Santa Anita Park is one of the great thoroughbred racetracks in the United States and the visual icon of Arcadia. The grandstand and Art Deco clubhouse, opened in 1934, sit against the wall of the San Gabriel Mountains — the photographic backdrop that has made the track a favourite for film crews ever since A Day at the Races in 1937. Major races include the Santa Anita Handicap in March and the Breeders' Cup, hosted here in multiple years.
The racing seasons run roughly late December through June and again in late September–October; check the calendar before planning. Even outside race days you can usually walk the grounds, and the track runs free morning workout tours where you watch the horses train and have breakfast in the clubhouse.