Great news! San Diego’s favorite fair opens June 12–July 7 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Below are the best San Diego County Fair tips, deals and discounts to help your family make the most of your visit. The trick is to plan ahead! Save money by purchasing admission and parking online at least 24 hours in advance. More tips below, which are also available in a convenient, printable "cheat sheet", designed to help you save time searching for the most popular fair information.
ADMISSION DEALS
- Kids ages 12 and under get in free every Friday.
- Kids ages 5 and under get in free every day.
- Save on admission by purchasing tickets online 24 hours before the date you attend.
Military/First Responders
Active and retired military, law enforcement, first responders, educators and other government employees can get discounted admission through GovX. Visit www.sdfair.com/p/plan-your-visit/tickets-deals for more info.
Fair Tripper Tickets
For the same price as fair admission alone, get admission PLUS a round-trip ride on NCTD Coaster or an MTS Trolley/Bus to the Solana Beach Coaster Station, then take a free shuttle to the fairgrounds. Learn more at www.sdfair.com/p/plan-your-visit/tickets-deals/fair-tripper.
PARKING DEALS
- Park at Horsepark for $10 and take a free shuttle to the main entrance (O’Brien Gate).
- Park free at CANYON CREST Academy (not Torrey Pines) and take a free shuttle to the main entrance.
- Save $5 on general parking by purchasing online 24 hours in advance.
RIDE DEALS/DISCOUNTS
- BlastPass cards contain purchased ride and game credits, which are valid in the Fun Zone, Kids Zone and on the Skyway. Purchase a BlastPass online by June 11 to receive 25 percent more ride credits. See more under “Good to Know.”
- Pepsi Pay-One-Price Wristband Days are Wednesdays and Thursdays (except July 4). Wristbands entitle participants to unlimited Fun Zone or Kids Zone rides until 8 pm on one of these designated days. Purchase wristbands by June 11 to save $4 (regular price is $49).
- Online Pay-One-Price purchases must be redeemed for a wristband on site by 6 pm.
- Get a $5 off coupon by purchasing two 20 oz Pepsi products at 7-Eleven or Speedway.
Coupon is good for online wristband purchase ONLY.
GOOD TO KNOW
- The San Diego County Fair is closed every Monday and Tuesday.
- Parking, admission, rides and games do not accept cash on site.
- Fair rides and games operate on a credit system.
- Rides require between 6–10 credits each.
- Credits expire when the 2024 fair ends on July 7.
- Fast Pass lanyards are available to purchase on site for $40.
- There is no fair season pass available.
- Passport to Savings Coupon Book costs $5; contains discounts on food, rides, shopping and attractions (valued at $1,000).
- Purchase admission tickets in advance to guarantee entrance. There are 60,000 tickets available for purchase each day.
Find all available deals at www.sdfair.com.
Lisa Gipson is managing editor for San Diego Family Magazine.
Updated: May 2024
Here's an inspiring story about one local family that "started" at the fair!
It All Started at the Fair
