For a lot of people, a day at the track is a wonderful way to pass the time. Whether you bet or not, or even know much about the “Sport of Kings”, racetracks can provide wonderful entertainment and memorable experiences under the proper circumstances. There are only a select few however, that truly count as primary points of interest and historic destinations, with tales to tell that far surpass the symbolism of a mere horse race.

With that in mind, here are racetracks in North America worth a detour or special visit that as a collective, appeal to more than just ordinary thoroughbred lovers.

Monmouth Park Racetrack, Oceanport, New Jersey

Signature event: Haskell Invitational Handicap

With the notable exception of a near half-century hiatus until 1946, Monmouth Park Racetrack has been active since 1870. In the affluent community of Oceanport, which consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in New Jersey, Monmouth also hosts the Jersey Derby and United Nations Handicap.

Aqueduct Racetrack, Queens, New York City

Signature event: Wood Memorial Stakes

In the Ozone Park neighborhood of Queens, the Aqueduct or Big A, is a terrific track with superb history. The former host of the Belmont Stakes may not be as busy as in past decades, but once, names like Cigar, Eddie Arcaro and Bill Shoemaker drew capacity crowds.

Del Mar Racetrack, Del Mar, California

Signature event: Pacific Classic Stakes

The inaugural ownership group of Del Mar was impressive, with none other than Bing Crosby, Oliver Hardy (of Laurel and Hardy), Jimmy Durante and Seabiscuit owner Charles S. Howard among the luminaries. The track still runs the Bing Crosby Handicap every year, with a $300,000 purse. Summer season crowds draw over 40,000 avid race fans per event.

Woodbine Racetrack, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Signature event: Queen’s Plate

The premier track in Canada has been open for over half a century and is well-known in international thoroughbred circles. Woodbine became the only track outside of the United States to host the lucrative Breeders’ Cup in 1996.

Hollywood Park, Inglewood, California

Signature event: Hollywood Gold Cup

Famously, Citation became the first million-dollar horse in history at Hollywood Park in 1951. A mere 5 km outside of Los Angeles, the track has been a staple on the thoroughbred calendar since 1938.

Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland

Signature event: Preakness Stakes

Since 1870, Pimlico has been a fixture track and frequent host to crowds in excess of 120,000. In recent years, the Virgin Festival has been held here in August.

Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, New York

Signature event: Travers Stakes

When it comes to history, Saratoga is king. No other forum of sport in the United States has been around as long. Open since 1863, a visit to Saratoga borders on a religious experience for some: the likes of Man o’ War and Secretariat once raced here.

Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky

Signature event: Kentucky Derby

The most iconic racetrack in America, if not the world, Churchill Downs has been open since 1875. Home to peerless lore in the sport, wonderful traditions and symbols, the National Historic Landmark most famously hosts the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May.

Belmont Park, Long Island, New York

Signature event: Belmont Stakes

Hempstead, a town on Long Island, New York, has been the fortunate home of Belmont Park since 1905. The third leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, takes place every June in what is still one of the most aesthetically gorgeous tracks in the world.

Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, California

Signature event: Santa Anita Handicap

The San Gabriel Mountains provide one of the most iconic racetrack backdrops on the planet at idyllic Santa Anita Park. Familiar to fans of the Sport of Kings and the film Seabiscuit, the Art Deco track is a marvel and hosts many paramount events throughout the year.

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