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7 Reasons to Plan a Luxurious Breeders' Cup Trip

Experience the elegance and excitement of San Diego

The Breeders' Cup World Championships is a celebration of the sport of horse racing, and boasts unparalleled international competition. This 14-race extravaganza – considered the Super Bowl of horse racing – takes place Nov. 1-2 and features the world's top Thoroughbred horses, jockeys and trainers in head-to-head competition to be crowned world champion in their divisions.

Plan your trip to watch the world's top Thoroughbreds compete for glory in beautiful Del Mar, and enhance your experience by staying longer and treating yourself to the luxurious side of San Diego – rated the No. 2 big city in America by the savvy readers of Condé Nast Traveler. With our world-class hotels, elegant neighborhoods, private sailing adventures and VIP excursions, a Breeders' Cup visit to San Diego is bound to be the getaway of your dreams.

Windansea, La Jolla

Explore Showcase Neighborhoods

Tour the luxurious neighborhoods of San Diego’s coastline, and take in the city’s famed seaside beauty. Del Mar has been a long-favored destination of Hollywood stars and all those drawn to the community's beautiful beaches, fast horses, upscale shops and acclaimed cuisine. Come for the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and racetrack activities and stay for the surrounding beauty, including the charms of Del Mar Village, a Southern California beach village with a European vibe, complete with a collection of shops and restaurants that would fit right in with those on the French or Italian Rivieras.

Head south a few miles from Del Mar to explore La Jolla's natural beauty, tony homes and stylish coastal enclaves perched on the sparkling Pacific. Consistently voted one of the top beach destinations in the world, La Jolla offers the finer things in life, including luxurious hotels, gorgeous resorts, fine-dining restaurants, relaxing spas and upscale boutique shopping. And don't forget, San Diego boasts some of the finest golf courses in the world, including the world-class Torrey Pines Golf Course, on La Jolla's northern border.

For luxury with an urban vibe, explore Downtown San Diego, a vibrant center for fine dining, cultural riches and more. Drink in the beautiful views of the city — and maybe an exquisitely crafted cocktail, too — from the deck at the venerable Mister A's in Bankers Hill. And take in a rousing concert at the San Diego Symphony's soaring Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. With San Diego's glittering bayfront as your back yard, you'll want to savor the moment for a good long while.

Fairmont Grand Hotel Del Mar at dusk.

Linger at Luxury Hotels

Looking for an elevated stay in San Diego? The coastline offers a string of one-of-a-kind resorts with full spas and peaceful views along the coast. For a AAA Five Diamond-rated resort with elegant Craftsman-style architecture, visit The Lodge at Torrey Pines, the perfect choice for those seeking a relaxing, intimate experience. For a romantic stay reminiscent of a Mediterranean escape, stay at the exquisite Fairmont Grand Del Mar, home to the celebrated restaurant Addison and its three Michelin stars.

For those looking to embrace the vibrant spirit of California's Beach City, book a stay at a glamorous hotel in downtown San Diego. Take in the expansive city views from a rooftop oasis, admire the sparkling chandeliers and linger in the relaxing and luxurious guestrooms steps away from lively nightlife outside the grand doors. Enjoy the Pendry San Diego's modern-meets-traditional styling and the historic US Grant Hotel's Corinthian and Empire-style interior.

Giraffes at San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Enjoy Exclusive Access

Design your own custom, behind-the-scenes safari with the Ultimate Safari at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This five-hour adventure includes access to the most exclusive areas of the park, up-close animal encounters, a sit-down lunch and a personal tour guide, all tailored to your individual interests. Take the experience one step further with an overnight "glamping" adventure in a luxury tent surrounded by the sights and sounds of wildlife.

At SeaWorld San Diego, your Ultimate VIP Tour includes your own VIP guide, one-of-a-kind animal encounters, front-of-the-line ride access, meals and much more. And the San Diego Zoo's Exclusive VIP Experience treats you to a five- to seven-hour, privately guided tour that includes wildlife interactions and other customized experiences as well as a sit-down lunch.

Discover another exclusive way to get the most out of your trip to San Diego by leaving all the planning to the pros at luxury tour operators such as Bespoke Tours, which can curate a private, custom tour covering the best of the best in the San Diego region.

Boats crossing in front of the city skyline.

Set Sail and Fly VIP

Set sail on an adventure of epic proportions. Charter a luxury yacht on the bay and cruise as far as Catalina Island for a romantic sunset – perfect for, say, a proposal? Put to sea aboard San Diego Sailing Tours' luxury yachts or gather aboard the Adventuress Luxury Catamaran for a private whale-watching excursion while soaking in the views of San Diego Bay. Experience the thrill of America's Cup sailing aboard Stars & Stripes USA-11, the same yacht raced by Dennis Conner during the 1992 Cup campaign, with America's Cup Sailing San Diego.

Soar over the stunning San Diego coastline with an aerial tour from Corporate Helicopters. Tours from 30 to 60 minutes provide spectacular views of La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, Downtown, the historic USS Midway Museum, the landmark San Diego-Coronado Bridge and more.

Chefs Table at Addison

Savor a Michelin-starred Culinary Scene

Indulge in San Diego's celebrated dining scene, with four restaurants that have earned coveted Michelin stars and many more that have earned praise from the prestigious organization. Savor an exquisite tasting menu at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar's signature restaurant, Addison, whose reimagined California cuisine has been honored with a rare three Michelin stars under the guidance of  Chef William Bradley. In nearby La Jolla, marvel at the culinary creations of A.R. Valentien, perched along the world-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course at the beautiful Lodge at Torrey Pines.

Near Downtown San Diego, Little Italy serves more than just Italian deliciousness. Take an epicurean adventure through Little Italy and satisfy your hunger with fine dining from around the world. Venture through the seasonal tastes on the constantly rotating, chef-driven menu at Juniper & Ivy, dive into the classy under-the-sea theme at Ironside Fish and Oyster or enjoy the intimate setting of the Japanese-inspired cocktails, cuisine and décor at Cloak & Petal. The adventure doesn't stop there. Revel in the sophisticated and high-end steakhouse Born & Raised, helmed by celebrity chef Jason McLeod, for a mouth-watering meal to sate your appetite.

Whether you're looking for Exclusive Chef's Table Dining Experiences or simply the best of elevated cuisine in San Diego, memorable meals await.

Torrey Pines, as the sun begins to set.

Explore Natural Beauty

San Diego is known for its unparalleled beaches, offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Soak in the sea breeze and priceless sunsets at Windansea in La Jolla, gaze at the breathtaking panoramas along Sunset Cliffs or follow the endless views from the cliffs down to the beach at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. And be sure to explore stunning La Jolla Cove, ranked the No. 5 beach in the nation by Tripadvisor's readers. San Diego is filled with outdoor beauty at every twist and turn. Take your adventure one step further by hiking the region's diverse terrain, from coastal bluffs to mountain ranges and desert wonders.

a man on Torrey Pines Golf Course teeing off

Luxuriate in Outdoor Wellness

There's just something in the San Diego air that feeds body and soul. Indulge in healthful and happy outdoor pursuits throughout this beautiful region, from a round of golf in the balmy autumn breezes at one of San Diego's premier courses, to a relaxing excursion under sail, whether along the city's glittering coastline or across a tranquil bay. Or spend quality time indulging in soothing massages or warm-stone treatments at one of San Diego's celebrated luxury spas. With our beautiful fall weather, laid-back vibes and multitude of options for pampering yourself, you'll find yourself unwinding and feeling refreshed like never before.

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