This place has a magical feeling as soon as you walk into the place. Imagine the 20 ' s here, dressed up in your Sundays best. Walking to the paddock and seeing the jockeys mount the horses. Making bets on a gut instinct because you like the name of the horse or the color or the way the jockey looked at you! Either way you feel that rush as the horses approach the starting gate! You place your bet and close your eyes and imagine the possibilities with your winnings!
Call ahead and reserve great box seating very reasonably prices and fabulous view. Go early, parking is interesting and the stands begin to fill later in the day. Be sure between races you visit the gift shop, the grounds and all throughout the amazing indoor and outdoor areas. The only draw backs we found was smokers on every level and so much litter from people tossing the loosing tickets and cigarette butts.
SA is a wonderful place to watch races. I've been to the Breeder's Cup when they've hosted (in 2009, 2013 and 2014) and will go back when they host again next year in 2016. They host a lot of stakes races and top notch horses run there, so you can always see the superstars (I watched California Chrome and Shared Belief race last weekend, and you won't find a better matchup!) The concessions are good, I am a novice bettor - the people who run the betting windows are always great when I have questions about how something works. The seating is ALL good. You get good views no matter where you sit.
If you have nothing to do on a Saturday or Sunday a day at the races is a great thing to do. If you enter at gate 6 and go to the infield it won't cost you a thing. Granted you can't see the whole track from the infield but you can bring a picnic lunch, watch the horses from the side lines and place a bet if you want to. Just the experience of this beautiful facility is worth it.
We had our Rotary meeting there this morning and were lucky enough to get a talk from one of the jockeys who rides there. He has ridden at tracks around the world and he said Santa Anita is one of the best 3 or 4 in the world. And he's ridden Dubai, England, all over the world. It is so beautiful and the staff are the friendliest ever.
This place is historic. Racing first started here with "Lucky" Baldwin, the founder of Arcadia. The gardens are beautiful. The turf club is the best place to watch the races, have an adult beverage, and have a very good lunch.
you can get into the races for as little as 5 dollars and have a fantastic time spending ...or winning as much as you like ...the latter requiring a bit of luck
This is the finest racetrack in the USA.Great viewing,nice seats,and great horseracing..Beautiful San Gabriel mountains provide a beautiful backdrop.
Traveled all the way from NY to attend the 2014 Breeders' Cup - everything here was first class. This is the best race track that I have been to, and I think you'll be hard pressed to find a better backdrop than the San Gabriel Mountains. If you are a racing fan, Santa Anita is a must and trust me, it is worth the cross-country flight for those on the East Coast. Looking forward to heading back when Santa Anita hosts the 2016 Breeders Cup.
Fun, exciting and interesting day at the horse races!Facilities were very clean, beautiful decor and historical artifacts and information. Best corned beef sandwich!