19 Amazing Things to do in Saratoga Springs You Must Try

Located 3-4 hours away from the famed and well-known New York City lies one of the best places to live in New York State, Saratoga Springs; a tiny yet full of life picturesque city lying 30 miles north of Albany. The town’s history goes back to the 17th century when English colonists who played a vital role in the Revolutionary War settled in the area. So, if you’re looking for a different experience near New York and a great fall destination, there are some very interesting things to do in Saratoga Springs; a town famous for horse racing, renowned healing springs, and pristine nature.

Hence, it’s no wonder Saratoga Springs has always attracted solo travelers visiting New York, including famous artists and writers. But you don’t need to be a novelist or painter to be mesmerized by everything Saratoga has to offer.

Even though the state of New York is home to some stunning destinations like the Hamptons, Niagara Falls, and Long Island, it’s still hard to find a place that resembles the backstretch of Saratoga on a midsummer morning where the mist slowly rises above the lush forests of Saratoga State Park. It’s a town enriched by health, racing, gambling and history that’s waiting to be explored. If this sounds like a place you’d like to visit, here are the best things to do in Saratoga Springs, the jewel of New York.

Explore Saratoga Race Track

We start this list of things to do in Saratoga Springs with the Race Track. The Saratoga Race Track was even named as one of the greatest sporting venues by Sports Illustrator. The environment at the race track is full of zeal – big-time races, high stakes, champions, and grief – it’s all a part of the fun and fare that one experiences at the track. The grandstand comes alive every summer with an unmatched ambiance brimming with enthusiastic fans cheering as the race kicks-off.

After the race is complete, the atmosphere exudes of good old Saratoga charm where you can sip on some wine and enjoy the company of the locals. You don’t have to be a horse fanatic to enjoy at the race track – it’s a unique experience nevertheless. Stroll around the grounds, watch the horses and jockeys prepping for the race, visit the spring water fountain called red spring, chat with the locals, enjoy local wine, and much, much more!  

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Visit The Famous Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) 

Surrounded by verdant greenery, natural mineral springs, geysers, and hiking trails, SPAC (Saratoga Performing Arts Center) has a unique and breath-taking setting that significantly enhances the experience of the audience. It’s considered to be one of the best things to do in Saratoga Springs and one the most prestigious centers in America.

Throughout the summer you’ll be mesmerized by over 80 different genres of performances by the Philadelphia Orchestra, the New York City Ballet, Lake George Opera, Saratoga Chamber Music Festival, Freihofer’s Jazz Festival, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and many more concerts and events.   

The magic of SPAC is indescribable in mere words and one needs to experience it first-hand to know its value. The wide array of programs and enticing options offer guests of all ages and artistic taste an immersive cultural experience. A visit to Saratoga Performing Arts Center is more than just a performance; it’s your chance to make heart-warming lifelong memories.

For those interested, you can see upcoming events here. Apart from the amphitheater, there’s a lawn area which is very popular among locals. You can unwind here and set up a picnic with blankets and chairs and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. At night you can even catch a sky full of stars if a romantic setting is what you’re looking for!   

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Explore The Shops And Restaurants In Broadway

When one thinks of the spa city, the first image that pops up is most probably Broadway! Often referred to as ‘downtown,’ this neighborhood doesn’t have any Broadway shows like its more famous counterpart but it’s the major street in the city that houses several businesses and stores. Once, Broadway was a Historic District, The Broadway Historic District comprised on northern and southern sections.

The north part has some stunning Victorian homes and was a residential neighborhood. The southern part, on the other hand, is home to the commercial side, consisting of private buildings and businesses. If you’re looking for some exciting things to do in Saratoga Springs, Broadway should be your first stop.

This Victorian-era main street which was once dominated by Beaux-Arts architecture and Colonial Revival. However, today, it’s the primary thoroughfare with many art galleries, boutiques, museums, dance halls, and restaurants in Saratoga Springs NY.

Whether you want to shop at the famous Hat National or the Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company or grab a drink at the many pubs and bars like Boca Bistro, The Wine Bar or Druthers Brewery Company or unwind at one of the restaurants, you can do it all in Broadway. The lovely boutiques, quaint shops that cozily lie amidst the delightful eateries and cafes make this a charming and unique place to spend some time. Sometimes, you might even feel like these picture-perfect streets resemble an iconic avenue in Paris.   

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Hike To The Mineral Geysers In Saratoga Spa State Park

Recorded as a National Historic Landmark and known for its classic architecture, diverse cultural, recreational and aesthetic resources, Saratoga Spa State Park is one of the best things to do in Saratoga Springs and the most beautiful places in the state of New York.

