The San Diego County Fair is officially underway in Delmar.
For many San Diego families, like Dawn Neldon’s, it’s a summer tradition.
“It’s the environment, it’s the food, it’s the colors,” Neldon told NBC 7 on opening day.
A trip to the fair can be expensive, especially for a large family. There are admission and parking fees, and once inside, the rides, food, and concessions can quickly empty your wallet.
“The reason I carry cash is because it helps me see how much I’m spending,” Neldon says. “With a card, there’s a good chance you’ll just leave it there and not realize how much you’re buying.”
But if you plan ahead, you can save a lot. For example, if a family of four (including children ages 6-12) decides to go to the fair last minute before the weekend, they could pay up to $94 for admission. But if you buy tickets online more than 24 hours in advance and visit on a Wednesday, admission will be around $58.
Additionally, admission discounts are available to active military and veterans. Special Links Be sure to check out the tickets. Costco also offers a family pack, which is a great deal and includes admission, parking, ride tickets and a coupon book for four people. Neldon bought one for each family member.
“It’s like a big hack for the fair,” Neldon said. “There are a lot of food stalls and discounts on different experiences inside, and we always buy one because it helps us decide what to eat and what events to go to.”
Some retailers also offer coupons. Find all the great deals here.
Sure, you can save on parking if you buy it online in advance ($5 off public lots), but you can also save money by parking for free at Canyon Crest Academy and taking the free shuttle to avoid traffic jams on the way there. There’s also a “Fair Tripper” pass that includes admission to the fair and round-trip transportation from the MTS and North County Transit District.
One of the main attractions of the fair is the food. While you’ll want to sample the fun treats, you can save money by bringing your own snacks and a reusable water bottle. However, alcohol is prohibited and drinks must be factory sealed. No glass containers or metal tableware are permitted, so we recommend leaving those at home. For a full list of what you can and can’t bring to the fair, click here. here.
