Handpicked by Locals: 5 places to eat, drink and explore in Del Mar

Joe Harper grew up around horses and Hollywood.

Harper’s mother owned and bred horses at the ranch where they grew up in the San Fernando Valley. She taught him how to ride, feed, groom and take care of horses.

“I think my mother was probably the first in line for getting me squared around in the racing business,” Harper said. “She loved horses. She always owned horses, even as a little girl.”

Harper also received experience with horses through his grandfather’s movies. Harper’s grandfather (his mom’s father) was Cecil B. DeMille, filmmaker and producer. Harper appeared in some of his grandfather’s westerns as a child, like his mom, and learned a thing or two about cinematography.

“He was a great teacher,” Harper remembered. “I’d always ask him about the shots on movies I was able to be on the set for a kid growing up, like ‘Samson and Delilah’ and ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ and all those movies that went on to win Oscars.”

These two backdrops helped Harper become the CEO of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.

After receiving his first camera, Harper began filming horse races and interviewing jockeys and trainers at the tracks where his mother bred horses, including Hollywood Park, Santa Anita and Del Mar.

“I spent a lot of time at the tracks,” Harper said. “As a kid, I was always walking around the back stretch, seeing the horses and meeting the people. I always felt at home around a racetrack. I got to know a lot of the people who worked there over the years, so it was kind of a natural thing for me.”

After working at Southern California horse racing tracks for several years, observing the way they were operated and meeting the right people, Harper was asked to manage the Oak Tree Racing Association in 1969.

In 1978, Harper eventually made his way to Del Mar full-time and became the general manager of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, and in 1990, he became the CEO.

Under Harper’s leadership, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has hosted thousands of horse races, including the prestigious Breeders’ Cup in 2024 and 2025. Harper has also overseen the capital improvements to the Del Mar racetrack, which is owned by the state of California and managed by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.

“With Del Mar, it’s a love affair,” Harper said. “I remember as a kid going down here, probably five or six years old, I loved it because you had the beach right there and you could see the horses, so it was always my favorite track. It was something about the sea air, maybe Bing Crosby singing a song, or just the fact that the environment was conducive for employees to enjoy working in Del Mar. Everyone looked like they were having fun, and as a boy, I said if I ever get a job down here, that would be great.”

Harper added that the safety of the horses at Del Mar is also a high priority. He said they now have five veterinarians to look out for the horses every day and warn trainers and staff of any concerns.

“These vets, they know the horses, they know the trainers, and they just keep their eye on them,” Harper said. “So that’s been a big help because they’ll go back to the trainer and say, ‘you know, I noticed this horse has a little thing going off a little on the backside,’ and the trainer might say, ‘yeah, he’s been sore there, but we’re working on it.’ And that horse won’t be eligible to run then until they are good.”

When Harper is not working, he said he visits his favorite places in Del Mar frequently. Here are a few of his recommendations.

Q: Where is your favorite dining option?

A: One of my favorites is Red Tracton’s Steakhouse, mainly because it’s right across the street from the Del Mar racetrack. It’s just good, classic American food with steaks and other great dishes. It has high-quality food and a great atmosphere.

Q: What is your favorite small retail business or pop-up vendor to support?

A: The Del Mar Village is full of great small businesses, and I try to support them as often as I can. The Del Mar community shows so much support for the racetrack, and I love to reciprocate.

Q: Where is your favorite open space?

A: The Del Mar Beach is my favorite. For a number of years, we actually lived on the beach and certainly enjoyed it. It’s a great spot to be at. Between the soft sandy shore and the sound of the waves, it’s perfect for walking, running or just relaxing and taking in the view.

Q: Where is the best piece of artwork?

A: I like to check out the rotating sculptures around Del Mar Plaza. The installations change regularly, which keeps things fresh, and it adds something really special to the whole experience of walking through the Plaza.

Q: Where is your favorite entertainment attraction or historic landmark?

A: I still have to say the beach, but if you’re trying not to get sandy, Powerhouse Park is another great place to get near the ocean and take in all Del Mar has to offer. It’s right next to the beach, near great restaurants and just a short walk from downtown Del Mar Village.