When you’re looking for things to do in Saratoga Springs, NY, activities related to the city’s official motto, Health, History, Horses, show up again and again.
In the 19th century, some tourists were attracted to Saratoga by the famous healing mineral waters. Others came to place bets on the horses and spend their evenings at the gambling dens that dotted the city.
The tourists were rich, like railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt rich. Actress and singer Lillian Russell also vacationed here, as did writers Edgar Allen Poe and James Fenimore Cooper.
Many visitors stayed at the Grand Union Hotel or one of the other many other luxury hotels built to accommodate them in the lifestyle to which they were accustomed. Some built summer homes in Saratoga, many of which remain. The Victorian architecture is one reason why echoes from the past still bounce around the city.
Health and Horses still form the cornerstone of Saratoga’s History and in some ways, the tourism industry reflects its 19th century heyday.
But what makes Saratoga Springs famous now depends on who you’re asking.
Tourists still come for the summer season at the historic Saratoga Race Course, and to partake in the natural mineral springs that first made the city so famous. The local food scene is unbelievable. And Broadway, which is downtown Saratoga’s main thoroughfare, was once named the 7th best main street in the country by USA Today’s 10Best.
But the population no longer consists only of rich tourists and members of the service industry who support them. The city is a haven for artists and musicians, and live concerts are almost constant during the summer. There’s also a nice selection of museums in Saratoga Springs.
Saratoga’s history still makes up a big chunk of the city’s identity but there’s so much more to it than that. Read on for 25 ideas for things to do in Saratoga Springs, plus some helpful tips at the end of the post.
Things to do in Saratoga Springs
1. Take a Walk in Congress Park
Chances are you’ll end up in Congress Park, whether planned or not. It’s downtown, located across the street from the Visitor Center, and is on so many lists of things to do in Saratoga Springs that you can’t help but wander in. It also encompasses so much of the history of modern-day Saratoga.
Congress Park is home to mineral spring water fountains, a historic carousel, pleasant walking paths, and much more. The Saratoga Springs History Museum, aka Canfield Casino, is also in the park.
Don’t miss the Italian Garden in the Northeast corner of the park. The garden and marble statues within it were the result of Richard Canfield’s investment in his new casino and surrounding grounds when he purchased it in 1884.
TIP: Take a guided walking tour of Congress Park.
I highly recommend a Congress Park walking tour for anyone who wants to dig into the history of Saratoga Springs. Our tour guide Marcia went deep into Saratoga’s past, telling us stories about its reputation as a playground for the wealthy. She also took us around to the mineral water fountains and gave us cups to sample the water.
It was an entertaining and educational 90 minutes of storytelling and a good way connect the dots of Saratoga’s historical timeline.
- Address: 268 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY
2. Visit the Saratoga Springs History Museum
If you’re interested in learning about Saratoga Springs history, this should be at the top of your list.
The building that houses the history museum has an intriguing history of its own. In 1870, it was the Saratoga Club House Casino and attracted some of the world’s wealthiest tourists. Owner John Morrissey died in 1878 and six years later, Richard Canfield purchased the business and renamed it Canfield Casino. He invested around $800,000 in renovations and upgrades to the building as well as to Congress Park, where the casino is located.
Canfield sold the business to the city in 1911 and it now makes the perfect setting for the Saratoga Springs History Museum.
Three floors of exhibits tell the stories—via thousands of artifacts, documents, and photographs—of Saratoga Springs’ history and development. Exhibits feature the history of the many casinos and luxury hotels that defined Saratoga Springs in the 1800s.
The third floor contains rows of rooms where casino guests often stayed the night. One interesting room is a bathroom that was installed by Morrissey in 1870 and features original fixtures.
There are also women’s ball gowns, shoes, and accessories on display. One room is set up as it was during its casino days, complete with a roulette table. Throughout the museum are also plush carpets, antique furniture, and ornate chandeliers, many of them original to the building.
