There are few sports like horse racing, as it has the power to take fans across the world to locations that they would never have visited otherwise. Fortunately for those based in the United States, there are a wide selection of
tracks that provide high-class entertainment on the course, while also being set in picturesque locations. That will never be as evident as it is this year, as the Breeders’ Cup returns to Lexington, Kentucky, with the Keeneland hosting the two-day meeting. You can check up on previous Breeders’ Cup results here:
https://www.twinspires.com/breeders-cup/results/
So, what are the ideal destinations of a getaway weekend focusing on horse racing action?
Del Mar Fairgrounds
Potentially one of the standout locations for a weekend getaway for horse racing fans comes in the form of Del Mar Fairgrounds. The location is the historic home of the San Diego County Fair, and racing was adding to its schedule when the racetrack was built in 1936.
It is closely connected to legendary stars, as Bing Crosby was a co-founder of the track. Horse racing runs between July and September, with a second live meeting staged in November. Major race days on the calendar include the G1 Pacific Classic, G1 Eddie Read Stakes, and the G1 Bing Crosby Stakes.
There is plenty to do in the surrounding area during a visit, as Del Mar is located
just 26 minutes away from San Diego. Here, visitors can visit iconic locations such as San Diego Zoo, La Jolla Cove, and the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
Santa Anita Park
There are arguably few more picturesque locations to watch horse racing than Santa Anita Park. The track is located in Arcadia, California, just 17 miles outside of Los Angeles. It is a historic location for all things equine, having also played host to equestrian events at the 1984 Olympics, and it will once again have that honor at the upcoming 2028 Games.
Santa Anita is regarded as the elite location for racing on the West Coast, with pivotal Grade Ones including the Santa Anita Handicap and Santa Anita Derby. The latter has proven a particularly important prep on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Santa Anita has also hosted the prestigious Breeders’ Cup on eleven occasions, creating the backdrop for historic moments such as Zenyatta becoming the first filly to win the Classic and Beholder’s victory in the Distaff against previously undefeated Songbird.
Due to its proximity to Los Angeles, visitors are able to see sights in the popular location during a racing trip, including seeing the Hollywood Walk of Stars and walking through the luxurious streets of Beverley Hills.
Churchill Downs
The most historic location for horse racing action in the United States is also oneof the most popular among visitors searching for a weekend getaway. Churchill Downs is the most famous track in North American, and it has been open to the public since 1875.
It is most famed for hosting the Kentucky Derby, with the opening leg of the Triple Crown being staged on the first Saturday in May. Churchill Downs is capable of hosting over 160,000 spectators at a meeting, with Derby Day being the most popular for visitors from further afield. Historic moments in the sport’s history have played out at the venue, including Secretariat’s record time win in 1973.
History was once again made in 2026, as Cherie DeVaux became the first woman to train the winner of the Derby, as Golden Tempo upset the odds. The racecourse is located in the heart of Louisville, making it a perfect for seeing the sights after racing. Popular tourist locations include seeing the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factor, as well as testing the local bourbon at Fourth Street Live.
Belmont Park
Sticking with the theme of Triple Crown races, there are few better state-of-the- art locations for racing on the planet than the newly-renovated Belmont Park. The track is located in Elmont, just east of New York City limits. The venue first opened in 1905, with the recent third iteration of Belmont Park opening to the
public in September 2026, as Forever Young showed his superstar quality in the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
However, the track is most famed for hosting the third leg of the Triple Crown, and the Belmont Stakes will return to its iconic home in 2027. The course has played host to legendary moments, including when a record-breaking crowd of 120,139 were in attendance when Birdstone upset Smarty Jones in his bid for Triple Crown immortality.
It is a popular location for a weekend getaway, as Racegoers can stop in New York City and explore the Big Apple in their downtown. That includes being able to see world-famous sights such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and venturing around Times Square.