Are you looking for things to do in Saratoga Springs, and you’re searching for all the information you need to make your trip a success? Keep reading!
Are you visiting Saratoga Springs and looking for a guide of things to do in Saratoga Springs? If so, keep reading!
Saratoga Springs has long held a reputation for being a calm, relaxing, and downright beautiful getaway for New Yorkers looking to unwind.
There are loads of things to do in Saratoga Springs to keep you entertained!
In this ultimate guide to Saratoga Springs we’ll walk you through how to unwind, what to do, and what’s worth seeing so that by the time you set off you’ll know everything there is to know about Saratoga Springs and all the great things to do in Saratoga Springs too!
Things to do in Saratoga Springs…
As this is the Ultimate Guide to Saratoga Springs were going to break down our top selections for things to do in Saratoga Springs, NY.
There is so much to do here, so hopefully you’ll find some great things to do in Saratoga Springs on this list!
Visit a spa in Saratoga Springs
First on our list of things to do in Saratoga Springs, it’s a spa day! Our recommendation is Roosevelt Baths and Spa. An institution at Saratoga Springs since 1935, and well worth it for a dip in the healing waters.
This place is kinda historic, it opened way back in 1935 as a bathhouse (and is part of the Saratoga Spa complex) which includes the Gideon Putnam Resort.
As far as things to do in Saratoga Springs go… this is one of the most relaxing option!
Go on a spring tasting tour
Next on my list of things to do in Saratoga Springs, there’s a Spring tasting tour. There are loads of options for a tour whether you prefer to Do it Yourself or head out on a guided tasting tour.
Saratoga Springs Visitor Centre offers a tour called “history, legends, lore, and more” that’s 90 minutes long and gives you a taste of all the spring waters!
A bit weird, but in a cool way – this is a pretty unique option for things to do in Saratoga Springs.
Visit the racecourse in Saratoga Springs
Next up on my list of things to do in Saratoga Springs, it’s the racecourse.
If you’re in Saratoga Springs in the summer you have to visit, and this wouldn’t be the ultimate guide to Saratoga Springs if we didn’t mention it!
If it’s hot, out on your fanciest togs and get yourself to the course to place a bet on whichever noble steed takes your fancy. You might not win, but it sure is a grand day out!
This is a great pick for things to do in Saratoga Springs.
Hit up some folk music at Café Lenna
Cafe Lenna is one of the oldest and most well known Folk Music bars in America, this is where Bob Dylan played his first non-new York gig!
So it’s an amazing option for things to do in Saratoga Springs.
Grab a drink and settle in for an open mic to spot the next folk star before they hit the high time. If you love music, and you love nightlife, this is a great choice for things to do in Saratoga Springs.
Soak up some History at the Horse Racing Museum
Next on our list of things to do in Saratoga Springs, it’s the Horse Racing Museum.
In the summer we’d definitely recommend you hit the racecourse, but as that’s not available all year round we’ve included the horse racing museum in our top five as you can visit whatever the season.
If you’re visiting when the racecourse is closed, then this is a great option for things to do in Saratoga Springs, where you can still get your racing fix.
Visit the national park
Next on my list of things to do in Saratoga Springs, it’s visiting the national park! If you love the outdoors and exploring and adventuring… there’s no excuse not to visit the Saratoga National Park.
As with all national parks, this place is beautiful and full of wonderful scenery and places to admire.
Let your thoughts get lost in nature and relax in the great outdoors! This is such a great option for things to do in Saratoga Springs.
Adirondack Winery
Who doesn’t love a winery? Next on our list of things to do in Saratoga Springs – it’s the Adirondack Winery!
This area of the USA has some of the best wine in the country, and the wineries in Saratoga Springs are full of amazing local tastes to try.
You’ll find a really wide selection of locally handcrafted, award-winning, fruit-infused and varietal wines, seriously – if you’re a wine lover (or even a bit curious about it) you’ll really enjoy this.
For foodies and those who love wine – you can’t find a better option for things to do in Saratoga Springs!
Children’s Museum of Saratoga
Next up on this list of things to do in Saratoga Springs, it’s the Children’s Museum of Saratoga.
The Children’s Museum is a really lovely thing to do in Saratoga Springs on a rainy day, or in autumn / winter.
It’s a lovely museum full of learning opportunities in a really immersive and interactive setting.
If you’ve got toddlers or young children, they will love it here – there are so many hands-on things for them to get involved in and try.
This is a perfect choice for things to do in Saratoga Springs with kids!
Visit Canfield Casino
The Canfield Casino is next on our list of things to do in Saratoga Springs.
A treasured landmark, and a gambling institution dating from 1870! It’s situated in the gorgeous congress park, and whilst it’s no longer a casino, it is an events space with ballrooms and dining rooms, and the town of Saratoga Springs still holds functions there from time to time.
This is a great option for things to do in Saratoga Springs!
Take a tour of the area
Next on our list of things to do in Saratoga Springs, it’s taking a guided tour with Fun in Saratoga!