Don’t miss the ball room with stained glass windows that’s located on the ground floor. If it’s not open to freely walk in, ask the docent in the gift shop if she can let you take a look. This gorgeous space is available for parties and often rented out for weddings.
The Saratoga Springs History Museum also hosts lots of events, such as Murder Mystery Dinners and Halloween Ghost Tours.
- Address: 1 E. Congress St., Saratoga Springs, NY
- Hours: Vary based on the season. Museum is closed in the winter.
3. Soak in Mineral Waters at Roosevelt Baths & Spa
In a city built on health tourism and therefore nicknamed “Queen of Spas,” it only makes sense to take some time and pamper yourself at one of the spas in Saratoga Springs.
The city’s 19th century reputation as a health tourism hotspot followed it into the next century but eventually, the natural mineral springs were in danger of being depleted. Franklin D. Roosevelt, who, prior to serving as the U.S. president, was New York’s governor from 1929 until 1932. He enacted laws to protect the springs and in 1935, established Roosevelt Baths & Spa, a complex that catered to people who needed days of rest, relaxation, and hydrotherapy.
The spa is still in use today, and to get a sense of that history and better yet, to indulge in some serious self-care, I highly recommend booking a treatment at Roosevelt Baths & Spa. Here guests can soak in a natural mineral bath and receive relaxing massages and facials.
- Address: 39 Roosevelt Dr., Saratoga Springs, NY
4. Get a Massage at a Saratoga Springs Spa
In addition to Roosevelt Baths & Spa, there are plenty of places to get a relaxing massage in Saratoga Springs. Make an appointment for a Forest Bathing Massage at Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness, an Oil Relaxation Massage at The Saratoga Day Spa, or a Couples Massage at Belisama Bodyworks. All are highly rated establishments and offer a wide range of therapeutic services.
5. See the Solomon Northrup Historical Marker
The historical marker in front of the Visitor Center commemorates the spot where Solomon Northup was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the mid-1800s. His story is recounted in harrowing detail in the 2013 movie Twelve Years a Slave.
Northup was a black man born free in upstate New York in 1807, nearly 60 years before slavery was fully abolished in the United States.
In 1834, he moved with his wife Anne to Saratoga Springs and was one day approached by two white men who offered him a job playing fiddle in a traveling circus.
The recruitment was a cruel scam that resulted in Northup’s kidnapping. He was sold as a slave to a New Orleans plantation, where it took him 12 years to secure his freedom. Twelve Years a Slave was based on the book Northup wrote once he was finally free.
- Address: In front of the Visitor Center: 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY
6. Hear Grisly Tales on a Haunted Saratoga Ghost Tour
A great way to soak in history in Saratoga Springs is to join a ghost tour.
I love ghost tours mainly for the stories that are told about local historical residents who usually are believed to still linger as ghosts in the places they died. Saratoga Springs is full of them.
Like for example John Morrissey. After prospecting for gold in California, Morrissey became a bare-knuckle boxer, a New York State Congressman and, as mentioned above, owner of the Saratoga Club House casino, now the Saratoga History Museum.
Morrissey died at the age of 47 on the second floor of the Adelphi Hotel. The imprint of a body on a mattress in the room where he died is thought to be the supernatural presence of Morrissey himself. Another gruesome detail is that the smell of burnt hair and skin accompany sightings of his ghost.
This was thanks to a fight he was involved in in New York City, during which he landed on his back onto a pile of burning coals. The smell of his burning flesh earned him the nickname Old Smoke, and I guess the smell stayed with him even in death.
I also look forward to the quirky bits of information that emerge on ghost tours. For instance, I learned that the same earthquakes in Saratoga Springs that caused mineral waters to bubble up to the surface of the earth are also thought to have released paranormal activity.
And usually, as was the case with the tour I took in Saratoga, ghost tour guides are often good storytellers, knowing when to divulge the juiciest details.
- Seasonal: Tours are held every Friday and Saturday from May to mid-November. Additional days added in October.
