The San Diego County Fair is one of the most anticipated events of the summer in Southern California. From thrilling rides and live entertainment to fried food you can only dream about the rest of the year, there is a little something for every age group. But if you show up without a plan, the costs can add up faster than you expect.
If you go in with a game plan, you can enjoy everything the fair has to offer without blowing your budget. Here are some of the best ways to save money on your visit this year.
Buy Your Tickets Online in Advance
One of the easiest ways to save is to purchase your admission tickets online at least 24 hours before your visit. Doing so saves you $3 to $5 per ticket right off the bat. If you have flexibility with your schedule, visiting on Wednesday or Thursday can save you an additional $3 to $5.
Kids 5 and under get in free every day, and children ages 6 to 12 get free admission every Friday. If your family plans to go more than once, a season pass may be worth looking into as well.
Also worth grabbing before you go: Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions locations carry discounted fair admission tickets that can save you up to $8.50 per ticket. That adds up fast if you are buying for a larger group.
Skip the Parking Headache
General parking can be a bit expensive, but you can save $5 by purchasing your parking pass online 24 hours in advance. Even better, consider skipping the parking lot altogether. You can park for free at Torrey Pines High School and hop on a free shuttle to the fairgrounds. It saves you money and reduces traffic stress.
Consider the Fair Tripper Pass
If you are open to taking transit, the Fair Tripper combo ticket is back for 2026 and worth considering. Offered through a partnership between NCTD, MTS, and the fair, the pass bundles fair admission with round-trip transportation on participating transit services. Officials say it can save fairgoers up to 40% compared to buying admission and transportation separately.
You can take the MTS Trolley and transfer to the COASTER at either the Santa Fe Depot or Old Town Transit Center. The COASTER then takes you to Solana Beach Station, where free ADA-accessible shuttles run every 15 to 20 minutes directly to the Del Mar Fairgrounds. North County riders can also take BREEZE Route 308 and exit at Valley Avenue and Via De La Valle to reach the main entrance.
Pricing depends on the day. Wednesdays and Thursdays are the most affordable, with adult tickets at $23 and senior, disabled rider, and youth tickets at $20. Weekend fares (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and July 4) go up to $28 for adults and $23 for seniors and youth. There is also a special Juneteenth discount on Friday, June 19, only, dropping adult fares to $19 and senior and youth tickets to $17.
Keep in mind that Fair Tripper tickets are for same-day use only and cannot be purchased in advance. You can buy them through the PRONTO mobile app or at ticket vending machines at COASTER, SPRINTER, and Trolley stations.
Bring Your Own Snacks
Yes, you can bring food into the fair. Outside snacks are allowed, which can make a big difference if you are visiting with kids. Just keep in mind that alcohol is not permitted, and any beverages you bring must be factory sealed. Reusable water bottles must be empty when you enter, but you can fill them up at water stations inside. Leave glass containers and metal utensils at home, as they are not allowed.
Pick the Right Day for Rides
If rides are a big part of the plan, aim for Wednesdays or Thursdays. Those are pay-one-price ride days, which can mean significant savings if you have little ones who want to go on everything. You might also want to pick up a Passport to Savings coupon book for around $5. For larger groups and families, the savings in that book can add up quickly.
Set a Budget Before You Hit the Vendor Area
This is where budgets tend to go sideways. The vendor area is full of great products and enthusiastic salespeople, and it is easy to walk away spending more than you intended. Go in with a firm spending limit and stick to it. Decide in advance what you are there to see and how much you are willing to spend.
Check for Special Discounts
The fair offers military discounts as well as discounts for firefighters, law enforcement, government workers, and education personnel. If any of those apply to you or someone in your group, make sure to take advantage before you go.
Not Everything at the Fair Costs Extra
Once you are inside, there is quite a bit to see and do that costs nothing beyond admission. These free attractions are great for pacing yourself throughout the day, giving the kids a break from rides, or just stretching your dollar a little further.
Free activities that come with your admission include the petting zoo, pig races, garden show, art exhibits, hypnotist shows, live entertainment, and indoor shopping exhibits. Spread these out between paid activities and you will find the day feels a lot fuller without the budget taking as big of a hit.
Make the Fair Part of a Longer San Diego Getaway
Planning a multi-day trip to the fair? Escondido RV Resort is just a 22-minute drive from the San Diego County Fairgrounds in Del Mar. Instead of fighting traffic home after a long day, you can head back to your comfortable site, fire up the grill, and wind down at your own pace.
We offer full hookup sites, a sparkling pool, and plenty of room to relax after a full day at the fairgrounds. It is a great place to come back to after a long day out, and a convenient starting point for everything else San Diego County has to offer this summer, from the beaches to local dining and beyond.
We would love to be your home away from home for the fair this year. Book your stay at Escondido RV Resort and start planning your trip today.