The folks at Fun in Saratoga offer a variety of tours around the Saratoga Springs area. So if you don’t know where to start, this is a good place!
First up on their list of tours, is a local history tour! Their Congress Park walking tour is given every Tuesday to Saturday at 10:30am.
These guys also offer Saratoga Food Tours, perfect for any foodies! If you fancy sampling the local cuisine and best eateries in the area. These are held at noon every Saturday May to October. The tour visits several of Saratoga’s iconic restaurants including the Old Bryan Inn, Whitman Brewing and Comfort Kitchen.
There are also their Saratoga Track Tours (which are offered by appointment to groups) and their active Cycling Saratoga tours.
Adirondack Cruise and Charter Company
Our next suggestion for things to do in Saratoga Springs, it’s a cruise company! This is something for the romantics, who want to spend a day seeing the lake in style, and feeling true relaxation.
The Adirondack Cruise & Charter Company will take you on a cruise around the nearby lake, on a stunning 50 foot classic 1900’s Fantail Launch, or a 22 foot Sweetwater Pontoon Boat.
It’s such a beautiful option for things to do in Saratoga Springs – and it’s a perfect way to spend a sunny day.
Read more: 9 amazing all-inclusive resorts in New York State
One-off and seasonal events
There are loads of seasonal events being held in Saratoga Springs, many of which would make the perfect options for things to do in Saratoga Springs!
So it’s worth checking these out on their local events page, where you can keep up to date with all the events!
You never know what event you might stumble across, such as the apple blossom viewing parties, or boutique brewery tours!
There is loads of stuff to find out about! You’ll love this choice for things to do in Saratoga Springs.
Read more about New York State: What is the best winery in upstate NY? Here are 15 favorites!
Yaddo Gardens, Saratoga Springs
Next on my list of things to do in Saratoga Springs, it’s Yaddo Gardens. Yaddo Gardens is a beautiful gardens in Saratoga Springs, perfect for a lazy afternoon stroll in the spring, summer or autumn.
As a bit of background, Yaddo Gardens is an artist community – and they use the 400-acre estate to make art and commit to their passions without the interruptions of everyday life.
Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery
If you love art and culture, then this suggestion of things to do in Saratoga Springs is going to be a great pick. The Tang Museum is a fun, interactive museum, that encourages you to engage with the exhibits and attractions.
The art there is modern, vivid and inspiring – and they try to host around 12 exhibits per year (so plenty to see!).
The National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame
The National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame is next on our list of things to do in Saratoga Springs!
It’s a great place for a day out, and it’s an amazing place to explore dance and the history of dance.
Saratoga Automobile Museum
Next on our list of things to do in Saratoga Springs, it’s the Saratoga Automobile Museum.
If you love cars, and the history of cars and automobiles – then you’re going to absolutely love visiting the Saratoga Automobile Museum!
When you’re looking for things to do in Saratoga, the Automobile Museum is something that most people would really enjoy looking around.
The museum has both show cars, household cars, and race cars – so there’s something for every kind of car enthusiast!
What to eat in Saratoga Springs
For me – one of the best things to do in Saratoga Springs is eating and enjoying the local food and restaurants!
Here’s a quick go-to list of some of the best restaurants, cafes and bars in Saratoga Springs – you can just click through to their website from here and explore their menu and food options!
Once you’ve finished ticking off all our ideas on our list of things to do in Saratoga Springs – grab a meal at one of these places!
Blue Hen restaurant (sophisticated dining)
Prime at Saratoga National (steakhouse)
Harvey’s of Saratoga (pub and bar with food options)
Chez Pierre (French food)
Wishing Well Restaurant (mixed cuisine, romantic setting)
Nostalgia Ale house and wine bar (bar with food options)
Morrissey’s Lounge (upscale pub food)
Where should you stay in Saratoga Springs?
Now you know all the best things to do in Saratoga Springs, it’s time to give you a little advice on where to stay in Saratoga Springs!
Of course, there are lots of great accommodation options in Saratoga Springs, so if you book in advance, you should have your pick of the best!
But when you want to plan lots of activities, it’s a great idea to pick places near to the many things to do in Saratoga Springs.
Whether you’re looking for a casino-hotel, or a quaint bed and breakfast, we’re pretty sure you’ll be able to find the perfect Saratoga Springs accommodation for you!
Here are a few of my favourite options:
Booking.comSaratoga Casino Hotel
The popular Saratoga Casino Hotel in Saratoga Springs is one of the favourites, especially for people looking to indulge in a bit of gambling whilst they’re there.
It’s a lovely hotel, only 1.4 km from the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
As the name suggests, the Saratoga Casino Hotel has a casino on-site – which makes nightlife super easy and convenient! Oh, and try out Morton’s restaurant, which we think you’ll love!
This is an accommodation in the heart of all the things to do in Saratoga Springs – so a great choice!
Embassy Suites Saratoga Springs
The Embassy Suites in Saratoga Springs, is another one of the biggest hotels in Saratoga Springs, this is a great choice for travellers who want amenities and comfort.
