Florida’s Most Famous Horse Racing Locations

So, you are going to sunny Florida for some sun and beach vibes, but you also remembered that you are a horse racing enthusiast, wondering does Florida has any good horse racing tracks?

Well, even though we are not talking bout Kentucky, Florida still has some impressive horse racing tracks. Florida always had that horse racing culture, and the sport is quite popular here.

Did you know that the equine industry in Florida contributes as much as $12.8 billion to the state’s economy? That’s a lot of money, and it all comes from breeding, training, and running horse racing events in various locations.

So, even though Miami Beach is where most people go, if you are a horse racing enthusiast, maybe you should visit some of the best horse racing locations in Florida, such as:

Gulfstream Park

I think that this jewel of a racetrack is commonly known among racing enthusiasts. This is Florida’s most beautiful and most popular racetrack, and it is easy to see why.

We are talking about a racetrack, which may not be as old as Churchill Downs (opened its doors in 1939), but it still shares a lot of history, and even legendary horses like Seabiscuit have raced here.

There is dirt and a turf track, which means that it is quite versatile. There are palm trees everywhere, and the atmosphere is incredible.

Gulfstream Park hosts many Grade I races, like the Florida Derby, which is a Kentucky Derby prep race, and the Pegasus World Cup. But this location offers much more than just racing. The architecture is beautiful, and there are some fine dining spots, shopping locations, as well as slots and other games.

Each year, more than 200,000 people visit Gulfstream Park, so if you are a horse racing enthusiast heading to Hallandale Beach in Florida, this might be the perfect location to catch some horse racing action.

So, if you are planning to visit Gulfstream Park during the racing season, make sure to go through the horse betting guide by TwinSpires. Since you are most likely to place a bet, you might as well do your research and win some money, right?

Hialeah Park

If Gulfstream Park is too flashy for you and you want something more down-to-earth, you should visit the chill Hialeah Park. This is a racecourse that opened in 1925, near Miami, and it shares a lot of history.

This is a place that was once praised by Winston Churchill for its flamingo-filled grounds, and the situation is the same nowadays. So, apart from horses, you’ll see many flamingos here.

This racecourse features a Mediterranean Revival architecture, with, of course, palm-lined paths, and gives you kind of a vintage vibe. There are plenty of artificial lakes and pools around the property, and the racetrack itself is beautiful.

However, it is important to know that this racecourse has a shorter Thoroughbred season, but it also includes quarter horse races. The races aren’t as flashy as at Gulfstream Park, but it is still good enough to catch some horse racing action, especially if you prefer more low-key options.

Hialeah’s storied past and stunning grounds make it a living museum of racing, where history gallops alongside every race.

Tampa Bay Downs

On Florida’s west coast, Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar is the underdog that keeps winning hearts. Opened in 1926 as Tampa Downs, it’s the state’s only Thoroughbred track on the Gulf Coast, known for its well-kept dirt and turf courses.

In 2025, its December-to-May season pulls in 150,000 fans, with races like the Tampa Bay Derby, a Kentucky Derby qualifier, stealing the show. The track’s laid-back vibe—think picnic areas and affordable tickets—makes it a family favorite.

It also offers year-round simulcast betting and a golf practice facility, blending racing with Tampa’s chill coastal lifestyle. Trainers love its consistent surface, which helped prep horses like 2023’s Mage.

Tampa Bay Downs pairs top-tier racing with a welcoming, no-frills atmosphere, making it a Gulf Coast staple for fans and pros alike.

Calder Racecourse

Calder Racecourse in Miami Gardens is the wildcard of Florida’s racing scene, with a history as vibrant as its future is uncertain. Opened in 1971, Calder was a Thoroughbred powerhouse, hosting the Festival of the Sun and races that drew 80,000 fans in its prime.

It’s tropical dirt track, nicknamed “Tropical at Calder,” was a proving ground for horses like Go For Wand, but by 2025, Calder’s racing days are winding down, with Churchill Downs Inc. shifting focus to its casino operations after a 2020 lease change. Limited race days remain, and urban development looms, yet its legacy lingers—trainers still use its facilities, and simulcast betting keeps fans engaged. For now, it’s a bittersweet nod to Miami’s racing past.

Calder’s glory days and ongoing transformation make it a poignant chapter in Florida’s racing story, clinging to relevance amid change.

As you can see, Florida is home to many incredible horse racing tracks. The best thing is that thanks to the warm climate and coastline, all of these racecourses feel like you are on a tropical adventure with palm trees everywhere you look.