Anyone lucky enough to visit multiple U.S. racetracks would make the observation that each one has its own unique charm. Some horse tracks are bigger than others. Some allow you to get closer to the horses, while others are designed to accommodate a range of attractions including live music, backyard picnics, fine dining, or VIP-level seating and hospitality.

But when it comes to which track offers the most exquisite backdrop for actually watching the races, I’d confidently pick as my top choice Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif.

Home to the 2023 Breeders’ Cup World Championships on Nov. 3-4, Santa Anita’s racetrack is set in the shadows of the San Gabriel Mountains. Not only is the wider panoramic landscape of Santa Anita simply breathtaking, there are so many locations around the grounds of the track — fully inspired by 1940’s Art Deco design — that make for picture-perfect, Instagram-able moments!

Here are our top spots to take photos and capture content for social while you’re visiting Santa Anita, with a couple of suggestions to keep in mind if you’re at the track for the Breeders’ Cup. Note: Anytime you take photos around horses, beware of using a flash, especially on professional cameras and when up close to horses.

“The Great Race Place” Facade

Get low and point up at the aqua-colored entrance to the track’s grandstand. The words “The Great Race Place” hang on a sign adorning the track name. If you shoot it just right, the shadows of several nearby palm trees might create an epic photo.

Flightline Mural

As you’re standing under the sign, look to your right. You’ll find a spectacular new mural of 2022 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Flightline. The mural, created by one of Los Angeles’ most popular sports muralists Jonas Never, depicts the Horse of the Year in full flight based on his victory in Santa Anita’s Malibu Stakes. It’s a beautiful piece of art and the perfect backdrop for a photo with a Breeders’ Cup legend.

Zenyatta Statue & Fountain

Zenyatta statue with fountain, track entrance in background. (Eclipse Sportswire)

Speaking of legends, spin around and you’ll notice a gorgeous fountain and just beyond that a striking statue of one of horse racing’s greatest champions. Captured with her head regally bowed is 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner and 2010 Horse of the Year Zenyatta. The sculpture was created by Nina Kaiser and dedicated in 2012. This is one of many statues around Santa Anita which honors historic horses, legendary jockeys, and other important moments in the track’s history. You can see more of them here.

Flower Wall(s)/Event Backdrops

Just as you’d find at other major outdoor sporting events, the flower walls tend to pop up around big race days at Santa Anita. If you’re in a VIP hospitality area for Breeders’ Cup, you’ll almost certainly spot one. But even if you’re roaming the grandstand during the World Championships, a flower wall or a similar Breeders’ Cup branded backdrop will be there for a photo to mark your visit to Santa Anita.

Clockers’ Corner

Be sure to check out Clockers' Corner! (Eclipse Sportswire)

Once inside the venue, walk toward the track itself and look left when you reach the apron (toward the top of the stretch) an area called “Clockers’ Corner” will appear. On most mornings, this is where everyone from horse owners to racing fans can grab breakfast and coffee while watching horses train over the track. During racing afternoons, this area can also be accessed and provides a great POV photo opp of the horses sweeping around the final turn and heading toward the finish line. You can lean on the rail and become part of the photo, while the San Gabriel Mountains fill the frame above you.

“Cash & Bet” Wagering Lines

Looking to capture some more of that vintage Santa Anita flair? The old-style betting signs throughout the track hang above wagering windows. Lines can get pretty long on days like the Breeders’ Cup. So, assuming you’re just waiting for your turn to place your bets and you’ve got phone in hand, look up and capture an image that’ll take you back to another era.  

Winner’s Circle

Santa Anita winner's circle. (Eclipse Sportswire)

On race days, this area is strictly guarded for access by official personnel, media, owners, trainers, and grooms who care for the horses. However, if you stand just outside the winner’s circle, you can still snag a cool shot of a winning horse being led in for his or her post-race track photo. When the winner’s circle clears between races, you can also try to capture a photo of yourself with three layers of depth behind you: The winner’s circle, the track surface and those jaw-dropping mountains.

The Chandelier Room

One of the most picturesque hospitality locations at the track, the Chandelier Room oozes luxury and — as you might have guessed — features high ceilings from which several sparkling chandeliers hang. There’s also a stunning staircase, which is the optimal spot for a lean-and-pose Insta photo that’ll be a contender for the first slide of your carousel.

Paddock - Seabiscuit Statue

Iconic Seabiscuit statue in Santa Anita paddock. (Eclipse Sportswire)

We told you there were lots of statues! For an up-close shot of this one, you’ll have to have an owners pass or a track credential to get inside the paddock. But don’t despair if you don’t have access to the paddock — you can still capture plenty with your phone while standing outside of the paddock. Not only will that spot offer you an opportunity to get a glimpse at the contenders for each race, you should be able to zoom in for a photo of the awesome Seabiscuit paddock statue (even if it comes out a little over-pixilated). If you haven’t seen “Seabiscuit,” movie, he was a rags-to-riches horse who became a national hero during the Great Depression.

Benches

Even the benches scattered around the grandstand look cool at Santa Anita. After walking around for a few hours, you’ll want to give your feet a rest. While you’re seated, ask someone around you to snap a photo. Trust me, it’s a vibe.

The Suites

Snap a shot of yourself lounging on a comfy chair or peering out onto the track as horses cross the finish line. This one of Santa Anita’s newest (and priciest) hospitality spaces. The rooms are cool and clean, and the walls are lined with framed saddle towels and gorgeous racing artwork.

Horse Crossing Sign

Horse Crossing sign at Santa Anita. (Eclipse Sportswire)

These signs are all over the Santa Anita backstretch, which is where the barns of all of the track’s trainers are located. While you can only access the backstretch with proper credentials or an invite from an owner or trainer, there are a few other “Horse Crossing” signs scattered on the path from the barn area to the paddock. Keep an eye out and you just might spot one!