You don't have to be a gambler to enjoy a day at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia!  The annual horse race season starts the day after Christmas and ends usually around April 20th.

Santa Anita is a beautiful 320 acre park with a large grandstand (fits 26,000 people) and a large infield.  I played the horses for fun when I was a kid and loved it on the rare occasion when my father and I made a day of it at the race track.

The park is open Thursdays through Mondays, with 10 races on weekends/holidays and 8 races on most weekdays.  Gates open at 10:30 a.m. and first race is at 1 p.m. 

You don't have to put a lot of money down on a race to enjoy the excitement!  Heck, pluck down $2 and bet on a longshot and you'll be glued to the race.  It's really a lot of fun.

Admission is only $5 for adults and FREE for those under 17 accompanied by an adult.  Parking is $4 to $10 (valet).  For kids there is a playground with slides, a jungle gym and swings.  There is a picnic facility.  Better yet, there are Family Fun Days from noon to 4 p.m. each Sunday in March through season's end in April.  Family Fun Days feature carnival games, giant inflatable slide and bounce house, face painting and pony rides.

If you're looking to take it up a notch, check out the fine dining at The Turf Club (dress code enforced...no jeans, sneakers and t-shirts here), Front Runner and Club House Terrace restaurants.  Click here for more info.

Santa Anita Park

285 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia (Directions)

www.santaanita.com

Phone:  626.574.7223