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7 Reasons to Plan a Luxurious Breeders' Cup Trip

Experience the glamorous beauty of California's Beach City

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 5-6 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 scenic Del Mar, and enhance the experience by staying longer to treat yourself to San Diego's world-class hotels, elegant neighborhoods, luxury sailing trips and VIP excursions.

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 the likes of those on the French or Italian Riverias.

Head south a few miles from Del Mar to explore La Jolla's natural exquisiteness, 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, resorts, fine-dining restaurants, relaxing spas and upscale boutique shopping. Don't forget to pack your golf clubs for a round at the world-class Torrey Pines Golf Course, host to the annual Farmers Insurance Open and the 2021 U.S. Open. Contact San Diego Golf Reservations to book your desired tee time.

Fairmont Grand Hotel Del Mar at dusk.

Linger at Luxury Hotels

Looking for a more relaxing and off-the-grid stay near the racetrack? 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 Forbes Travel Guide's only triple-Five Star resort in California, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar.

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.

Discover an more 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 like Bespoke Tours, which can curate a private, custom tour coveting the best of the best of what California's Beach City has to offer.

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 sail 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 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 will provide spectacular views of La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, downtown, the historic USS Midway, the landmark San Diego-Coronado Bridge and more.

Chefs Table at Addison

Savor an Exquisite Culinary Scene

Indulge in San Diego's elegant dining scene. Sit down at world-renowned restaurants, presided over by award-winning chefs. 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. Or dine at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar's signature restaurant, Addison, which has been honored with a rare three Michelin stars, and savor the reimagined California cuisine of Chef William Bradley.

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.

Keep the adventure going: Elevate your restaurant outing with Exclusive Chef's Table Dining Experiences.

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, gaze at the breathtaking panoramas along Sunset Cliffs, follow the endless views from the cliffs down to the beach at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve or discover the charms of Coronado Beach, ranked in the top 10 nationally by "Dr. Beach." 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.

Aerial shot of Sunset Cliffs

Discover San Diego From the Comfort of Your Car

Rent a convertible or hire a transportation serviceto wind you through charming neighborhoods along the beautiful coastline, and discover endless stretches of scenic vistas and landmarks unique to San Diego. Road trips like the 59-Mile Scenic Drive encompass a good portion of the city's outstanding attractions, taking you from the downtown Embarcadero, up Point Loma past Sunset Cliffs and Mount Soledad, down into the village of La Jolla and through Old Town, Balboa Park and the Gaslamp Quarter, ending at Seaport Village. Roll your windows down and breathe in the rich cultural diversity of each neighborhood.

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