Santa Anita’s Art Deco grandstand was designed by Gordon Kaufmann for the Los Angeles Turf Club, following California’s decision to allow pari-mutuel racing again in 1933. Hollywood was part of its story from the start: Al Jolson and Will Rogers attended the opening meeting. A west-side bleacher stand and a tunnel giving the public access to the infield followed in 1936.
The San Gabriel Mountains frame Santa Anita’s racing landscape, with palms and open views across the infield. In the paddock gardens, a life-size bronze of Seabiscuit preserves another part of its identity. Sculpted by Tex Wheeler and installed in 1941, it commemorates the horse who returned from injury to win the Santa Anita Handicap in 1940, after two earlier defeats by a nose.
LA County Arboretum. Explore the gardens and historic buildings of the former Rancho Santa Anita landscape, close to the racecourse.
Gilb Museum. Discover Arcadia’s own story through local objects and exhibitions, a compact cultural stop beyond the grandstand.
Arcadia, California has 56,681 residents.