7. Place Your Bets at Saratoga Race Course
The Saratoga Race Course held its first race in 1863, in the midst of the Civil War. It was organized by Morrissey, who was then only 32 years old and who seemed to have his hand in all the pies in Saratoga.
The meet lasted four days and was so popular that Morrissey commissioned a permanent grandstand and the Saratoga Race Course was born.
Saratoga’s Thoroughbred horse racing season is in the summer, from around mid-July to Labor Day (early September) and draws huge crowds from around the world. Even if you’re not a fan, it’s worth checking out the sport that largely defines the city. 267 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs
8. Visit the Horse Racing Hall of Fame
Want to examine how deeply horse racing is embedded into American culture?
Visit the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, a museum in possession of the sport’s most valuable memorabilia, with gallery after gallery of trophies celebrating victory at various races.
One display case holds all three trophies from the 1943 Triple Crown victory by Count Fleet, the first horse owned by a woman to win the three-race series. Another shows an ornately carved Stockbridge Cup, awarded to a horse called Iroquois, presented by the Prince of Wales, who was later King Edward VII.
Other than the seemingly endless collection of winning trophies made of priceless precious metals, here are a few other exhibits I recommend:
- The Hall of Fame-Includes digital interactive plaques for every member. This is also where the museum’s immersive film, called “What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame,” is shown. The 16-minute-long film drives home how few actually make into the Hall of Fame and the journey those who do make it take to get there.
- Racing Through History-An exhibit about the history of horse racing in the United States beginning in the colonial era. Especially interesting to me was the impact the Civil War had on the sport. So many races took place in the South and the sport was decimated by the start of the war. Horses were taken into battle and the farms they lived on were often destroyed in the fighting.
- Call the Race-A broadcast booth that lets you select one of four famous races to call as a teleprompter tells you what to say. You can then record your race and email it to yourself as a keepsake.
Address: 191 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY
Hours: Vary depending on season
9. See a Live Concert at Saratoga Performing Arts Center
There’s a photo of me in my twenties, standing in the parking lot at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) before a concert with a group of friends and my brother. I’m wearing cutoff denim shorts and a white T-shirt airbrushed with the image of a purple fairy, and a beaded choker around my neck.
We were going to the H.O.R.D.E. Festival, a music event that included dozens of bands that I can’t remember now, except I remember being excited about seeing Blues Traveler and Rusted Root.
Many years later, SPAC remains a staple in concert venues in upstate New York, so much so that when I think about Saratoga, I think about concerts.
This is all to say, while Saratoga Springs is famous for Health, History, and Horses, music is at the center of its identity, too. Saratoga Performing Arts Center is a world-class venue that hosts concerts, music festivals, the New York City Ballet, and much more.
This Saratoga Springs concert venue has a 5,200-seat amphitheater, plus a lawn area that holds an additional 20,000 people.
- Address: 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY
- See upcoming events here
10. Hike to Mineral Water Geysers in Saratoga Spa State Park
Geysers and fountains spout natural mineral waters all around Saratoga but none is more striking than Geyser Island Spouter. This natural spring sits in a creek on a bed of built up minerals. The bed is misshaped and oddly colored enough to give the whole thing a bizarre alien appearance.
Nearby, Orenda Spring has a similar unusual appearance. Visitors can reach both mineral springs—plus others—by following the Geyser Trail, one of several easy hiking trails at Saratoga Spa State Park. At 2.9 miles, Geyser Trail is the longest trail in the park. Geyser Island Spouter is one of the most unique Saratoga Springs attractions, and I highly recommend it.
