Opening Day at Del Mar is one of those Southern California traditions that feels like the official start of summer. The fascinators, the fashion, the energy in the air — there's really nothing quite like it. This year, the gates open on Friday, July 17th, kicking off a racing season that runs all the way through Labor Day.

And when the last race is run and the crowds start to thin, the evening is still very much yours.

If you're looking for the perfect place to wind down after a day at the track, we have a suggestion.

From the Track to Bing's Bar

Bing's Bar at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe is about as natural a next stop as you'll find after a day at Del Mar. Fifteen minutes inland from the coast, tucked into one of Southern California's most storied communities, Bing's has the kind of atmosphere that makes a great day feel even better — and a long one feel effortless.

Named after Rancho Santa Fe's most legendary resident, Bing Crosby, the bar carries the easy charm of a place that's been doing this for a long time. Exposed beams, herringbone oak floors, a wood-burning fireplace, and a cocktail program that takes its job seriously. It's the kind of room you walk into and immediately feel like you've made the right decision.

What's Waiting for You

The bar menu at Bing's is built for evenings exactly like this one — post-celebration, slightly sun-kissed, ready for something cold and well-made. The Sweet Leilani — Ketel One, Lychee, St. Germain, Citrus, Coconut — is a good place to start. Light, floral, and refreshing in the best possible way.

The kitchen has you covered too. Whether you're settling in for dinner or just grazing your way through the evening, there's something on the menu worth lingering over.

And on Thursdays, Bing's comes alive with live music from 5 to 9pm — which means Opening Day this year lands on exactly the right night.

The Longer Version of the Evening

If you're really doing it right, consider making a weekend of it. The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe has been welcoming guests since 1923, and there's something about checking in here after a day at Del Mar that feels exactly as it should — unhurried, warm, and a little bit timeless.

Dinner at Lilian's on the patio. A nightcap at Bing's. Saturday morning at Mila Moursi Spa. The racing season runs through September 7th — there's plenty of time to build a tradition around it.

Bing's Bar at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe Bar Menu: Daily 3:00pm – 10:00pm Live Music: Thursdays 5:00pm – 9:00pm 5951 Linea del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067