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Winter 2026 at Gulfstream: The West Point Partner Guide to the Championship Meet / Monday, January 12, 2026

Dates: November 27, 2025, to March 29, 2026

The 2026 Championship Meet is officially underway. Whether you are flying in to watch your horse compete or escaping winter for a few days of sun and sport, Gulfstream Park delivers an experience unlike any other. The energy is high, the fields are deep, and the opportunities, both on the rail and around town, are endless.

To help you plan your visit, we have curated this insider guide to Gulfstream in winter. It covers race day logistics, marquee weekends, dining, entertainment, travel planning, family-friendly options, and opportunities to visit horses in training.

🏇 PART 1: Partner Race Day Operations

If you are planning a visit or receive notice that your horse is racing, please reach out to West Point Owner Concierge Danielle Austin to review your options and coordinate your day.

Race Day Meet-Up

On race days, partners should plan to meet Jason Blewitt in the Breezeway Bar, located adjacent to the walking ring, following the prior race.

Trackside Dining (Best Views of the Action)

These are the top options if you would like to dine while watching the races.

  • Ten Palms: The flagship Gulfstream experience. Known for its expansive buffet and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the finish line. Upscale, lively, and ideal for a full afternoon at the races. Reservations available upon request for race days.
  • Char: Open on weekends, Char offers a unique view of the paddock where you can watch the horses parade before each race, while enjoying your meal. Call for reservations.
  • The Flamingo Room: Located on the third floor and typically reserved for VIP access or special ticketed culinary events, such as Taste at the Track. It offers arguably the best vantage point in the building. Call Gulfstream for booking information.

If you prefer more casual reserved seating, grandstand seats are also available upon request for race days, and can be picked up at the Silks Simulcast.

Dining at the Gulfstream Park Complex

Gulfstream Park is part of a larger entertainment complex known as The Village at Gulfstream Park, which features several restaurants located just steps from the track.

  • Carousel Club: A lively indoor-outdoor venue with live music, cocktails, and a social atmosphere. Popular in the evenings and on weekends.
  • Yard House: A reliable option for American classics, salads, and an extensive beer list. Easy for groups and predictable in the best way.
  • Texas de Brazil: A Brazilian steakhouse well suited for larger groups or celebratory dinners. Located within the Gulfstream complex.

Insider Tip: The picnic tables on the grandstand apron are free and first-come, first-served. They provide a casual, close-to-the-action option on busy race days. General Admission to the track is free (except as noted below) – so head over early and grab a table!

📅 PART 2: At the Track: Key Dates and Traditions

The Big Days

These weekends bring championship-caliber racing and an electric atmosphere. Each of these is considered a pre-ticketed event, and tickets will need to be purchased in advance should you like to attend – even if you have a horse running.

    • Pegasus World Cup (January 24, 2026): The most glamorous day of the meet, featuring a $3 million purse.
    • Holy Bull Stakes (January 31, 2026): A key early stop on the Road to the Triple Crown.
  • Fountain of Youth Stakes (February 28, 2026): The second Derby prep race hosted by Gulfstream.
  • Curlin Florida Derby (March 28, 2026): The grand finale of the meet and a defining Kentucky Derby prep.

Saturday Morning Ritual: Breakfast at Gulfstream

  • When: Every Saturday, January through March, at 7:30 AM.
  • Experience: Enjoy a $15 buffet breakfast while watching morning workouts on the track.

Insider Access

    • Visiting the Horses: Let Danielle or Jason know when you will be in town if you would like to visit horses in training.
      • At Gulfstream: Dale Romans.
      • At Payson Park: Miguel Clement, Bill Mott, Shug McGaughey.
  • At Tampa Bay Downs: Arnaud Delacour
  • Payson Park Training Center: Some West Point horses train at Payson Park Training Center, located in Indiantown, Florida, approximately 90 minutes north of Gulfstream Park by car. Payson Park offers a quieter, more rural training environment. Morning visits require advance coordination; please contact Danielle or Jason if you are interested.

🍽️ PART 3: The Insider Dining Guide

Skip the tourist traps. These are the places the West Point team and locals frequent most often.

The “West Point” Breakfast Spots

  • Mo’s Bagels & Deli (Aventura): A classic New York-style deli and unofficial West Point headquarters. It is not uncommon to see CEO Terry Finley refueling here.
  • Roasters & Toasters (Aventura): A longtime local favorite known for hearty breakfasts, strong coffee, and an old-school neighborhood feel. A reliable sit-down option when you want a quick, satisfying start before heading to the track.
  • Ocean Alley (Hollywood Broadwalk): A West Point favorite located directly on the Broadwalk. A must-stop for oceanfront breakfast and an easy introduction to one of South Florida’s most iconic walking destinations.

Team Dinner Favorites

  • Pura Vida: The reset button. Acai bowls, salads, and clean eats.
  • Giorgio’s Bakery & Bistro: Set along the Intracoastal. A great choice for a relaxed waterfront lunch and a stop on the Water Taxi route.

🎟️ PART 4: Entertainment, Wellness, and Logistics

Gulfstream Park Casino

Gulfstream Park also features an on-site casino with slot machines, table games, and casual dining options. For partners looking to extend their evening or fill time between races, it offers a convenient option without leaving the property.

