Saratoga Springs is a well-liked vacation spot known for its focus on health, history, and horses. It is located north of Albany in New York State, close to Saratoga Lake. The city offers a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful gardens, parks, and springs.
Visitors can explore Broadway, which has unique art galleries, trendy shops, and historic buildings. There are also several interesting museums to visit in town. Additionally, Saratoga Springs is a short drive away from the Adirondacks and Lake George, offering stunning natural scenery.
The most popular activities in the city include enjoying the healing springs and watching thrilling horse races at Saratoga Race Course.
14. New York State Military Museum
One notable recommendation they might give is the impressive New York State Military Museum, just a couple of blocks away. Housed in a colossal castle-like building, the museum features a remarkable collection of uniforms, weapons, artifacts, and artworks.
Opened to the public in 2002, the magnificent museum is situated in a red brick armory dating back to 1889. While the tall towers and a camouflaged tank at the entrance catch your eye, the exhibits inside are equally captivating. They span not only the Civil War and Indian Wars but also those of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Within the galleries, you can explore medals, maps, flags, and vehicles, with historical photos and short film clips shedding light on important events and famous figures.
13. Explore Broadway
Broadway, the bustling heart and soul of the town, is adorned with various shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars catering to diverse tastes. Stretched over a mile, it is flanked by charming old buildings showcasing a variety of architectural styles.
This lively street runs through the center of the city, spanning from Congress Park in the south to the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center in the north. Alongside chic boutiques and trendy antique stores, there are local restaurants, eclectic art galleries, and noteworthy tourist attractions. The route is also dotted with vibrant nightlife spots and cozy hotels.
With an abundance of enticing eateries and establishments, it’s no surprise that Broadway takes center stage as the main hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment in Saratoga Springs.
12. National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
Close to the popular racecourse in the city, there is a museum that pays tribute to the accomplishments of American Thoroughbred racehorses, jockeys, and trainers. Known as the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, it offers a chance to explore the rich history and evolution of the sport throughout the years.
Established in 1951, this impressive complex located on Union Avenue cannot be missed, thanks to the eye-catching statues of jockeys displayed outside.
Once inside, you will find extensive exhibits and galleries that delve into the origins of American racing from the colonial era, its growth after the Civil War, and its present state in modern times. In addition to admiring the array of artifacts, artwork, medals, and trophies, you can also visit the Hall of Fame.
Here, you will be introduced to renowned racehorses like Seabiscuit and Secretariat, as well as celebrated jockeys and trainers such as Eddie Arcaro and Fred Burlew.
11. Saratoga Automobile Museum
The Saratoga Automobile Museum is a great place for people who love cars. It has many old cars and racing cars. It is located in Saratoga Spa State Park inside a beautiful building called Neoclassical Bottling Plant that was built in 1935. Since New York used to have many car manufacturers, it makes sense for Saratoga to have its own car museum.
The museum has interesting displays about the car industry in New York and its racing history. Some displays focus on women who were important in the car industry, while others have artwork about cars and racers. The best part of the museum is getting to see all the amazing old corvettes, jaguars, bugattis, and porsches.
There are usually over thirty classic cars on display.
10. Congress Park
Congress Park is located close to downtown, but its green spaces and gardens feel peaceful and far away from the busy city. In addition to enjoying the beautiful scenery, visitors can visit several springs that gave the city its name and the historic Canfield Casino.
The site used to be a resort hotel, bottling plant, and casino but was transformed into a park in 1913. The resort hotel and bottling plant no longer exist, but the casino still stands and now houses the Saratoga Springs History Museum.
Visitors can see the Congress Spring and the lovely Greek Revival-style pavilion that protects it, as well as fountains, ponds, and a cute 120-year-old carved carousel.
9. Saratoga Lake
Saratoga Lake is a very popular destination for outdoor activities and watersports, especially in the warm summer months. Many people come to enjoy swimming, kayaking, and boating in this beautiful lake located southeast of the city. The lake is about 4.5 miles long and has a width of approximately 1.5 miles at its widest point.
Unfortunately, much of the shore is privately owned, so most visitors choose to engage in activities like jet skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing on the sparkling water. Fishing and sailing are also great options, with marinas and boat rental points available.
At Waterfront Park, you can relax on the grass, explore shady paths, and have a picnic while admiring the breathtaking views of the lake.
8. The Saratoga Winery
If you drive west from town for just ten minutes, you will find the Saratoga Winery. It is a small and cozy place with a romantic atmosphere. Here, you can taste some of the best grapes and wines from the Finger Lakes region.
The owners, Rich and Tara Nimmo, have created a unique wine experience that has gained a lot of praise since they opened in 2009. You can sit at the Adirondack style tasting bar and try their delicious wines. Additionally, you can enjoy local beers and cocktails on their outdoor patio.
The winery also offers delicious food, and every Friday and Saturday night they have live music for a fun and enjoyable time.