At just a short distance from downtown, on the premises of the park, you can find several attractions like the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Roosevelt Baths and Spa, the National Museum of Dance, the Spa Little Theater, The Peerless Pool Complex, and The Historic Victoria Pool. And there’s more – the Saratoga Automobile Museum, Saratoga Spa State Park Golf Course, The Creekside Classroom and the Gideon Putnam Resort. As you can see, there are a lot of recreational and educational activities you can indulge in during your visit to this park.

Additionally, the terrain is gentle with shady streamside trails that are perfect for a casual walk, nature lovers and picnics. There are also paths for joggers and runners. During winters, visitors can also try their hand at ice hockey or ice skating. Housing so many popular attractions, your trip to Saratoga will be incomplete without visiting this park.

The convenience and tranquility of the park make it the perfect setting for just about anything; from picnics to frisbee golf to swimming to golfing to visiting the spring, to walking, biking, and the renowned museum, there’s plenty to do here for every member of the family. For details on trails, what to do and where to go, ask for a map at the park office. 

Do you like getting off the beaten track? Check out my guide to hidden gems in California.

Take A Stroll In Congress Park

Located in the heart of Saratoga Springs, Congress Park is another beautiful natural park in Saratoga Springs. The designer of Congress Park was Frederick Law Olmsted; the same person responsible for the design of Manhattan’s Central Park and Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. He was a great landscape artist who knew how to create a nature bang in the center of a city. It’s a 32-acre park between Broadway, Circular and Spring streets which offers a calm and quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle around it. 

You can call time out and do nothing for a while or just spend time amidst nature. The Broadway entrance will greet you with grassy hilltops and colorful flower beds which overlook the rest of the park. From here you can head to The Spirit of Life statue, which is now shiner and has water gushing out which reflects into a fountain. 

The Civil War Memorial lies towards the south of the Spirit of Life, dedicated to the 77th New York Infantry. Supposedly, it’s the only Civil War regimental monument which is not situated on a battlefield. Close by there is a Duck Pond which is where the Spring Run Brook commences. This pond is also home to hundreds of ducks and a great place for people that like birdwatching.  

Discover Saratoga Congress Park

Another eye-catching site in the park is the big Greek revival pavilion and the Congress Spring. The water from this spring was once bottled and sold across the United States. Today, you can try it for free. Past the pond with a fountain, at the southern end, you’ll find a Katrina Trask Memorial Stairway; a 100-year old gateway that connects the park to Broadway.

Talking about historic monuments, we can’t forget to mention arguably the most famous one in Congress Park; the Saratoga History Museum. The museum is located on the second floor of the Canfield Casino. Once upon a time when Richard Canfield ran it, this casino was the main gambling hub in the region. Today, the building is one of the most important historic monuments of Saratoga Springs.

Finally, if you want to get away from the crowds, head to the meadow near the Union Avenue entrance. With the rest of the park always filled with crowds, this empty patch of grass is very inviting. Down the hill on Spring Street, you’ll find the Italian Gardens which also feature a reflecting pool and the statues of Pan and Maenads. 

Museum-Related Things To Do In Saratoga Springs

Talking about things to do in Saratoga Springs, we can’t forget to mention some of its most famous museums. Saratoga’s museums aren’t worldwide famous but if visiting a famous museum is what you want, the Metropolitan Museum of Art isn’t too far and you can find more about their current exhibitions on the official website. Anyway, if you’re asking me, you should focus on the local museums, as the city has an impressive history. 

Today, you can discover everything you need to know about Saratoga’s past of art, racing, and history through the many museums. Some of the most interesting ones are Saratoga Automobile Museum, National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame, National Museum of Dance & Hall of Fame, Saratoga Springs History Museum, The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, NYS Military Museum, and The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery. Whether you’re an automobile fanatic, lover of thoroughbred racing or dance enthusiast, there’s plenty to explore and unveil. 

Wander Through Downtown Saratoga

Imagine streets lined with unique boutiques and shops that cater to every whim and fancy. From fashionable finds at trendy boutiques to rare books nestled in the shelves of the Lyrical Ballad Bookstore, downtown Saratoga turns shopping into an exploration. As the sun dips below the horizon, downtown Saratoga Springs transforms. The streets buzz with energy, from the clink of glasses in cozy bars and pubs to the laughter and music spilling out of venues and eateries.

