Santa Anita Park

My husband and I stopped by Santa Anita today just to take some pictures and look around. It was closed, but they still let us walk around and check some things out. I hadn’t been here in years, but it’s just as awesome as I remember. We happened to cross paths with a wonderful gentleman (Mike) who we began talking to, we soon learned that he has been working there for many, many years. He was very interesting to talk to. He was so exceedingly kind, he gave us a tour of the park. We had a great time. We hope to return on a day when we can watch a couple races, but honestly, my husband and I enjoyed exploring this beautiful place, even on a day when there were no races. Santa Anita has great history, and it is a gorgeous track, in a gorgeous neighborhood!

First time at this iconic race track was memorable and fun. Good food, nice service, first time bet on horses and no, there was no beginners luck. Still, this was a fun experience. The cheese plate was a good starter. And the angus burger is tasty. Well worth experiencing with friends.

Never been here before but bring that it was my bachelor’s party the homies brought me here before the evening festivities (which were a disappointment as well as these girls just robbed us). Nice place, cleaner than expected but the food that came with our package was a choice of 4 things and all were fairly crappy.
We did have good service and got upgraded to the private suite as we originally got an area that someone else took. If you’re into horses, you will see some here. About 15 minutes been races so lots of time to go potty and think about your next bet. I don’t gamble as I prefer earning or… my money which both are odds in my favor.
If you’re into something different go here, it’s not bad with a few homies. Change it up once in a while, leave your mansion and go see some of the others.

I took my husband here as a new ‘adventure’ and it was really fun. The experience was interesting. It’s crazy how nuts people can get while gambling. And this place is HUGE, like a Disneyland for adults!
I got tickets for us for the Bud Lite lounge. It was OK. I had gotten a really good deal on it and it included a free buffet and a drink. I thought that was way better than just sitting out near the bar or on the field. However, next time we come here I want to do it big and get a booth or something. The food was just OK but I appreciated how exclusive it felt because you had to wear a hand bracelet to show them if you were coming in or out of the lounge. Next to that was the messy bar. I was surprised at how many people left their papers on the floor next to the lounge; it was a very weird site.

I went to Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, CA on 1÷14÷2016. It was my 8^th time just this month after going there 52 times in 2015. It’s my favorite place. Plus, I took photos.

I keep coming back to this review for one reason, horse racing is problematic so I will avoid that subject and focus on the actual location.
A few years ago they were thinking of tearing down Santa Anita and that would have been a crime. The amazing history, the art deco architecture would be lost. You only had to go to Hollywood Park (which is… was not in Hollywood and definitely not a park) to know that race tracks can be seedy. Santa Anita is not. it’s very well maintained. I’m not a gambler but I have never not enjoyed a day at Santa Anita.

Take a step back in time! We love the track. Not much of gamblers, but it’s an inexpensive day out in the sun looking over the amazing San Gabriel mountain range.
General admission is $ 5 and Club house us $ 10. Parking $ 4. They now offer free admission to the infield as well as free infield parking. And if you change your mind and want to go to the grandstand, You can pay in the infield. Do yourself a favor and become a Thoroughbred Member once inside. You’ll get free passes for select dates and discounted entrance fees.
There are a multitude of dining options. All which have access to watching the races. There are several bars. And many consession stands. The traditional hot dogs, beer, peanuts, popcorn, pretzels are always available. Also check out the carving station where they’ll make you a mean pastrami sandwich. Upstairs they have fine dining (dress code enforced), and another sit down option over looking the track.
Depending in the day is where we’ll go. Each area has its own unique qualities. The infield you can bring your cooler, pack a lunch, bring a blanket and chairs and sit on the lawn and just enjoy the day. There is a playground for kids. And if you check the calendar they host many great functions. Kids day, family day, food truck day, bands, beer fest, pumpkin patch, point rides, etc. They have a small portable grandstand they recently added so you can sit in the bleachers and watch the races. Or sit in front of the huge jumbotron in the benches. There’s also an indoor space and outdoor gazebo space with a bunch of screens broadcasting races from all over the country. There are private spaces also available for parties. Check on pricing.
The clubhouse is nice, smaller than general admission. You can rent boxes for an additional fee.
General seating has the most seating and you can stand right at the finish line.
Take a stroll to the paddock and stables to watch the horses prior to post. The grounds are beautiful and there are tons of hidden nooks and cranniesv to explore.
Make a day out of this gem. Come early and watch the horses, Take a class on betting, relax on the lawn or have a day with the family.

