The San Diego County Fair is not only the largest county fair in the country, it is among the largest fairs of any kind in the United States

The fair features many musical and talent performances from artists of varying notability.  This year the shows include Toby Keith, Smokey Robinson, Air Supply and Pitbull to name just a few.  There are also dozens of contests ranging from agricultural efforts to cooking to flower arranging.

There a ton of rides for people of all ages.  My favorite is the Big Wheel, which is a giant Ferris Wheel that provides sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean to the west and an areal view of the fair to the east.  If you time it right you can catch an amazing sunset.  If that wheel doesn't scare you, then you should also like the sky ride.  This chair lift also provides great panoramic views of the fair below and drops you off in Family Funville.  A land inside the Del Mar racetrack with smaller, tamer riders for the kiddos.  FYI - You can walk to Family Funville too if the sky ride isn't your thing. 

As with most county fairs, there are animal exhibits, but it probably is not as abundant here as other fairs. There is a petting zoo for people of all ages. There are also two buildings full of commercial exhibits. There are exhibits featuring San Diego County's heritage, as well as exhibits specially designed for the fair's theme, which changes annually, making the fair somewhat different each year. This year's theme is "OzSome!"

Children and students are honored in the Kids' Best and Student Showcase displays, which feature artwork created by students ranging from kindergarten through community college. School yearbooks are displayed as well as woodworking, photography, and art projects constructed by high school students. All ages can display their talents in exhibits such as Design in Wood, photo and art shows, and Home and Hobby. Each day features a particular city or town in San Diego County.

Okay we know the real reason you come to the fair is for the food.  You may need to diet a month before and a month after attending, but come hungry and eat your heart out while you're here.  The San Diego County Fair offers more than 100 food booths, many with outrageous creations such as bacon wrapped turkey legs, beef sundaes, fried Twinkies, deep fried pizza and burgers between two Krispy Kreme donuts.  While all that looks interesting, I tend to stick to the classics like fried chicken and curly fries.  Just so you know you can get a salad at the deep fried pizza stand or at the Paddock Tavern.  

Unlike most fairs I've been to, there is an abundance of full service bars here too.  So it's great to grab a drink with your dinner or before a show.  Two years ago the fair introduced a hidden speakeasy and it was a huge success.  So this year, they've expanded the space and made it a hidden tiki oasis called the Wicked Wahine.  You need to ask bartenders around the fair where this is located an they'll give you a card explaining how to find it.  Or I can just tell you now... Look for the Fine Arts building, pay for your ticket at the window and they'll give you a secret pass code to enter.  You'll board the gold elevators, ask to go to the 6th floor (I missed that part) and tell the elevator operator the secret pass code to enter.  Once you arrive, you'll see the ocean on one side and the racetrack and rides on the other.  Find your way to a table and staff will come to you.  There is a large indoor and outdoor space here.  

The fair began in 1880 as an agricultural fair. The location moved from place to place for several years, finally settling on the Del Mar Fairgrounds when it opened in 1936.

In 1954, the fair's name was changed to the Southern California Exposition and San Diego County Fair. In 1970, this was shortened to the Southern California Exposition. The fair was again renamed in 1984 to the Del Mar Fair, which lasted until 2002 when the name San Diego County Fair was reinstated. It is sometimes still referred to as the "Del Mar Fair" by locals.

While there is parking for $13, I don't recommend it.  Traffic during fair season, especially before a big performance can be a nightmare!  I recommend using public transportation.  The North County Transit District (NCTD) offers a fair tripper that includes your train ride on the COASTER, shuttle to the fair and entrance to the fair.  The price is only $21 for adults and $13 for kids under 12 or seniors over 60.  I think that's an excellent deal.  Take a look a the COASTER schedule, but also keep in mind your ticket is also valid on the AMTRAK's Pacific Surfliner trains as well - so you have even more options.