Gulfstream Park Racetrack

We review the very popular Gulfstream Park Racetrack located just 15 miles north of Miami. This makes it a great destination for locals and tourists to the sunshine state.

Gulfstream Park Race Track

Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida, is a popular Thoroughbred horse racing venue that has been a cornerstone of horse racing since it opened in 1939. Owned by The Stronach Group, Gulfstream Park has now become a destination of entertainment, offering top-tier racing, an impressive casino, shopping, and dining experiences.

Location and Accessibility

Gulfstream Park is easily accessible by car, with parking facilities available for all visitors. The self-parking is complimentary parking available in large lots located north and south of the clubhouse. The Valet parking services are available at two locations – north and south of the Walking Ring, for extra convenience.

These parking arrangements make Gulfstream accessible and hassle-free for all guests. Gulfstream Park strives to ensure that all guests, regardless of mobility, can fully enjoy their visit. Designated wheelchair-accessible seating areas are located in the Walking Ring and Grandstand.

Track Information

The Gulfstream Park race track has a unique three-surface racing setup. The first is the Dirt Track, which is a 1 1/8 mile (2 km) oval which is the main track for the big Thoroughbred racing event. The Turf Course is an inner one-mile (1.60 km) grass track that was added in 1959, and is known for its firm surface because of Florida’s warm climate. Last but certainly not least, is the Tapeta Track, this synthetic surface makes Gulfstream the only major U.S. venue to offer racing on dirt, turf, and synthetic tracks.

Seating Capacity

The grandstand and clubhouse areas give you comfortable seating with other accommodations available on major race days. While specific seating capacity figures are not listed on the official website, Gulfstream Park has historically attracted large crowds, with record attendances of 51,342 spectators so our guess is that it has a large capacity.

Racing Events at Gulfstream Park Racetrack

Gulfstream Park is famous for hosting Thoroughbred racing year-round, divided into three distinct meets. The venue is home to many popular races, including the Florida Derby, a Grade 1 race for three-year-olds, serving as a key prep race for the Triple Crown. It is also known for the Pegasus World Cup which is a Grade 1 invitational race that has featured some of the world’s top horses.

Gulfstream Park Racetrack Dining and Entertainment

Beyond horse racing, Gulfstream Park offers an impressive choice of different dining options to add to the overall visitor experience. Here’s a curated selection of dining venues you can enjoy during your visit:

Fine Dining

• Ten Palms: Offers a fantastic dining experience with breathtaking views of the racetrack. Guests can enjoy live Thoroughbred racing action while savoring a diverse menu that caters to various tastes.
• Texas de Brazil: This Brazilian steakhouse, featuring a wide selection of grilled meats served tableside, complemented by an extensive salad bar.
• Christine Lee’s: Known for its Asian-American cuisine, Christine Lee’s combines traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques.

Casual Dining

• Yard House: Offering an extensive menu of American fusion dishes and a vast selection of draft beers, Yard House is perfect for a relaxed dining environment.
• Belly Fish: Specializing in fresh sushi and seafood, Belly Fish provides a casual yet refined dining experience for seafood lovers.
• Char #3: This BBQ smokehouse offers a variety of smoked meats and classic sides, great for those craving hearty, flavorful dishes.

Quick Bites

• Häagen-Dazs: Indulge in a variety of premium ice cream flavors and frozen treats at this renowned dessert spot.
• Tito’s Raw Bar: Offering a selection of fresh seafood and bar favorites, Tito’s Raw Bar is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Bars and Lounges

• Carousel Club: This vibrant venue combines cocktails, dining, and entertainment, making it the perfect spot for socializing and enjoying live music.
• Breezeway Bar: Located trackside, Breezeway Bar offers a selection of beverages in a casual setting, perfect for enjoying a drink while watching the races.

Gulfstream Park Racetrack Admission and Packaging

General admission to Gulfstream Park is normally free. Seating in the clubhouse/simulcast area is available for around $5 and can be reserved on the day of the race.

Gulfstream Park’s Day at the Races packages are a perfect way to enjoy Thoroughbred racing with friends, family, or colleagues. Designed for groups of 15 or more, these packages offer an exceptional blend of entertainment, dining, and VIP perks.

Weekday Package

Pricing starts at $55.00 per person and includes:

• A complimentary glass of house wine or draft beer.
• Reserved group seating in Ten Palms.
• A Named Race experience for $250 + tax.

Weekend Package

Perfect for a lively weekend outing, this package is available for $65.00 per person and includes:

• A complimentary glass of house wine or draft beer.
• Reserved group seating in Ten Palms.
• A Named Race experience for $400 + tax.

What’s Included in Gulfstream Park Racetrack Packages

All Day at the Races packages come with traditional perks to add to your visit:

• Reserved group seating (Ten Palms Group Package only).
• $2 betting voucher for each guest.
• A pocket-sized racing program.
• Complimentary beverage (as outlined above).

Betting and Gaming

Betting is available on site during live races, with a variety of different betting options to cater to beginners and experienced bettors. If you can’t make it to the live races, you can also place your bets online, from the comfort of your own home. If you’re after a different kind of gambling experience, Gulfstream Park does have its very own casino with slot machines and other gaming activities.

Our Final Thoughts on Gulfstream Park Racetrack

Gulfstream Park is a premier track and entertainment spot for horse racing and casual visitors. Its history, diverse racing surfaces, and year-round events make it a stand out in the American Thoroughbred racing scene. Coupled with a variety of dining and entertainment options, Gulfstream Park offers an experience for a wide range of interests.