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Last updated: March 2026 by Corey Gasman
From the Editor:
When most people think of Los Angeles sports, they immediately picture the Lakers, the Dodgers, or SoFi Stadium. But out in Arcadia, sitting right at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, is one of the most visually stunning sporting venues in America.
Santa Anita Park is a throwback. With its towering palm trees and turquoise Art Deco grandstand, it feels exactly like the 1930s Hollywood era it was born in. You do not need to be a racing expert to enjoy a day here. Between the mountain views, the history, and the sheer speed of the athletes, it is a highly recommended LA day trip.
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TLGA Rule: Check the racing calendar before you make the drive. Live racing typically happens Thursday through Sunday during the winter and spring meets, but the track goes quiet on Mondays and Tuesdays.
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The view from the Santa Anita grandstand features the dramatic backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains towering over the dirt and turf tracks.
The Track Experience
Santa Anita opened in 1934 and immediately became a playground for Hollywood stars. Cary Grant, Bing Crosby, and Errol Flynn were regulars. That legacy is still very present in the architecture. The signature turquoise trim, the sweeping lines of the grandstand, and the manicured paddock area make it feel like walking onto a classic movie set.
In fact, much of the famous racing movie Seabiscuit was filmed right here, which makes perfect sense since the real Seabiscuit won the legendary Santa Anita Handicap on this exact dirt track in 1940. A life size bronze statue of the horse sits in the walking ring today.
The pacing of a race day is very relaxed. There is about a half hour between each race, giving you plenty of time to grab a drink, walk down to the paddock to see the horses get saddled, place a modest two dollar bet, and find a spot on the rail to watch the action.
Local Guide Tip: Make sure you walk down to the rail at ground level for at least one race. Feeling the thunder of the hooves through the dirt as the pack comes down the final stretch is something you cannot experience from a grandstand seat.
Major race days bring out serious crowds, sharp fashion, and a highly energetic atmosphere to the Arcadia grandstand.
Major Events on the Racing Calendar
While a random Saturday afternoon is beautiful and low stress, Santa Anita hosts several massive events throughout the year that carry serious history and pull massive crowds. If you want the high energy version of the sport, target one of these dates.
| Event | Timing | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Day | December 26 | A massive Southern California tradition. It kicks off the winter meet and draws huge, festive crowds regardless of the weather. |
| Santa Anita Handicap | Early March | Known simply as The Big ‘Cap. This is the historic race won by Seabiscuit and remains a cornerstone of older horse dirt racing. |
| Santa Anita Derby | Early April | The biggest race of the spring. It is a major stepping stone and point qualifier for three-year-olds trying to make it to the Kentucky Derby. |
| Breeders’ Cup | November (Rotating) | The world championships of horse racing. Santa Anita hosts this prestigious two day event more frequently than any other track in the country. |
The walking ring and paddock area is where fans can get a close look at the horses and jockeys before they head to the starting gate.
Where to Sit and What to Wear
Santa Anita offers a few distinctly different ways to experience the day. General Admission is very affordable and gives you access to the grandstand aprons and the paddock. This is perfect if you just want to wander around and soak in the atmosphere.
If you want a reserved seat, you can upgrade to the Club House or book a box. The Club House has a slightly more polished feel and better access to premium food and beverage options.
For families or groups looking for a casual afternoon, the Infield is fantastic. You can literally drive your car into the middle of the track on weekends, bring your own cooler, and set up a picnic on the grass right next to the rails.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to dress codes if you upgrade your tickets. General Admission is completely casual, but the Club House and premium dining areas require collared shirts for men and prohibit shorts and athletic wear.
Getting to Arcadia
Santa Anita is located in Arcadia, which sits in the San Gabriel Valley east of Pasadena. If you are staying on the Westside or in Hollywood, you need to account for traffic on the 10 or the 210 freeways. A trip that looks like thirty minutes on a map can easily double depending on the time of day.
Because the track has massive parking lots, driving your own rental car is very easy. There is rarely a struggle to find a spot, though you will have to pay a standard parking fee at the gate.
If you prefer public transit, the Metro A Line (formerly the Gold Line) has a station in Arcadia. On weekends, the track usually runs a free shuttle from the station directly to the admission gates, making it a very low stress way to get to the races from downtown LA.
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