Santa Anita Park
Iconic horse racing venue with stunning mountain views, offering thrilling races, family fun, and diverse events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live racing action
Santa Anita Park
Best Time
Live racing action
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic horse racing venue with stunning mountain views, offering thrilling races, family fun, and diverse events.
"One of the most beautiful racetracks with breathtaking mountain views and a seamless experience."
🎯 Check Racing Schedule First
Live racing is mainly weekends. Confirm dates to avoid disappointment!
💰 Bring Cash for Bets
While cards are accepted for some purchases, cash is king for placing bets at the windows. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Thrill of Live Horse Racing
The Racetrack
Experience the thunder of hooves and the roar of the crowd as magnificent thoroughbreds compete on the track.
Stunning San Gabriel Mountain Views
Throughout the Park
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic San Gabriel Mountains as your backdrop.
Family Fun & Activities
Various Locations
From carnivals to meeting lead horses, there are engaging activities for all ages, especially on special event days.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check the Racing Schedule
Dress for the Occasion (or Not!)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Racing Schedule First
Live racing is mainly weekends. Confirm dates to avoid disappointment!
💰 Bring Cash for Bets
While cards are accepted for some purchases, cash is king for placing bets at the windows. :moneybag:
✍️ Pack a Pen for Programs
Mark your race day programs easily with your own pen or pencil. :pencil:
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Bring a hat or parasol for shade, as much of the venue is exposed to the sun. :sunwithface:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Racing Schedule First
Live racing is mainly weekends. Confirm dates to avoid disappointment!
💰 Bring Cash for Bets
While cards are accepted for some purchases, cash is king for placing bets at the windows. :moneybag:
✍️ Pack a Pen for Programs
Mark your race day programs easily with your own pen or pencil. :pencil:
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Bring a hat or parasol for shade, as much of the venue is exposed to the sun. :sunwithface:
💧 Reusable Water Bottles Welcome
Stay hydrated! The park allows reusable water bottles and has free filling stations. :water_wave:
🚗 Easy Parking & Entry
On special event days, parking and entry can be smooth sailing. :car:
📸 Great Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning shots with the mountains and horses. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Santa Anita Park for its stunning beauty, particularly the breathtaking San Gabriel Mountain backdrop, and the thrilling experience of live horse racing. The park is noted for being family-friendly with engaging activities and helpful staff, though some have encountered rude staff at specific entrances and experienced confusion regarding advertised training hours.
"i thought the horses were racing based on the website but they only race on weekends 😔 the security let me in for free and said i could roam around but security might ask me what’s up, so far no one has so that’s good. it was a little confusing to find the track and i found the betting room first, but the track has a cool mountain backdrop and the grounds are cute as well. it was really a 3 star experience but i think if the horses were there it’d be 4 so i’ll bump it up."
charisma barriger
"Great history and grounds, beautiful day. Security staff was kind and helpful with information. Staff at South entrance was rude and unhelpful when we asked where we go to just see the park, we were aware it's off season but wanted to check out the area for fun. Also, grounds opened at 9:15 and we were unable to watch the horses breeze, contrary to what the website said (5:30-9:30 training should be open to the public)"
Esther shafer
"I had an amazing day at the races at Santa Anita Park! It’s truly one of the most beautiful racetracks I’ve ever been to—with the San Gabriel Mountains as a stunning backdrop, the views are absolutely breathtaking. The experience was seamless from start to finish. We were able to order food and drinks directly from our box, and everything was delivered quickly so we didn’t miss a moment of the action. A perfect blend of excitement, comfort, and scenery—can’t wait to come back!"
Jamie Tolbert
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Santa Anita Park is located at 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transportation options might be limited, so driving or ride-sharing services are often recommended for ease of access.
Yes, parking is available at Santa Anita Park. For special events, parking can be straightforward, and some visitors have noted up-front parking availability.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient option for reaching Santa Anita Park, especially if you prefer not to drive or worry about parking.
Using a GPS with the address 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007 is the most reliable way to navigate to Santa Anita Park. Some visitors have found it helpful to type in nearby landmarks or specific trailheads if they are exploring the surrounding areas.