At its finest, the Sport of Kings is an exciting sport that brings together people from all walks of life to watch majestic creatures guided by diminutive athletes. At its worst, it’s an elitist game of animal cruelty and an invitation to gambler’s anonymous. Despite its checkered past (it was temporarily used as a processing center during World War II for Japanese-​American citizens being forced into internment camps), Santa Anita Park is a gorgeous setting for a day at the races.
I have a lifetime of memories at this racetrack, thanks to childhood trips with my family. Horse racing was more popular then and it saddened me to see its demise over the years. My ambivalence to the sport and the track won’t keep me from hanging out at Santa Anita. Good or bad, I love seeing it being used as a space for so many great events, from food truck festivals and concerts to beer tastings and the 626 Night Market. Kudos to the marketing staff for finding ways to get people into the track and keeping it relevant.
The grounds have been kept in tip-​top shape and the service remains excellent. You’re still likely to lose more money than you win when betting on the ponies, but it’s good entertainment on a typical sunny Southern California day.

C.R.E.A.M.
Yup, you better make sure to bring CASH!
CASH ONLY:
Parking
–Valet $ 10
–Self $ 4
–General admission $ 5
–Club house admission $ 10
Aside from that, great place to hang for everyone! Adults can partake in gambling, booze, and eats. Kids can also have fun watching the races or running around in the park centered in the middle of the track!
Fun energy and definitely a fun place to spend a few hours :)

Opening day at Santa Anita! Wow, I enjoyed watching the Malibu Stakes and being in this beautiful spot with what seemed like half a million of my favorite people.
Although opening day and big events bring everyone out, this is one of the gems that all horse enthusiasts must visit. Great history and great atmosphere, fun for all.
Tip: you can bring in food and drink… just no glass or alcohol.

Sort of like a cross between Vegas and an old folks’ home. We went during the day on a Saturday and it wasn’t too crowded and very pleasant. The good was not as great as it sounded but other than that it was a enjoyable time and not too intimidating.

Wonderful venue in a wonderful neighborhood. So much ample parking, that I get lost each time. It’s pretty easy to park and lock, approach the outside stands, get your racing guide, and be walked through placing a bet. I didn’t do it myself, however, my two friends did. Seating in the stands was ample. They also have huge screens so that you can see the racers go around the track. All in all, a great day!

My friend and I came for Brunch at the Races, hosted by LA Weekly. I had no idea the race tracks could be so beautiful. From the South Beach/​Miami architecture on the outside to the farmer’s market greens and the giant open space for the 30+ booths serving us food, there were also families who brought blankets, chairs, and picnic baskets. My friend and I got rest under some shade sitting on some benches.
We also got to watch the races. Indoors, you can place bets and sit in a huge lounge area where they serve rather good food (according to my friend, get the reuben sandwich). It has the charm of an era past. Outside, you have to pay for the nicer seats, but you can stand and watch the races with all the older men.
Afterwards, we were able to hang by the barns and the area where they guide the horses back to the barns. The riders will let you pet the animals and feed them peppermint candies? Overall, an amazing experience. I would definitely come back just to hang out.

Spent my Saturday afternoon at the Michelada Rumble held in a section of the inner track.
Have not been to this place in over 30 years. I remember my grandfather bringing me here and he would bet on the ponies. At times he would tell me to pick a name, good times.
Well I’m older now and needed to have a Michelada drink, a few michelada mix offerings, live dj and band music with great weather what more can you ask for.
Place was not crowded and the event was fun. Hope to return next summer for a few more events.
Parking was free through Lot 6, and plenty of it.

It’s all fun and games until somebody loses their bankroll.
But its still fun anyway.

Beautiful day at the track! Food is good. Our waiter seemed in a hurry to bring our food! However we had all day at the track! He brought us the courses before we had been ready and never asked if we wanted things quickly at a 4 – 6 hour event.
Beautiful views of the track and mountains! Betting is easy and fun! I did win several races!
Service was too fast but friendly. Drinks very weak!
The valets did not have enough man power for all the cars in line!
Over all a great place to spend the day!

I am not a Horse Racing fan, but I have somehow managed to have visited Del Mar and many years ago, Hollywood Park, and I can say this is my favorite when it comes to a Horse Race track. I started coming here about 10 years ago because my friends own a racehorse.
Parking: Its $ 4 for General Parking & $ 10 for Valet (they are very helpful and will tell you where to go).
Its pretty easy to get your bearings after you enter the park; its $ 10 to go to the Clubhouse.
I’ve had lunch & drinks at the bar at FrontRunner, which is at the Top Level of the Clubhouse. Gorgeous views of the San Gabriel mountains. The views are why I put it at 4 stars. Also, I’ve always had good service.
Yesterday, was the first negatives I’ve had at the park. My friend was hosting a birthday party at the «Winner’s Terrace» and I asked 4 different staff members where this was located and not only did they not know, but one person told me there’s no such thing. Fortunately, I finally found someone who knew and she directed me.
The Winner’s Terrace is the only Track Side Canopy that hosts parties. Really cool venue, right on the track. The food provided was good. However, the server was a bit slow on the drinks. It took my husband and I over 25 minutes to get our drink order. But that didn’t detract from the ability to watch the races so close.