7. Yaddo Gardens
The beautiful Yaddo Gardens, located next to the famous Saratoga Race Course, offer a great place to stroll around. These gardens are part of a large estate that serves as a private retreat for artists and writers. Visitors can enjoy exploring the impressive fountains and flowerbeds.
In 1926, the gardens were founded by Spencer Trask, a wealthy financier, and his writer wife, Katrina. Since then, Yaddo has provided a peaceful and secluded environment for numerous aspiring American artists.
Many of these artists have achieved significant success in various fields, including music, literature, landscape sculpture, and photography. The gardens themselves, filled with stunning statues, water features, and fragrant rose beds, have been a source of inspiration for their creative works.
Modeled after European classical gardens, the gardens cover a large area and feature sundials, perennials, and rock gardens on both the upper and lower terraces.
6. Saratoga Farmers’ Market
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market can be found on the outskirts of town in the northeastern area. It is a lively market with many stands and stalls where friendly vendors sell a variety of items. These include fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade arts and crafts, and artisanal food products.
The market started small in 1978 with a few local farmers, but it has grown over the years to have more than fifty merchants. There is also live music regularly happening at the market.Walking past the stands at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is a delightful experience.
The air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods, and the food sellers invite you to try their products. The market not only attracts locals but also tourists due to its pleasant atmosphere and wide selection of food, drinks, and handicrafts.
In the summer, the market takes place outside of Wilton Mall on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and in winter, it is held only on Saturdays.
5. Saratoga Spa State Park
When visiting Saratoga Springs, it is essential to explore Saratoga Spa State Park. This park is located just south of the center and Congress Park. It offers a wide range of enjoyable outdoor activities, including museums, art exhibits, and landmarks.
For many years, people have visited the park to drink and soak in the soothing waters of its springs. In the past, it was a popular retreat for wealthy and famous individuals, earning it the nickname “Queen of Spas.” Nowadays, there are numerous pools available for visitors to enjoy.
The bath houses in the park have impressive classical architecture, while the paths and picnic areas are also delightful to stroll through. In addition to hiking and biking, the park provides tennis courts and well-maintained golf courses for recreational purposes.
Furthermore, the park is home to not only automobile and dance museums but also the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and opera.
4. Saratoga Race Course
One of the best parts of a vacation is going to the Saratoga Race Course to watch an exciting horse race that you’ll always remember. The race track has been around since 1863 and is highly respected. It’s located on the southeast edge of Spa City and has both dirt and turf tracks.
The big grandstands have plenty of seats and suites where you can get a great view of the horses and jockeys racing. Even the restaurants and bars have windows overlooking the track, so you can still see the action while you eat or drink. This place is often ranked as one of the best sports venues in the world.
The racing season runs from July to September, with races happening six days a week in the summer. In addition to enjoying the thrilling atmosphere, you can also bet on the races, take a tour of the paddocks, and visit the nearby Hall of Fame.
3. Trip to Lake George
Lake George, located just half an hour’s drive north of Saratoga Springs, is a must-visit destination. It is nestled in the beautiful Adirondacks and offers breathtaking landscapes and nature. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as boating, kayaking, and watersports, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
You can also hike, cycle, or go horseback riding along the scenic shoreline, which is lined with trees and has marinas and campsites scattered around. In addition to sightseeing cruises, the town of Lake George offers numerous shops and restaurants to explore. Moreover, you can find various hotels and golf courses, as well as a family-friendly amusement park.
2. Saratoga Springs Visitor Center
To start your exploration of the town, it’s a good idea to visit the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center. Here, you will find information about all the exciting attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options available in the area. The visitor center itself is a beautiful building with stunning architecture and lovely surroundings.
Originally known as ‘The Drinkhall’, this building used to serve as the town’s trolley station in 1915. The center has a central block with three impressive bays, a decorative frieze, and various motifs. The wings on either side of the center are simpler in style. Inside, you will find a high ceiling with a barrel vault design.
The displays in the center are filled with brochures and pamphlets about the city’s sightseeing opportunities and ongoing events. If you need any advice or tips, the friendly staff members are always available to assist you and guide you in the right direction.
1. National Museum of Dance
The National Museum of Dance is a lively and intriguing place filled with colorful costumes, posters, and photos. Housed in the former Washington Bath House, its airy galleries and extensive exhibits are located at the northern end of Saratoga Spa State Park.
Established in 1986, the well-curated displays cover a range of dance styles, from classical ballet and jazz to discussions about critics, composers, and choreographers. The museum also features famous dances performed in films or at traditional festivals, showcasing cool artifacts and installations throughout.
In addition to watching short film clips and marveling at the artists’ movements, visitors can explore the Hall of Fame. This area highlights the biographies and portraits of renowned individuals like Fred Astaire, Lucia Chase, and Anna Pavlova, among many others.
