You know it’s officially summer in San Diego when the San Diego County Fair is back in town! From mouthwatering fair food to adorable pet-themed exhibits and shows, this year’s Summer Pet-Tacular is the perfect way to soak in the summer sun (even if pets themselves can’t attend).
Fair Tripper: Your Ticket to the Fair and a Free Ride There
Want to skip the traffic and the $20 general parking fee? MTS and NCTD have teamed up once again to bring you Fair Tripper – a combo deal that includes round-trip transit and Fair admission for the same price as a regular ticket. Fair Tripper passes start at $20 (Wed–Thurs) and $25 (Fri–Sun) for adults and include a free shuttle right to the Fair’s front gate.
You can use the PRONTO app or get a paper pass at a Trolley station to easily get your Fair Tripper pass. Please note: each rider will need their own paper pass or mobile ticket.
- Paper Passes: Visit a ticket machine, select "Promotional Passes," and grab your "Regional Fair Tripper" paper ticket. Keep your paper ticket with you for admission into the fair, and your transit trip home.
- App Users: To use the PRONTO App to add your pass, select "NCTD" as the agency and choose "Adult Regional Fair Tripper" (or “Youth” or “SDM”). Download the pass only on the day you plan to go to the Fair (cannot be purchased in advance), and show the app at the Fair admission gate.
Special Savings: There will be a special Fair Tripper rate for June 19, in honor of Juneteenth. Adult Fair Tripper passes will be $15, SDM and Youth only $12!
Remember: Fair Tripper tickets are only valid on the day of purchase! Don't forget to scan before you board the Trolley, and scan on and off at the COASTER station, too. Have more questions? Get all of the information about Fair Tripper here.
Transit Tips:
- Use a free Park & Ride lot: To help cut down on travel time, use one of many free parking lots near MTS Trolley stations.
- Transfer to the COASTER at Santa Fe Depot or Old Town. Your Fair Tripper pass includes travel on the COASTER, plus a connection to the Fair shuttle.
New and Notable San Diego Fair Foods
This year’s fair food vendors are serving up dishes full of flavor and a few things we never saw coming (we’re looking at you, pickle lemonade). Here are some of the wildest, most delicious, and most Instagrammable new treats you’ll find at the fairgrounds:
Wild Drinks
Pickle Lemonade – Craft Lemonade
Bright, bold, bizarrely refreshing… or just bizarre. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it situation. Pickle fans, dive in. Pickle haters, stay away.
Dr. Pepper Pickle Soda – Chicken Charlie’s
The pickle-ness continues with this interesting drink from Chicken Charlie’s. If the lemonade wasn’t enough, get your soda filled to the brim with pickle slices and an entire pickle to boot.
Golden Guppy – Farmer in the Del
Is pickle not your thing? Try the Golden Guppy which features POG juice (passion fruit, orange and guava), passionfruit boba, coconut whipped cream, bruleed pineapple, and a little Swedish fish topper.
For Your Sweet Tooth
Tres Leches Cinnamon Roll – Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls
The perfect pairing of the fair’s famous cinnamon roll with a yummy tres leches sauce, a drizzle of caramel, and bits of piloncillo sugar on top.
Cherry Blossom Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup – Ricky's Sweet Paradise
Dubai chocolate fans will be delighted with this fun take – sakura powder is added to white chocolate to go along with the juicy strawberries, luscious pistachio cream and punch of crunch from the toasted kataifi and pistachio.
Savory Surprises
Super Volcano Fries – Farmer in the Del
Crispy golden fries with kalua pork, beef bulgogi, eggs, lava sauce, sweet soy, chili crunch, furikake, and green onions – a full-blown avalanche of flavor!
“Local” Moco – Farmer in the Del
This is a mini version of the "local” moco with a Brandt beef patty, smoked pastrami, savory mushroom gravy (with plenty of mushrooms), egg, and crispy onion strings on top of fluffy white rice.
Kenyan Food from Rafikiz Foodz
You’re in for a treat if you haven’t tried Kenyan food before! Sweet chicken, plantains, and coconut rice with house-made spicy sauce are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Crazy Creations
Ramen Taco at Taco Ramen
This fusion taco has it all – a crisp fried ramen taco shell stuffed with Kung Pao beef, Asian slaw, green onions, and pickled red onions.
Deep Fried Meatballs and Mozzarella on a Stick – Chicken Charlie’s
Ever wanted to eat Italian food – on a stick? Now’s your chance with Chicken Charlie’s newest deep-fried creation: meatballs and mozzarella. Ooey gooey and delightfully savory!
Hot Honey Goat Cheese Pistachio Pizza – Pat's Pizza
This pizza has it all – a little bit spicy, a little bit sweet, some savoriness from the goat cheese, and crunch from the pistachio!
Mexican “La Jolla” Noodles – Rico Manjares
The ultimate college craving – nachos and ramen with a twist of birria! You get three comfort foods in one dish!
Whether you’re a foodie, thrill-seeker, or just looking for a fun day out, the San Diego County Fair is the place to be this summer. With new eats to discover and the Fair Tripper deal saving you time and money, there’s no reason not to hop on transit and join the fun. Plan your trip, get ready for fun, and we’ll see you at the Fair!