I went to Santa Anita Park for their 2015 Super Bowl event for $ 15 and it was a fairly good venue, not oversold as some places pack ‘em in too tight. The food was decent, it was an AYCE buffet from 3pm through the game featuring Salad, Cole Slaw, Fried Chicken, Elbow Macaroni Hot Pasta in Tomato Sauce, Hot Dogs with optional chili (and you can even make yourself a chili bowl) cheese n’ the fixin’s, as well as before the game, some tortilla chips with salsa and at the end of the game, hot coffee and cookies, brownies n’ breadsticks. Not the most healthy of spreads, but on par with finger bar foods.
Parking was FREE (as it should be), and it was easy to get to and through, both entering and exiting.
It was a good event overall, I think sponsored by Bud Light (they gave away various promo logo gear swag during the game) and featured drink specials.
The 24 Seahawks /​28 Patriots game was slow to start but action packed with key plays through the very end, including a Thug Life fight to close it all out on the field in Arizona. The fans attending Santa Anita Park were for the most part spirited but well behaved, so it felt like it was a family friendly environment.
I’d like to check this place out for the Horse Racing in the future, as I’ve never bet on horses nor been to a race before. I should have come here earlier to check it out.
The bathrooms were clean and the facilities were generally nice.
There’s a shopping mall adjacent to the track, and the world famous Din Tai Fung has a location nearby too, so that’s enough to make the trek worthwhile once in a while.
How would I rate the Santa Anita Park… NEIGH or YEA ???
YEA !!!

With the California sun slowly descending and inching it’s way downward along the Western skyline while protruding numerous humbling earthly tones directly above, the bittersweet smell of horse musk in the air, horns performing in sync sound unison echoing throughout the entire park, that beautiful robust woman in her polka dot red sundress that sways within the breeze ever so gently creating a voluptuous silhouette against the SGV Mountain backdrop. the electricity. the excitement. the.
Wait, did that horse just drop a deuce?! Dude, I think I just stepped in it!
I’m a fan of LIVE, LOUD, FAST PACED events. Though, it may not get as extreme as an adrenaline junky like myself would like, it suffices my need to yell and stand next to someone doing the same. but louder than I. Add a promotional event to the mix. and it’s likely you’ll be listening to a few decent bands in the infield, tasting a bunch o’ beers from the numerous breweries that set up shop track-​side with a GREAT selection of food trucks to fill your empty stomach. You needs to eats to soaks up the drinkage, ya feel me?
What’s great is they offer a little bit of everything for everyone. Fine dining, plenty of seating, shade, sun, meet n’ greets, drinks, cheap food and so on. They usually have a ‘play’ area set up. with field games like horse shoes and bean bag tosses along with your standard inflatable jungle gyms, slides and castles. It’s a good thing to have kids in a centralized location, especially since alcohol is on the premises.
During race breaks, I suggest EXPLORING this track. From the entrance (s), to the infield, to the roof, to the basement, to the apron, to the stables. The rustic architecture along with the natural mountain-​side backdrop is truly a sight for a city slicker’s sore eyes. A slight overwhelming feeling overcomes you as a human being, and it’s then you realize you’re part of something BIGGER. The planets align, a bright shiny light is upon you, you hear a voice. And then it hits you. It’s your buddy, Matthew. He’s frantically telling you to get off the track. You’re about 6 beers deep and that feeling is the buzz creeping in.
Once the races start just about EVERYONE in the stadium rushes towards the track to get a decent view of the action. The MC, who is always on point, belts out the names of each horse and let’s us know they’re approaching the starting gate. His voice and accent are both intriguing and captivating, leaving us all hoping he’d simply pick up the newspaper afterwards and read us the daily headlines. «AND AWAY THEY GO!» He’s aggressively saying so much one can barely comprehend what this gentleman is attempting to announce. His rushed and ancy tone has you off your seat with wager in hand, staring both at the screen and horses on track. It’s that last stretch that gets me. Everyone is at their last breath, arms flailing while jumping higher than they ever have before. The mixture of sadness, disappointment, cheer and glee gives me goosebumps. gets me. every, single, time.
I have plenty of hilarious stories, bazaar instances and over the top encounters that have taken place here. making it one of my go-to’s for a great time during the day /​afternoon on that side of the world. It’s worth checking out at least once!

Opening day. This place was packed. I had not been here before. It was a lot of fun to watch the races and see the horses. The grounds were really well maintained.
Get your walking shoes ready. Between races you have to go check out the horses to make your pick. I even managed to win a dollar and ten cents on one race.
The food was good, little pricey but good. Betting was pretty simple, but I didn’t get to complicated.
The biggest downside was the parking lot. Narrow lanes that were difficult for larger vehicles. And no one directing traffic to get out so it was every man for himself. Other than that and all the smokers, it was a great day.