During the winter, some of the trails in the park are perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
- Address: 19 Roosevelt Dr., Saratoga Springs, NY
11. Sample Local Beers at a Saratoga Springs Brewery
As with many regions in New York State, Saratoga has its fair share of awesome craft breweries. Here are three that people love:
- Artisanal Brew Works – The owners of this microbrewery are two art teachers from Saratoga Springs High School. They use local ingredients to brew fresh, high-quality IPA’s, Sours, Belgian-style beers, Stouts, and much more. 617 Maple Ave., Unit D, Saratoga Springs, NY
- Druthers Brewing Company – In addition to making their own beer, this popular downtown brewery has a full kitchen that serves lunch and dinner. Rather than specializing in any one type of beer, they experiment with whatever sounds appealing. Druthers has three locations in the Capital Region. In Saratoga Springs, it’s conveniently located downtown and has a large patio for outdoor seating. 381 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY
- Whitman Brewing – Ranked by USA Today 10Best as one of the nation’s top new breweries, Whitman Brewing has proven to be a popular addition to the long list of New York breweries. In addition to their diverse craft beer menu, they serve Detroit-style pizza and pub comfort food, as well as sweet treats called Walt Tarts in flavors like cherry, mixed berry, and Nutella. 20 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY
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12. Try Local Cuisine on a Food Tour
The Saratoga Food Tour is a walking tour that takes tourists on a journey through history and culture via the medium of food tastings. It’s a great way to learn more about Saratoga but also to sample some of the city’s cuisine you may not have otherwise had the chance to do.
13. Dine at Popular Saratoga Restaurants
A study once reported that Saratoga Springs has the highest density of restaurants in all of New York State…and yes—that takes even NYC into consideration!
So, while a food walking tour is an awesome way to sample some of the local cuisine, be sure to have a nice sit-down meal at one or more of these highly rated restaurants in Saratoga Springs, NY.
- 15 Church – Fresh seafood, Moulard Duck Breast, and Singapore Street Noodles are among the eclectic menu items at this upscale, stylish downtown restaurant. 15 Church St.
- Cantina – Fresh Mexican cuisine and an extensive cocktail and tequila menu in a casual environment. 408 Broadway
- Chianti il Ristorante – Northern Italian cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients, specialty cocktails and an extensive menu of Italian wines make this downtown spot a favorite. 18 Division St.
- Hamlet & Ghost – Chic décor in a building that was formerly a grain and feed store, which was suspected to be a front for the illegal gambling that went on behind closed doors. 24 Caroline St.
- Hattie’s Restaurant – Serving Southern comfort food since 1938, Hattie’s is a can’t-miss Saratoga dining experience. 45 Phila St.
- Olde Bryan Inn-Originally established in 1773, the Olde Bryan Inn serves a wide range of classic American dishes. If you’re a believer in the supernatural, it is said that the women’s room on the second floor is haunted. 123 Maple Ave.
- Sushi Thai Garden – Japanese and Thai dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients. Seating areas include a sushi bar. 44 Phila St.
- Wheatfields – This downtown favorite serves homemade pasta and pizza, as well as steaks, sandwiches, and salads. 440 Broadway
- 550 Waterfront – Enjoy seafood specialties like fish and chips, lobster rolls, swordfish BLTs, and fish tacos at this lakefront restaurant. Pair your meal with a draft beer brewed in New York State, or a specialty cocktail like Chai This, made with pineapple rum and chai liqueur. 550 Union Ave. Open seasonally.
I also want to give a shout out to Darling Doughnuts, whose smell of freshly baked doughnuts stopped me in my tracks whenever I passed and lured me inside once or twice. The doughnuts are available in rotating flavors like matcha, mango lemonade, caramel stroopwafel, and PB&J.
The doughnuts come in regular and mini sized. The little ones are perfect if you want to sample a bunch of different flavors! 441 Broadway
14. Stay at a Historic Victorian Inn
Disclosure: Please note this section contains an affiliate link, which means, at no additional cost to you, I may receive a commission if you make a purchase. Be assured that I only recommend products and companies I use and trust.
Batcheller Mansion Inn is a stunning example of High Victorian Gothic architecture and is perhaps one of the most gorgeous buildings in all of Saratoga Springs. The inn is conveniently located downtown. Some rooms are furnished with original Batcheller family furnishings. Amenities include in-room spa services.
