Laurel Park — Attraction in Laurel

A Hidden Gem for Racing Enthusiasts – Even for First-Timers As a non-Marylander, I had no idea about the state's rich horse racing legacy until I visited Laurel Park—and what a pleasant surprise it was! From the start, the experience was smooth and welcoming. Parking is plentiful and just $5, with options to get quite close to the park entrance. Admission is free, but be sure to check the race schedule in advance so you don't miss the live action. The facility itself is spacious, clean, and well-maintained, with a classic charm that reflects the sport’s deep roots. Two expansive floors offer plenty of spots for viewing—whether you prefer to be in the open air near the track or enjoy an elevated vantage point inside. Some areas are open to the public while others are reserved for group events. There are several on-site restaurants, all equipped with TVs showing the races and betting updates. The portions were generous, and the food was tasty. When the bill arrived, I had to do a double take—not because it was high, but because it was surprisingly affordable. One of the highlights was accidentally stumbling upon the paddock, where we got to see the horses up close as they were saddled and paraded before the race. It added a whole new layer of excitement and appreciation for the event. When it’s race time, there’s an electric buzz in the air. Crowds gather along the rail, eyes fixed on the track. The moment the gates open, it’s pure adrenaline until a horse crosses the finish line. Laurel Park is a must-visit, whether you're a racing aficionado or a curious newcomer like me. It's an accessible, fun, and memorable way to spend the day—highly...

Food Service are very poor specially at tips and Tycoon restaurants and Cooks not trained well to read orders and special requests they keep hiring in new employees and new cooks and new managers and it looks like it's getting worse than before day after day I feel sorry for that place because I used to love to go there and Gamble not anymore I start getting that feelings that I don't want to go there anymore and there is few guys that they sit and tips once a month and they own horses and they make a lot of noise and get drunk and there is drugs involved it's too much problems in that place I'm sorry to that I hope they start realizing what's going on and working on fixing the issues and they have that OTB at MGM Casino National Harbor and the treatment over there it's even worse the employees and the managers are rude and mean especially that tell her by name Sharon she is rude and mean and nasty and low class and unprofessional and disrespectful and they got that manager his name is Kevin and he doesn't have any clue about horses I don't know how who hired him to be a manager over there I feel sorry for the MGM too because they lower the rating of the MGM would the service and the clientele that they go there to bet on the horses I'm sorry to say these things about this place because I like to go there and I hate to see it going...

I always see events advertised on social media about this place so I decided to check it out for a ticketed event. Upon checking in, there wasn't much else to do but wait for food or enjoy the view while you bet on horses. No music or interactive background to take pictures. Nothing really stood out in terms of decoration that said "derby day party." The food was behind schedule and the menu items were not appeasing. For the amount of the ticket, the chosen food items should have been upgraded. Reminded me of school lunch, I am not sure who the chef is but the Mac and cheese was not good. I gave it a 1 because my expectations weren't met. It seemed like anybody could have walked in and joined the celebration because of how open it was. Just come for the betting and the horses but don't eat the catered food. Parking is 2, they offer free parking and paid parking is $10. Be prepared to walk a ways to the venue with...