The “Hollywood Connector” Hack: Water Taxi

  • The Move: Uber to the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar (Stop #H1) near Margaritaville.
  • The Route: Take the Hollywood Express North to the Hilton Marina (Stop #H2), then transfer to the Fort Lauderdale route to cruise straight to Las Olas Boulevard.
  • Why It Works: You skip the I-95/A1A traffic headache and turn the commute into a scenic boat tour of the Intracoastal mansions.

The Hollywood Boardwalk

The Hollywood Boardwalk is widely regarded as a must-visit for visitors near Gulfstream. Stretching nearly two and a half miles along the Atlantic Ocean, it offers a relaxed, old-Florida beach atmosphere.

The Broadwalk is ideal for morning walks, bike rides, or casual afternoons by the water. With cafés, ice cream shops, and oceanfront bars lining the path, it is easy to stop without committing to a formal plan. For first-time visitors, this should be a top priority.

Wellness and Outdoor Time

  • The Diplomat Spa: Located inside The Diplomat Beach Resort. A strong option for massages, facials, or a quiet reset between race days.
  • Hugh Taylor Birch State Park: Located along the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale. A classic local park offering walking and biking paths and shaded green space.
  • Anne Kolb Nature Center: Just minutes from Gulfstream Park. Boardwalk trails through mangroves and wetlands provide a peaceful break from the track.

Nightlife and Sports

  • Fort Lauderdale Improv: Located at Dania Pointe. A great option for post-dinner comedy.
  • Florida Panthers Hockey: The arena is in Sunrise, approximately 45 minutes west. If attending a 7:00 PM game, plan to leave by 5:30 PM to avoid traffic.

Major Area Events

  • Miami International Boat Show: February 11 to 15, 2026.
  • South Beach Wine and Food Festival: February 19 to 22, 2026.

✈️ Getting There and Where to Stay

We’ve provided the highlights – dive into the full list of hotels recommended by Gulfstream here.

Airports Near Gulfstream Park

  • Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): Approximately 20 minutes from Gulfstream Park. The most convenient option for most partners.
  • Miami International Airport (MIA): Approximately 45 minutes south of Gulfstream Park. Offers additional international and nonstop options.
  • Palm Beach International Airport (PBI): Approximately 75 minutes north of Gulfstream Park. A quieter option that works well when combining Gulfstream with Ocala.

Recommended Hotels

  • The Diplomat Beach Resort (Hallandale Beach): The closest major resort to Gulfstream. Beach access, multiple dining options, walking paths, and the Diplomat Spa. Works well for couples and families.
  • JW Marriott Turnberry Isle (Aventura): A luxury option near shopping and dining. Home to Bourbon Steak and ideal for a quieter, resort-style stay.
  • Hyatt Centric Las Olas (Fort Lauderdale): A strong option for partners who want proximity to Las Olas Boulevard restaurants and nightlife.
  • Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort: Located directly on the Hollywood Broadwalk. A lively, walkable option centered on the beach experience.

Booking Note: Hotels fill quickly on major race weekends, including Pegasus World Cup and the Florida Derby. Early booking is strongly encouraged.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Visiting Gulfstream and the Surrounding Area with Kids

Gulfstream Park and the surrounding area are well-suited for Partners traveling with children. With easy beach access, outdoor space, and casual dining, it is simple to plan a family-friendly time around race days.

  • The Hollywood Broadwalk is especially popular with families for its wide walking path, bike rentals, beach access, and casual dining options.
  • The Anne Kolb Nature Center, located just minutes from Gulfstream, is another family favorite. Boardwalks through mangroves allow children to explore at a relaxed pace.
  • For a change of scenery, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers shaded walking paths and green space along the Intracoastal Waterway. Dania Pointe is a convenient option for casual dining, dessert stops, or a movie.
  • Visit Jaxson’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream for a sweet after-dinner treat. 

Partners visiting with children often choose to attend the races earlier in the day and pair race time with outdoor activities before or after. The West Point team is happy to assist with planning.

🐎 PART 5: The Ocala Detour: “The Babies”

For Partners looking to extend their trip beyond Gulfstream, Ocala offers a behind-the-scenes look at the sport’s future stars. Ocala is approximately 240 miles north of Hallandale Beach, a four- to four-and-a-half-hour drive depending on traffic.

Many Partners choose to make Ocala a one- or two-night stay, either before or after a Gulfstream weekend. While not a casual day trip, it is a rewarding extension for those interested in sales, training centers, and young horses. All Partners are welcome to join West Point’s buying team at the upcoming 2-year-old sales.

Upcoming Sales

  • OBS March Sale: March 10 to 12, 2026 (Breeze Show: March 4 to 7).
  • OBS April Sale: April 14 to 17, 2026 (Breeze Show: April 5 to 11).

When planning a trip to the sales, note that accommodations do book quickly due to the influx of horsemen. Take advantage of special OBS Sales rates at several locations, full list available here.

Where to Stay and Eat in Ocala

Local Favorites

Plan Your Trip: We can’t wait to see you at Gulfstream and in Ocala this winter. If you are planning a visit, let your West Point representative know so we can connect at the track!

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