Book Batcheller Mansion Inn or read more recommendations on where to stay in Saratoga Springs!
15. Support Up-and-Coming Talent at Caffe Lena
When it comes to live music, Saratoga Springs not only offers a range of venues, it also has a long history of ushering in new talent.
Caffe Lena opened in 1960 in a former woodworking shop and has hosted an impressive lineup of talent ever since. Artists who have graced the stage include Arlo Guthrie, Don McLean, and Hedy West. Bob Dylan performed here in 1961, the same year he arrived in New York City
and was still largely unknown to audiences.
The Saratoga Springs music venue is such an important part of the American music landscape that in 2013, a coffee-table book was published, a CD boxed set of previously unreleased performances were made available to the public, and the Library of Congress archived the Caffe Lena audio collection.
Guests can expect to hear live music on weekends while the weekday entertainment–in keeping with its coffeehouse vibe–often consists of poetry, storytelling, and open mic nights. See what’s coming up on Caffe Lena’s calendar of events.
- Address: 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY
16. Take a Walk Through Yaddo Gardens
Guided and self-guided tours are available at the Gardens at Yaddo, located on the grounds of a 400-acre artist’s retreat founded by Katrina and Spencer Trask.
The Trasks, wealthy New York City socialites, were married in 1874 and traveled to Saratoga Springs for the summer horse racing season.
Their first child died in Brooklyn in 1880 and shortly after, Spencer purchased the Saratoga Springs estate. They designed Yaddo Gardens together, inspired by the Italian and French Renaissance styles, as well as English gardens.
The result was a serene garden oasis with Italian marble statues, a rose garden, and an opulent pergola.
The Trask’s misfortune was not over, unfortunately, and by 1889, they had lost three more children—two to diphtheria and one as a newborn. With no heirs, the Trasks left their estate behind to be used as a community for artists.
The impressive list of writers who have had residencies at Yaddo during their careers include James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, Sylvia Plath, and Jeffrey Eugenides.
While the general Yaddo property is not open for tours or visitors, the Trasks specifically stipulated that Yaddo Gardens remain open to the public. Though Yaddo Gardens was born from tragedy, it remains one of the most peaceful things to do in Saratoga Springs.
- Address: 312 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY
- Seasonal: Closed in the winter
17. Chill Out at Saratoga Winery
There’s a rustic and cozy dining and tasting room indoors, but it was the outdoor setup here that made me want to kick back, order some wine and snacks, and stay a good long while.
The backyard at Saratoga Winery is immediately inviting with several different seating areas including a spacious deck and a patio with Adirondack chairs gathered around a firepit.
Wines are handcrafted on site and made exclusively with New York State-grown grapes. They also serve local craft beers, ciders, and flavored vodkas made by Saratoga Courage Distillery. A full food menu is available. The winery frequently hosts popular events, including live music and weekend brunch.
- Address: 462 Route 29, Saratoga Springs, NY
18. Shop in the Beekman Arts District
Art lovers absolutely must find their way to Beekman Street. Saratoga Springs has an entire neighborhood dedicated to the arts and the spirit of creativity is immediately apparent.
The three-block-long district is meant to provide a community space and includes artist studios, specialty shops, and businesses dedicated to health and wellness. There’s also a selection of excellent restaurants (See restaurants below in the dining section).
Popular artisan shops and art galleries in the Beekman Street Arts District include:
Located just four blocks west of the bustle of Broadway, the Beekman Street Arts District is pleasantly tree-lined and if not quiet, definitely serene and inspiring.
It’s also a residential neighborhood and many of the late 19th century homes are beautiful to simply stroll past and appreciate. If you visit in mid-June, be sure to attend the annual Beekman Street Art Fair. See map and business locations here.
19. Visit High Rock Park
High Rock Park is small but has enough interesting things going on to make it worth a visit. And if you’re on the hunt for more information on the history of Saratoga Springs, be sure to stop here.
