Kentucky Derby Tours and Activities

Things to do near Kentucky Derby

While visiting the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, enjoy the Urban Bourbon Trail, which allows you to explore the city's rich bourbon heritage through distilleries and bars. Don't miss the Kentucky Derby Festival, filled with exciting events leading up to the race, showcasing local culture and traditions. Consider joining a guided tour to gain insights into the history and significance of this iconic event, ensuring a memorable experience during your stay.

Shopping

Explore Nulu Market Place, a vibrant shopping centre located 6.4km from Kentucky Derby, offering family-friendly entertainment. Bardstown Square Shopping Center, 9.7km away, also features a lively atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, check out Great Clips Festival Shopping Center, situated 11.3km from the Derby.

Recreation

At the KFC Yum Center, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports events. For a serene escape, visit Riverfront Plaza Belvedere, where you can relax and enjoy scenic views. Headliners Music Hall offers an entertaining vibe with live music, perfect for unwinding after a day at the Derby.

Adventure

Experience the thrills at Atlantis Waterpark, where you can enjoy slides and wave pools, all 8.0km from the Derby. For a quick adventure, head to Bass-Rudd Tennis Center, only 1.6km away, offering exciting tennis activities. Don’t miss Lannan Park Trailhead, 8.0km away, perfect for scenic hikes.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Louisville during the Kentucky Derby. Enjoy a show at the historic Louisville Palace, only 4.8km away, or catch a performance at the Actors Theatre of Louisville and Baron's Theater, both 6.4km away. Each venue offers a unique blend of culture and entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Kentucky Derby

During your visit to the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, you'll discover a vibrant mix of attractions, including sports museums, event venues, and lively streets. This destination is perfect for those seeking cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Don't miss out on the excitement of Derby weekend and the unique Kentucky Derby experience that truly captures the spirit of this iconic event.

• Kentucky Exposition Center: Located 3.2km from the Kentucky Derby, this event venue exudes a professional atmosphere, hosting a variety of conferences and exhibitions. Its spacious facilities and modern amenities make it perfect for business travellers and event-goers alike.
• University of Louisville: Just 1.6km away, this vibrant modern university offers a lively city vibe, with beautiful campus grounds and engaging cultural events. Explore its art galleries and sports facilities, or take a relaxing stroll through the scenic areas.
• Kentucky Kingdom: A family-friendly theme park situated 3.2km from the Derby, Kentucky Kingdom provides thrilling rides and entertainment options for all ages. It's an ideal spot for a fun-filled day with the family, featuring exciting attractions and water rides.

Best time to go to Kentucky Derby

The best time to visit Kentucky Derby is dependant 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.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	33.1°F (0.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	36.5°F (2.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
March	46.2°F (7.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	55.6°F (13.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	65.7°F (18.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
June	73.9°F (23.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	77.2°F (25.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	75.6°F (24.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	69.8°F (21.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
October	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	45.9°F (7.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	38.8°F (3.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kentucky Derby

To save money on your trip to the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, consider visiting during the off-peak months of November to January, when accommodation prices are lower. Monday is the cheapest day to stay, while Friday tends to be the most expensive. Use Expedia to search for eco-certified hotels and compare prices by sorting from lowest to highest. Additionally, look for package deals that bundle your hotel, flights, and activities to maximize savings. Take advantage of public transport to get around the city affordably and explore free attractions to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

• 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 preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations currently available. To find 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.