ITINERARY
Let us help you make the most of your time in Saratoga Springs.
From the can’t-miss to the got-to-try, we’re here to point you in the right direction.
The Race Season
Saratoga’s number one claim to fame is the Saratoga Race Course, one of the oldest operating sporting venues in America. For eight weeks each summer, racing fans flock to Saratoga from around the world to cheer on their favorites.
Saratoga is known as “The Graveyard of Champions,” so be sure to bet on a few long shots, too!
7 months of training
While the race season lasts for only eight weeks, many thoroughbreds are training here in Saratoga training for nearly seven months. From early May to late October, racehorses can be found exercising daily on the main track and several nearby training tracks. Here at the Brentwood, you can enjoy your morning coffee while a parade of horses trot by, making their way to and from training each day.
August Auctions
Every August, during the race meet, some of the most expensive thoroughbreds in the world are sold at auction at the Fasig-Tipton auction house — open to the public on these nights only — right here in Saratoga Springs. Many famous thoroughbreds have come through the Fasig-Tipton sales, including 2015 Triple Crown winner, American Pharoah, who sold for $300,000 in 2013.
Greetings from Spa City
While the race course tends to occupy the spotlight, it was famed mineral springs that set the course for Saratoga to become the booming destination we know. Dating back to the 1700s, visitors came from far and wide to partake in the springs’ supposed medicinal benefits — a belief still held by some today. The springs gave birth to mineral baths, which eventually established the city as a haven of healthfulness.
Today, visitors can discover 17 unique mineral springs scattered throughout town, some naturally carbonated, and each with its own unique makeup and taste.
A destination for arts & entertainment
From the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) — with longstanding residencies from the New York City Ballet, Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center — to Caffe Lena — the longest continuously operating folk music venue in the country — to the Tang Gallery at Skidmore College, and everything in between, Saratoga is a well-established, regional hub for world class arts and entertainment.
The City in the Country
The "Greenbelt," as it's known, is the area comprised of green spaces surrounding Saratoga's densely developed urban core. This intentional limiting of urban sprawl has led to the growth of a more vibrant and walkable city center, with immediate access to natural features and countless outdoor activities.
Time to explore.
Use these lists of our favorites to find ideas for your trip, and enjoy the best of Saratoga Springs and beyond.
Restaurants
Breakfast & Brunch
Lunch & Dinner
Drinks
Cocktails & More
Beer & Cider
Coffee
Wired Coffee Roasters
Coffee shop located in the historic Lincoln Baths building in Spa State Park.
Shopping
Saratoga Tea & Honey
Tea bar with hundreds of fine loose leaf teas, raw & infused honeys, gifts, and more.
Arts & Entertainment
Music
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC)
Outdoor amphitheater hosting historic classical residencies alongside a calendar of Live Nation tours.
Art
Museums & Institutions
Children's Museum at Saratoga
Designed for kids 7 & under with hands-on, themed play rooms and exhibits.
National Bottle Museum
Offbeat collection of over 2,000 rare and antique bottles in nearby Ballston Spa, NY.
National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame
Located across from the main entrance of the Saratoga Race Course.
Saratoga Automobile Museum
Collection of cars and automotive artifacts in Saratoga Spa State Park.
Yaddo
Famed private artist residency with a publicly accessible rose garden. (Currently closed to public due to COVID)
Outdoors
Around Town
Congress Park
Picturesque public space featuring gardens, sculptures, several mineral springs, and an historic carousel.
Saratoga Spa State Park
2,379 acre state park with miles of nature trails, picnic areas, historic landmarks, golf course, pools, and more.
Saratoga National Historic Park
Site of the Revolutionary Way Battle of Saratoga, commemorated by the Saratoga Monument.
Saratoga PLAN
Local land trust preserving nature areas in Saratoga County. Comprehensive list of area nature trails and more.
Victoria Pool
Historic public pool surrounded by brick colonnades hidden in Saratoga Spa State Park.
Regional Hikes
Moreau Lake State Park
6,250 acre state park with over 20 miles of marked hiking trails offering year-round outdoor activity.
Lake George Land Conservancy
Local nonprofit working to project lands around Lake George. Comprehensive list of Lake George area hikes for all abilities.
Sleeping Beauty Mountain
Moderate hike offering views of Lake George and Vermont, and access to Shelving Rock Falls.
Fitness & Wellness
The Kayak Shak
Canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals on Saratoga Lake, with a schedule of classes and activities.
Max Level Fitness
Independent fitness center offering one-on-one, semi-private trainings, and large-group classes.
Landmarks
Congress Park Carousel
Historic, restored wooden carousel in Congress Park. Open for rides seasonally.
Mineral Springs
21 naturally occurring mineral springs throughout town, each with its own taste, makeup, and fabled healing properties.
Saratoga Island Spouter Geyser
Naturally occurring spouter in Spa State Park, sending a plume of water 10-15 feet in the air.
Utilitarian
Four Seasons Natural Foods
Family-owned natural foods grocery store located in downtown Saratoga.
Saratoga Farmers' Market
Year-round farmer's market located in High Rock Park every Saturday and Wednesday May-October, and at the Wilton Mall every Saturday November-April.
Spa City Farmers' Market
Year-round farmers' market located at the Lincoln Baths in Spa State Park. Every Sunday 10am-2pm.