High Rock Springs was known to the Indigenous Mohawk people who lived in the area for hundreds of years before white settlers arrived. The natural mineral water was believed to be healing and the Mohawks believed the spring to be sacred. Today visitors can witness the natural spring that Indigenous people had been using for hundreds of years before the first white man even stepped foot here.
A 9/11 memorial sculpture has a home in the park. The sculpture, named Tempered by Memory is made of steel that came from the wreckage of the Twin Towers.
The Saratoga Farmers Market was founded in 1978 and takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from May to October, under the pavilions at High Rock Park. It has grown to be not only a place for farm fresh produce, fresh honey and cheese, craft beer, baked goods and more, but is a community event that takes place weekly, rain or shine. 112 High Rock Ave., Saratoga Springs
- Address: 112 High Rock Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY
20. Witness the Site of a Revolution at Saratoga National Historical Park
A major battle of the Revolutionary War was fought on the hallowed grounds of Saratoga National Historical Park. The battle went down in history as a decisive moment in the American Revolution and ultimately led to the surrender of British troops and victory for America.
The Battle of Saratoga occurred on two separate dates, three weeks apart, in the fall of 1777. Many soldiers lost their lives, including 1500 British and 800 Americans.
Visitors at Saratoga Historical National Park can tour significant sites of the two battles in a few different ways. Some are open year-round; others are seasonal.
Here are five ways to experience Saratoga National Park.
- Drive, bike, or walk the 11-mile Battlefield Tour Road, which features significant historical sites from the Battle of Saratoga. Closed to visitors from December – April.
- Take a nature walk in Victory Woods and see where the British Army surrendered during the Second Battle of Saratoga. Open year-round.
- Visit the Schuyler House, a country estate that belonged to Philip Schuyler, who was a Revolutionary War General, a U.S. Senator, and Alexander Hamilton’s father-in-law. It must also be noted that he was one of the largest slaveowners in the area. Open seasonally during summer and fall.
- Climb the Saratoga Monument, a stone obelisk that rises 155 feet in the air to commemorate the victory of the Battle of Saratoga. Take in Hudson Valley views at the top. Open seasonally during summer and fall.
- Hike the Wilkinson Trail, a 4.2-mile scenic, easy trail that alternates between open meadows and forest trails. Use the mobile app to learn about historical sites along the trail. Open year-round.
Address: 648 NY-32, Stillwater, NY
21. Take a Sunset Cruise on Saratoga Lake
We booked a sunset cruise with Adirondack Cruise & Charter and had Captain Tiffany at the helm. Throughout the 90-minute cruise, Captain Tiffany kept up a friendly and informative commentary about points of interest on the lake, many related to intriguing Saratoga Springs history.
For instance, many of the homes on the lake were nightclubs and illegal gambling houses during Prohibition. Gangsters controlled the action, while a vessel called Steamboat Alice took guests around to the clubs. Captain Tiffany also pointed out a house that once belonged to George Crum, inventor of the potato chip.
A cruise on Saratoga Lake is a nice way to get in some lake time even after the summer season ends. The boat we were on had a casual atmosphere with room for about 25 passengers, though there were only about half that number.
Passengers are allowed and encouraged to bring food and drinks. Alcohol is permitted. To maximize the pleasure of a sunset cruise, I recommend bringing a nice bottle of wine (don’t forget your own corkscrew and plastic cups) and some cheese and crackers.
In addition to sunset cruises, Adirondack Cruise & Charter offers several themed cruises, plus the option for a private charter and private dinner cruise. Prices vary. Cruises are seasonal and run from May-October.
- Address: Saratoga Lake Marina, 549 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY
- Seasonal: Cruises run from mid-May through October.
22. Tour the Home of Ulysses S. Grant
Visit the 18th U.S. president’s cottage, where the Union General turned American president wrote his memoir and lived out his final days. The cottage is still much as it was when he and his family lived there. Many of Grant’s personal items remain in the cottage and a floral arrangement from his funeral is on display. He died in the cottage on July 23, 1885.
Visitors must take a guided tour.