Try Goat Yoga At Into The Woods Farm

The Woods Farm is a serene farm located in a quaint part of Saratoga Springs that combines yoga with the playful charm of goats. Yes, you read that right – Goat Yoga, the wellness trend that has taken the world by storm. This getaway allows you to endulge in your yoga routines with goats running around, teaching lessons in joy, playfulness, and the art of living in the moment.

Aerial Adventures At WildPlay Thacher

WildPlay Thacher is a place where you strap into harnesses, defy gravity, and discover that yes, humans can indeed fly (with a little help from zip lines and ropes, of course). Forget the treadmill; the real workout here involves swinging from tree to tree like a modern-day Tarzan or Jane, navigating obstacle courses and solving puzzle-like challenges as you go. It’s part physical workout, part brain teaser, and entirely exhilarating.

Sample Local Beers At Popular Breweries

Saratoga Springs is home to a few beloved breweries, including Artisanal Brew Works, Druthers Brewing Company, and Whitman Brewing and sampling beers at these local breweries is one of the best things to do in Saratoga Springs for people who appreciate a fresh, cold pint.

Smash Objects In A Relief Room

Smashing objects in a Relief Room like The Relief Room in Malta, NY, near Saratoga Springs, offers a unique, cathartic experience like no other. if you are dealing with stress, negative energy, or just feel like breaking something, this place where the phrase “you break it, you buy it” is flipped on its head, invites you to break, smash, and demolish to your heart’s content. It’s therapy, but with protective gear and the liberating sound of shattering objects.

Embarking On A Tiki Tour For Eight

Embarking on a Tiki Tour for eight in Saratoga Springs is akin to assembling your very own fellowship for an epic quest, only instead of seeking rings of power, your journey is fueled by the quest for relaxation, scenic beauty, and perhaps a bit of liquid courage. A Tiki Tour isn’t just about enjoying the scenery; it’s about embracing the tiki culture.

National Museum of Dance And Hall of Fame

Imagine a Hall of Fame where the inductees’ achievements are measured not in yards rushed or home runs hit, but in pirouettes perfected and leaps landed. The National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame honors those who have elevated the art of dance—choreographers, performers, and patrons alike. It’s like the Oscars, but for the feet. The museum’s exhibitions are so dynamic, you half expect them to leap off the walls and start dancing through the halls.

Yaddo Gardens

Yaddo Garden is a part of a larger artist retreat that has nurtured the talents of writers, painters, composers, and creatives from all walks of life with a beautiful fountain in the heart of the park, around which artists and visitors alike have gathered for decades. While the retreat itself is private, the gardens are generously opened to the public, offering a glimpse into the tranquility that has fueled so much creativity.

Saratoga Winery

This list of things to do in Saratoga Springs couldn’t be complete without taking a trip to the Saratoga Winery, a place that not only has the best wine in the region but it also offers a menu that pairs perfectly with their wines, a culinary adventure on its own.

Cruise Saratoga Lake

Last but not least, we conclude this list of things to do in Saratoga Springs NY with a cruise on Saratoga Lake. This lake is one of New York’s most picturesque ones and embarking on a cruise on Saratoga Lake is like setting sail on a sea of tranquility, with a side order of scenic beauty and a sprinkle of Saratoga’s unique charm.

Conclusion 

Although occupying an inconsequential part of New York State and not in the limelight, Saratoga has all facets to make a lasting impression. Walk down the streets, through the parks, mingle with the locals and eat at one of the cafes and you will unveil the hidden gems of the small city of Saratoga. Yes, New York City has everything that dreams are made of, but once in a while, options like Saratoga are humbling and bring out a whole new feeling. 

So, if you are down for experiencing something outside of city life, hop on over to Saratoga Springs. It’s the perfect spot for couples, friends, singles, and families alike and offers everyone a little something. And if you ever get bored, there are a lot of things to do in Boston, New York, and even New Jersey (all are only short drive away).

And while you’re in Jersey, you may want to check out this list of the biggest lakes in New Jersey.

Helpful Resources For Visiting Saratoga Springs

Want to catch a flight to Saratoga Springs? The nearest international airport is in Albeny and you can get a large discount with Qatar Airways’s Discover the World at a low price program.

Looking for airport parking? Use this offer and save up to 15%.

For some great accommodation deals in Saratoga Springs, my Booking discount code and get up to 15% off on all bookings. Another great option for finding budget accommodation options is Motel6.

If you want to get discounts on some of the best spas in Saratoga, use this coupon and get 10% off.

Finally, did you like this list of things to do in Saratoga Springs? Did you ever visit Saratoga? If no, did this article make you want to visit? What was your favorite thing about Saratoga? Let me know in the comments!

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