The Orange County area is not necessarily the heartland of horse racing. That said, there are some unique ways to enjoy the sport locally.

For one, it’s near a major track, and there are also a few smaller venues within driving distance. If that’s not convenient, there are plenty of notable bars and gathering spots where fans can catch the action.

Many people have horse racing on the mind right now. The Derby is nearing. Even casual fans all around the world are researching contenders. If you’re interested in more information, you can find it here: twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/road-to-the-derby/ 

Of course, you don’t have to go to Kentucky to take in a great race. In this article, we take a look at the best places in Orange County to enjoy horse racing, whether you prefer live viewing or a lively bar atmosphere.

Primary Live Horse Racing Venue Near Orange County

As mentioned in the introduction, live viewing options are relatively limited in the Orange County region. That said, there is an excellent option in the form of Los Alamitos Race Course, located in Cypress, California. This is about as close to a full-service race venue as you’re going to get in Orange County.

Los Alamitos is also a historic location with a unique combination of quarter horse and thoroughbred race viewing opportunities. The schedule is very active over the weekend, with events from Friday through Sunday. It’s known for some high-stakes futurity events, most notably the Los Alamitos $2 Million Futurity.

It’s not Churchill Downs, but it is an exciting venue for people seeking access to live horse racing that might otherwise be elusive. Pari-mutuel betting windows are available on site, providing additional entertainment for those who want them.

Day Trips

A little farther out is Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. While this requires more driving, it is an iconic venue, great for thoroughbred race viewing. The Santa Anita Derby is a genuinely notable event and is widely considered a Kentucky Derby prep race.

Santa Anita Park is also very scenic, with gorgeous mountains serving as a backdrop. As a day trip, it is definitely worthwhile, particularly if you are planning to take in a high-profile race.

Another option is Del Mar Racetrack, which is further south in San Diego. While not exactly convenient for a casual outing, it is worth mentioning for true racing enthusiasts. No article on California horse racing would be complete without at least acknowledging this renowned venue.

Off-Track Betting and Simulcast Viewing Venues in and Around Orange County

As you can see, getting out to tracks is not always the easiest option in Orange County. If you’re not going to make the drive, there are simulcast viewing experiences worth your attention. In the following locations, you can watch live races in comfort while enjoying food, drinks, and off-track betting opportunities.

Sammy’s Original, Lake Forest, California

Sammy's Original is a well-known sports bar and restaurant recognized for its off-track wagering options. The property includes numerous betting terminals, including self-serve kiosks that allow you to place bets on events taking place all over the United States. Racing and other sporting events are constantly displayed on big-screen televisions.

The atmosphere is lively and enjoyable, less dynamic than a racetrack but considerably closer than traveling to a distant track.

The Derby Room

The Derby Room is smaller than Sammy’s Original but offers a comparable type of access. The venue includes a bar, an off-track betting area, food service, and plenty of televisions showing sporting events from around the world.

It’s an engaging and enjoyable option for anyone who wants to watch horse racing without putting hundreds of miles on their car.

Surfside

Surfside is technically a little outside of Orange County, but it's a massive venue known for simulcast viewing of horse racing.

There are domestic and international events shown year-round, making it a great location for people who don't mind a moderate drive. It gets particularly lively during Triple Crown events, which means if you're looking for an exciting way to experience the Kentucky Derby or another event, this might be it.

Tips for Sports Racing Fans in Orange County

You don't have to go to too much trouble to enjoy sports or horse racing in Orange County. It really all depends on the type of experience you're hoping to have. 

Yes, if you're going to be traveling, an element of planning is definitely advisable. That said, it doesn't take any special kind of effort at all to head to a friendly sports bar and enjoy the festivities.

Whatever direction you're planning on going, give yourself enough breathing room to ensure the scenario plays out the way you're hoping. Santa Anita, for example, can fill up pretty fast for major events. Enough horse racing in Orange County for all of us. It’s simply a matter of figuring out how to make it work right for you.