- Address: 1000 Mt. McGregor Rd., Gansevoort, NY
- Seasonal: Closed during the winter. Usually opens for the season in May.
23. View Contemporary Art at Tang Teaching Museum
A main goal of the Tang Teaching Museum, which is Skidmore College’s art museum, is to use the galleries as teaching spaces. When I visited, I loved that there was a full exhibit entirely curated by students.
The exterior of the museum is dramatic and is meant to blend in with its environmental surroundings. Inside, the museum is spacious and optimistically bright and gives off the same quirky vibes that the unique exterior does.
The museum is named after Francis Tang, a textile design major who graduated from Skidmore in 1961.
- Address: Skidmore College, 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs
24. Soak Up Culture at Saratoga Arts
Don’t miss Saratoga Arts, a non-profit organization that strives to bring art to the community on a regular basis.
The downtown Saratoga art gallery features art in all forms, including live musical performances, live theater, film, and art exhibits. They also provide art education for people of all ages.
Saratoga Arts is responsible for bringing a lot of art to public spaces, including the 9/11 memorial that sits in High Rock Park. Check out the Saratoga Arts events page for the many ongoing events that promote art in the community.
- Address: 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY
25. See Classic Cars at the Saratoga Automobile Museum
Car buffs should head to the Saratoga Automobile Museum to see their permanent and rotating exhibits of cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Currently on display is Bond in Motion: An Official Collection of James Bond Vehicles (through November 2023). The museum is located inside a neoclassical structure that was built in 1935 and operated as the New York State Bottling Plant.
- Address: 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY
Tips for Visiting Saratoga Springs
- Downtown Saratoga Springs is very pedestrian friendly and easy to navigate.
- A summer trolley service runs between popular Saratoga Springs destinations to help reduce traffic and parking issues.
- Parking may be hard to find downtown, especially during peak tourist seasons. If the trolley isn’t running, walk or take a car service to your destination when possible.
- Try to make dining reservations when possible. There are tons of awesome restaurants, cafes, and bars and they fill up quickly.
- Saratoga Springs is somewhat expensive. In fact, a 2019 survey named it the most expensive summer destination in upstate New York.
- To lower expenses, try to visit during the off-season. We visited in late September, before peak fall foliage. It was busy but not unbearably crowded and hotels rates were somewhat lower.
FAQs about Visiting Saratoga Springs
Absolutely! Whether you’re into live music, food, horse races, or history, or even if you just want to relax into the mineral waters of Saratoga Springs, the city is well worth visiting. There are also plenty of interesting hotels and bed & breakfasts to choose from to make your stay the best it can possibly be!
Health, History, and Horses. Their motto says it all! The discovery of their natural mineral springs made Saratoga Springs world-famous as a health destination. Their history as a vacation destination for the rich and famous, and for those passionate about horse racing, are also what Saratoga Springs is famous for.
To take advantage of all that Saratoga Springs has to offer, summer is the best time of year to visit. Summer is the season for horse racing, outdoor concerts, and lounging by the pool in Saratoga Spa State Park. Be aware though that summer is also the most expensive time of year. Expect to pay top prices for hotel rooms.
The second best time of year to visit Saratoga Springs is early autumn, before peak leaf-turning season, which also draws a lot of tourists.
Yes. Saratoga Springs is located in an area known as the Capital Region, which is part of the broader region of Upstate New York. Saratoga Springs is about 40 miles north of Albany, the capital of New York State.
How to Get to Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs is located on 87N, in the Capital Region of New York State. Traveling options include:
- By train: Amtrak to Saratoga Springs
- By bus: Greyhound or Trailways to Saratoga Springs
- By air: Flight to Albany International Airport
Approximate driving distance and time from major cities:
- Albany: 40 miles (65 km). 40 minutes.
- New York City: 185 miles (300 km). 3.5 hours.
- Syracuse: 140 miles (225 km). 2.5 hours.
- Montreal: 200 miles (320 km). 3.5 hours.
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