Kentucky Derby Tours



Plan a trip to see Kentucky Derby

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Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport
Hilton Garden Inn Louisville/Northeast
Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Ctr by IHG

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Best Lodging Options Near Kentucky Derby

Things to do near Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby in Louisville offers a vibrant mix of activities, including thrilling horse racing events and lively Derby Week celebrations. Visitors can explore the Kentucky Derby Museum to learn about the history of the race, while also enjoying nearby attractions like the Louisville Slugger Museum and the Muhammad Ali Center. Business events often coincide with the Derby, making it a prime time for networking and engaging with the local culture.

Shopping

Nulu Market Place, only 4 miles from the Kentucky Derby, offers a vibrant mix of entertainment and local businesses, perfect for finding unique gifts. Bardstown Square Shopping Center, located 6 miles away, also features family-friendly shopping vibes. If you're up for a drive, visit Great Clips Festival Shopping Center, 7 miles away, for more options.

Recreation

At KFC Yum Center, immerse yourself in the excitement of sports events while enjoying the energetic atmosphere. For relaxation, head to Riverfront Plaza Belvedere, where you can unwind in serene surroundings. Don't miss the vibrant entertainment at Headliners Music Hall, featuring live music that lifts your spirits.

Adventure

Experience the thrill at Atlantis Waterpark, located 5 miles from Kentucky Derby, where adventure meets family fun with exciting slides and attractions. For tennis enthusiasts, Bass-Rudd Tennis Center, just 1 mile away, offers competitive vibes. Explore the scenic Lannan Park Trailhead, 5 miles from Derby, perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Louisville during the Kentucky Derby at the Louisville Palace, a stunning theater offering a blend of culture and entertainment just 3 miles away. Explore the Actors Theatre and Baron's Theater, both 4 miles away, for captivating performances and a romantic atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Kentucky Derby

During your visit to the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, explore local attractions like the Kentucky Derby Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history of this iconic event. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere on Derby Day, and take in the unique city experience through various sports museums and event venues. Whether you're seeking family-friendly activities or cultural insights, the Derby offers a memorable experience for all visitors.

  • Kentucky Exposition Center: Located 2 miles from the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Exposition Center is a bustling event venue that hosts a variety of conferences and exhibitions. With its business-oriented atmosphere, it's a great place to network and learn about local industries while enjoying the vibrant energy of Louisville.
  • University of Louisville: Just 1 mile away from the Kentucky Derby, the University of Louisville offers a modern campus filled with academic spirit. Explore its beautiful grounds, engage with students, and experience the lively city vibe that permeates this prestigious institution.
  • Kentucky Kingdom: This family-friendly theme park, located 2 miles from the Kentucky Derby, is the perfect destination for entertainment and thrill-seeking. With a variety of rides and attractions, it's a great spot for families to create lasting memories together.

Best time to go to Kentucky Derby

The best time to visit Kentucky Derby is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February36.5°F (2.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March46.2°F (7.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
June73.9°F (23.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July77.2°F (25.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August75.6°F (24.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December38.8°F (3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kentucky Derby

To save money on your Kentucky Derby trip, consider visiting between November and January for lower accommodation rates. Booking a stay on a Monday can also help you avoid higher costs associated with Fridays. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices, and look for Eco-certified options for sustainability. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for better package deals. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash for future stays. Don’t forget to explore free local activities and utilize public transport to keep costs down during your visit.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Kentucky Derby are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Kentucky Derby is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Kentucky Derby is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay for the Kentucky Derby with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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