The Shops at Santa Anita mall is nearby and offers various dining and shopping options, including popular Japanese eateries like Uncle Tetsu and Ramen Nagi.+2 The park itself is also adjacent to the Angeles National Forest, offering hiking opportunities like Sturtevant Falls.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are generally required for entry, especially on race days and for special events. It's advisable to check the official Santa Anita Park website for current ticket information and pricing.
Operating hours can vary significantly depending on whether it's a race day, training day, or a special event. The website is the best source for the most up-to-date schedule. Some visitors have noted discrepancies between advertised training hours and actual public access.
Yes, Santa Anita Park allows visitors to bring in reusable water bottles and offers free water filling stations. This is a great way to stay hydrated and save money.
Yes, there are various seating options, from general admission areas to private boxes. For general admission, consider bringing sun protection as seating can be exposed.
Ticket prices can vary based on the event and seating choice. It's best to check the official Santa Anita Park website or contact them directly for the most accurate and current pricing information.
🎫 🏇 Onsite Experience
Live horse racing at Santa Anita Park primarily takes place on weekends. It's crucial to check their official schedule as racing seasons and days can vary.
Beyond the races, Santa Anita Park offers beautiful grounds with mountain views, dining options, and hosts various special events like Oktoberfest and vintage car shows.
Yes, Santa Anita Park is very family-friendly, especially during special events like carnivals. Kids can enjoy rides, games, and even interact with horses.
There are several bars and restaurants on-site. Snack bar food is often reasonably priced, and some visitors have enjoyed large portions like turkey sandwiches. The nearby Shops at Santa Anita also offer a wide array of dining choices.
+2
Absolutely! Betting on the horses is a core part of the Santa Anita Park experience. You can place bets at designated betting windows, and bringing cash is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The San Gabriel Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for photos throughout the park. The racetrack itself, especially during a race, offers dynamic shots. Interacting with the horses (when permitted) also makes for memorable pictures.
Yes, photography of the horses is generally allowed, especially during morning workouts or when meeting lead horses during special events. Always be respectful of the animals and their handlers.
While general photography is usually permitted, professional or commercial photography might require special permits. It's always a good idea to check the park's specific policies if you plan extensive photo shoots.
A versatile zoom lens is great for capturing both the wide scenic views and the action on the track. A telephoto lens can be useful for getting close-ups of the horses. Don't forget a wide-angle lens for the expansive mountain vistas.
Early morning during training sessions can offer softer light and fewer crowds for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
On race days, consider the general admission areas, but be sure to bring sun protection like hats or parasols for everyone. The snack bars offer reasonably priced food, and portions can be quite generous, perfect for sharing among the family.
💰 Budget Travelers
Visiting on a non-race day might offer a more relaxed and potentially free exploration of the grounds, though you'll miss the main event.
🏇 Horse Racing Enthusiasts
Consider arriving early to witness morning workouts, which can offer a different perspective on the horses and training routines.
The park's history and the caliber of horses that have raced here add to its allure. Engaging with the betting process, even with a small wager, is part of the authentic experience.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Grandeur of Santa Anita Park
The iconic San Gabriel Mountains serve as a breathtaking backdrop, making Santa Anita Park one of the most picturesque racetracks in the world. This stunning natural setting enhances the overall experience, whether you're there for a thrilling race day or a special event.
Beyond the racing, Santa Anita Park is a versatile venue that hosts a variety of events, from concerts and festivals to weddings and corporate gatherings. Its grandstands, dining facilities, and event spaces are designed to accommodate diverse needs, ensuring a memorable experience for all visitors.
+1Experiencing a Day at the Races
Comfort is key when spending a day at the track. While some opt for dressier attire, casual wear like jeans and a nice top or a sundress is perfectly acceptable for regular race days.
For families, Santa Anita Park offers a range of activities, particularly during special events like carnivals. Children can enjoy rides, games, and even have opportunities to meet and touch lead horses, making it a memorable outing for all ages.
Dining and Entertainment Beyond the Track
Santa Anita Park also frequently hosts special events that go beyond traditional racing. These can include lively festivals like Oktoberfest, complete with Bavarian beer, food, and entertainment, as well as vintage car showcases like the 'Kafer Garten' featuring air-cooled Volkswagens.
These events transform the historic racetrack into a vibrant hub for community gatherings and unique experiences.For families, special event days can include carnivals with rides and games, offering a fun-filled experience for children.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit