Great news! San Diego’s favorite fair opens at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on June 11–July 6 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Below are the best 2025 San Diego County Fair tips, deals and discounts to help your family make the most of your visit. The key is to plan ahead! Save money by purchasing admission and parking online in advance. More tips below.
FAIR 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 at least one day before the date you attend.
- Save up to $9 on admission by purchasing tickets at your local Albertsons or Vons store. Minimum $10 grocery purchase required.
- Save on tickets, parking, rides, games and more by purchasing fair tickets at local Costco warehouses. For $98.99 you'll get four admission tickets, one parking pass, 40 ride/game credits and a Passport to Savings coupon book.
- Get a discount code at O’Reilly Auto Parts that allows fairgoers to purchase two midweek admission tickets for only $20. Valid on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
- San Diego County Fair Season Passes are back!
- Standard Season Passes offer unlimited admission to all 20 days of the fair. $65
- Fair Fanatic Season Passes include unlimited fair admission, free parking on the first visit (discounted parking on subsequent visits), two half-price general admission tickets, BOGO FastPass, refillable souvenir cup, commemorative lanyard/access pass, discounted merchandise and priority access to the fair’s speakeasy. $160
Fair Tripper Tickets
For the same price as fair admission alone, get admission PLUS a round-trip ride on NCTD Coaster/Sprinter 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 (14550 El Camino Real, Del Mar) for $10 and take a free shuttle to the fair’s main entrance (O’Brien Gate).
- Park FREE at Canyon Crest Academy at 5951 Village Center Loop Rd. and take a free shuttle to the fair’s main entrance (O’Brien Gate).
- Save $4 on general parking by purchasing online at least 24 hours in advance.
FAIR RIDE DEALS/DISCOUNTS
- BlastPass tickets and wristbands are valid for rides and games in the Fun Zone, Kids Zone and on the Skyway. Purchase a BlastPass online by June 10 to receive 25 percent more ride credits.
- Pepsi Pay-One-Price Wristband Days are Wednesdays and Thursdays (except July 4). Wristbands entitle participants to unlimited Fun Zone or Kids Zone rides (not games) until 8 pm on one of these designated days. Purchase wristbands by June 10 to save $5 (regular price is $55).
- 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 stores. Coupon is good for online wristband purchase ONLY.
GOOD TO KNOW
- While the fair is a pet-themed event, pets are NOT allowed at the fairgrounds.
- 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.
- Ride and game credits expire when the 2025 fair ends on July 6.
- A limited number of Fast Pass lanyards are available to purchase on site each day for $40.
- Passport to Savings Coupon Book costs $5; it contains discounts on food, rides, shopping and attractions (valued at $1,000).
Find all available deals at www.sdfair.com.
Lisa Gipson is managing editor for San Diego Family Magazine.
Updated: May 2025
Here's an inspiring story about one local family that "started" at the fair!
It All Started at the Fair
