Close up of a row of Brentwood x Linus bikes awaiting riders on the patio at the Brentwood.

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!

Horses in the midst of an exciting race at the Saratoga Race Course.
View from the patio at the Brentwood of the starting gate at the Saratoga Race Course.

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.

Exterior of the Fasig Tipton sales paddock building in the fall.
People enjoying a hot day at the Victoria Pool in Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs.

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.

People enjoying an evening show at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center amphitheater.
Friendly ducks in Congress Park in Saratoga Springs.

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

Compton's Restaurant

Classic greasy spoon.

Darling Donuts

Donuts, coffee, and specialty treats

The Merc

Hearty brunch and more in a historic building.

Mrs. London's

Parisian style bakery.

Uncommon Grounds

Coffee shop and bagel spot.

Lunch & Dinner

9 Miles East

Farm-fresh, award winning sourdough pizza, meals to go, and more.

15 Church

Intimate fine dining with a lively patio space.

550 Waterfront

Seafood and American fare on Saratoga Lake.

Boca Bistro

Spanish tapas.

The Brook Tavern

Neighborhood tavern.

Cantina

Modern Mexican fare and an extensive tequila list.

Comfort Kitchen

Locally sourced comfort food.

Druther's Brewing Co.

Brew pub with large outdoor space. Great for families.

Hattie's

A Saratoga staple. Southern cooking and fried chicken.

Hamlet & Ghost

New American fare and craft cocktails in an intimate setting.

Henry St. Taproom

Craft beer par with new American fare.

Little Market at Five Points

Neighborhood spot for quick breakfast and lunch.

The Local

Irish pub and teahouse in an intimate setting.

Mouzon House

Farm-to-table Creole in a romantic Victorian house.

Olde Byran Inn

Historic tavern.

Putnam Market

Upscale deli and market — great for picnics.

Salt & Char

Modern American steakhouse.

Solevo Kitchen & Social

Old school Italian.

Taquero

Street style tacos and donuts. Open late!

Thorn + Roots

Juice bar with smoothies, grain bowls, salads, and more.

Whitman Brewing

Craft brewery serving Detroit style pizza and more.

Whole Harvest

Cafe serving locally sourced, vegan, vegetarian and gluten free fare.

Drinks

Cocktails & More

9 Maple

Martini and jazz bar.

Desperate Annie's

Classic dive.

Hamlet & Ghost

Expertly crafted cocktails and more in an intimate setting.

Lucy's Bar

Cozy and eclectic cocktail bar.

The Night Owl

Cocktail bar and dance club

Beer & Cider

Argyle Brewing

Historic train depot tasting room in nearby Cambridge, NY.

Artisanal Brew Works

Belgians, IPAs, and more.

Common Roots Brewing

Offering a wide range of craft beer in nearby Glens Falls, NY.

Druther's Brewing Co.

Brewpub offer a wide range of craft beer.

Henry St. Taproom

Taproom with an eclectic, rotating beer list.

Melo Moon Cider

Craft cider from locally foraged, wild apple trees in nearby Greenwich, NY.

Pint Sized

Beer bar and can shop.

Saratoga Apple

Local orchard serving craft hard cider and more.

Unified Beerworks

Specializing in NE style IPAs in nearby Malta, NY.

Whitman Brewing

Destination craft brewery in the old Saratogian Building.

Coffee

Saratoga Coffee Traders

Compact and quaint coffee hangout.

Uncommon Grounds

Coffee shop and bagel spot.

Kru Coffee

Coffee shop with a meticulous approach to roasting and brewing.

Wired Coffee Roasters

Coffee shop located in the historic Lincoln Baths building in Spa State Park.

The Palette Cafe

Coffee shop and community gathering space.

Walt Cafe

Specialty lattes and baked goods (gourmet pop tarts!) in the old Saratogian building.

Mrs. London's

Parisian style bakery.

Shopping

First Fill Spirits

Boutique whiskey and spirits store.

G. Willikers

Unique and classic toys, games, and gifts.

Grateful Threads

Vintage shop specializing in 90s apparel.

Lyrical Ballad Bookstore

Winding stacks of rare and used books.

Mountainman Outdoor Supply Co.

Outdoor supply store.

Northshire Bookstore

Largest independent bookstore north of NYC.

Saratoga Tea & Honey

Tea bar with hundreds of fine loose leaf teas, raw & infused honeys, gifts, and more.

Saratoga Candy Co.

Neighborhood candy store and home of the famous Peppermint Pig.

Saratoga Marketplace

Boutique shopping in the heart of downtown Saratoga.

Soave Faire

Arts supplies and more — a modern "five and dime."

Union Hall Supply Co.

Curated selection of modern clothing and accessories for men.

Arts & Entertainment

Music

Caffe Lena

Oldest continually operating folk music venue in the country.

Putnam Place

Live music from local, regional, and nationally touring bands.

Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC)

Outdoor amphitheater hosting historic classical residencies alongside a calendar of Live Nation tours.

Universal Preservation Hall (UPH)

Performing arts, education, and entertainment venue.

Art

Frances Young Tang Art Gallery

Expertly curated rotating exhibitions and permanent collection on the campus of Skidmore College.

Saratoga Arts

Local gallery space in Congress Park.

Salem Art Works

Sculpture park and artist residency in nearby Salem, NY.

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 Dance & Hall of Fame

Galleries and exhibits in a 1918 bathhouse.

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.

Saratoga Race Course

Saratoga's main attraction and oldest sporting venue in the country!

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.

Hike Rock Park

Home of the Saratoga Farmers' Market, 9/11 Memorial, and several mineral springs.

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.

Hadley Mountain

Family-friendly 3.6 mile round trip hike with a fire tower at the summit.

Buck Mountain

Moderate hike on the east shore of Lake George with unparalleled views.

Sleeping Beauty Mountain

Moderate hike offering views of Lake George and Vermont, and access to Shelving Rock Falls.

Fitness & Wellness

Complexions Day Spa

Day spa offering full range of spa services.

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.

Planet Fitness

Located at the Wilton Mall.

Roosevelt Baths & Spa

Historic health spa featuring famed Saratoga mineral baths.

Saratoga Regional YMCA

Regional YMCA with two locations in Saratoga.

Spa Cascada

Day spa offering full range of spa services.

The Hot Yoga Spot

Regional studio with a location in downtown Saratoga.

Yoga Mandali

Saratoga's premiere yoga training and wellness center.

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.

The Worker's Club

Boutique coworking and conference space in downtown Saratoga.

An empty starting gate at the Saratoga Race Course.

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