There is an indoor pool to enjoy (a big plus point!) as well as a lovely restaurant, and free WiFi access is available in rooms too. It’s solid choice is you don’t want to be taking any risks on comfort and value!
Pavilion Grand Hotel
I love the design of the Pavilion Grand Hotel, it feels a little more ’boutique’ than the others on this list – which is more my personal style. As with the others on this list, there’s also an on-site restaurant here to enjoy too!
One of the highlights of Pavilion Hotel is the cute spa they have – which is always nice to come back to after a day sightseeing.
It’s also super central too, as Saratoga Springs’ main street (where there are plenty of things to do in Saratoga Springs) is just 160m away.
Adelphi Hotel
If you’re after a hotel in Saratoga Springs that has great views, then you simply have to check out the Adelphi Hotel in Saratoga Springs.
If you love amazing reviews and a bit of history – then this place may be a great choice for you.
Adelphi Hotel offers a beautiful terrace with gorgeous views of Saratoga Springs, as well as a restaurant, a touch of luxury everywhere you look, and super friendly staff.
Saratoga Arms
My last suggestions for hotels in Saratoga Springs, is the Saratoga Arms.
A smaller hotel (compared to some on this list) but it’s got lots of lovely history and features a spacious front veranda, to give you those ‘vacation vibes’.
There is free WiFi access and a free hot breakfast each morning for guests to enjoy. What more could you ask for than the Saratoga Arms.
How long should I stay in Saratoga Springs?
At the shortest, probably a couple of days to take in all the parks have to offer, try out a few spa treatments, see the horses, and learn a little history.
After all, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got enough time to work through all the things to do in Saratoga Springs on this list!
At the longest… you could stop all summer long? That way you’ll be able to explore every choice for things to do in Saratoga Springs.
It’s up to you, but this place is a favourite vacation destination for a reason! You can take a virtual stroll around Saratoga Springs on Google – which we’d recommend if you want to get a feel for it!
When should I go to Saratoga Springs?
To get the most of all the amazing things to do in Saratoga Springs, you’ll want to visit at the right time of year.
As we mentioned, Saratoga Springs is a pretty amazing destination for all-year-round, and it’s for that reason it has stayed a super popular vacation destination (especially for those who live in NYC and want to get out of the city).
If you want a rough guide of what Saratoga Springs is like season on season though, take a read below.
It’s worth bearing in mind also, that not all events and festivals (etc) will run year round. Some will only be available at specific times of the year.
If you’re concerned about a particular event, it’s worth checking their official state website.
Spring: the weather is crisp and clear, and the season hasn’t quite ramped up to get started, so the air is full of anticipation. If you like excitement, but don’t want to get bogged down in crowds then this is the time to go.
Summer: this is Saratoga Springs at its height. The track is open, the clubs are full, the spas are jam packed, but boy are the parties good!
Head in the summer for a riot of the senses, and a sense that Saratoga springs is where life is really being lived. There are lots of things to do in Saratoga Springs during this time of year.
Autumn: the air is beginning to crisp again, and the leaves are turning as golden as Saratoga Springs’ reputation.
The hoarded have headed for home, and you’re free to enjoy the serenity of the Springs’ three Hs: Health, History and Horses. This is a great time to visit and check out the many things to do in Saratoga Springs.
Winter: Saratoga is a veritable winter WONDERLAND when it’s blanketed in Snow. You can head to a spa, dine in style, and the park even becomes a hotspot for winter sports when the weather is icy.
There are lots of festive things to do in Saratoga Springs at this time of year!
Basically: Saratoga Springs is a year round destination, and you can go whenever the heck you want!
A little history about Saratoga Springs
Once you’ve figured out all the amazing things to do in Saratoga Springs and which you want to tick off your list… It’s time to learn a little more about the area!
Last in our ultimate guide to Saratoga Springs, wed like to give you a little background info.
Situated just north of the Hudson Valley, in the foothills of the Adirondacks (a mountain range) the area was first settled by Native Americans who believed that the effervescent spring water had healing properties.
Once Europeans had settled there, word began to spread of these healing waters and soon spas, luxury hotels, and processing facilities to tap the water for bathing and drinking had sprung up!
At its height Saratoga Springs was the pinnacle of tourist destinations, becoming not only spa central, but also a place for fashionable New Yorkers to see and be seen
Soon there was a race track, jazz speakeasies, and casinos, and the transformation of the are was complete: it was a full-blown D E S T I N A T I O N to gamble, play, hear great music, and then soak off all the sin in a spa.
Honestly, what could be better? There are so many things to do in Saratoga Springs.
Whilst it gives a little less Gatsby Glitz than its golden age heyday – Saratoga Springs is still a summer party destination.
At its height through the summer is full with revelers in their party finery, living up to expectations, but in the off-seasons, it’s a stunning place of natural beauty, with a slow, serene pace of life.
Saratoga Springs is both a place to unwind and to let loose.
