the angel handle bars and banana seat when I was 8 years old (which pretty much gives away my age....to anyone my age!).

I'm thinking pretty much beach and horse activities for the weekend. Drinks and food at the beach, easy travel (taxi, shuttle?) to the race course, and two wonderful racing days of roaming the track and Del Mar grounds.

Brainless and effortless stuff.

(other than some fun handicapping).

Any thoughts or recommendations would be appreciated.....