10 Things to Do in Saratoga Springs That You Shouldn't Miss

March 18, 2018 Terina Blouin

Saratoga Springs is one of those special getaway spots where everything is just, well, pretty close to perfect. The city's lovely tree-lined streets and grand old Victorians, porch swings swaying and gardens brimming with colorful flora bring to mind a gentler era. World-class horse racing, renowned performing arts and natural springs spas, plus 13 golf courses, 10 museums, a historic battlefield, fabulous boutiques, antiques and restaurants mean there is something for everyone. Relax at the Lincoln Mineral Baths, window shop in town and then it's off to the races. Walk everywhere, it's that kind of place. One of the oldest tourist destinations in the United States, Saratoga offers ample accommodation choices in elegant hotels, historic bed and breakfasts or comfortable inns. The only drawback is you may never want to leave.
Restaurants in Saratoga Springs

1. Saratoga Spa State Park

19 Roosevelt Dr, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-6225 +1 518-584-2535
Excellent
73%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 737 reviews

Saratoga Spa State Park

This National Historic Landmark offers diverse cultural, aesthetic and recreational activities in such venues as the Lincoln mineral baths, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Spa Little Theater, National Museum of Dance and the historic Gideon Putnam Hotel.

Reviewed By pogo77 - Middlebury, Connecticut

Loved the park! We got there later than expected due to weather delay. We walked to 4 or 5 springs on the short loop. Below freezing temps but springs were flowing! Trails we easy to see with short cuts available (we were loosing daylight). We did not get to see the warming hut or any of the other buildings on site that day. Parking was free and easy. We came back for appointments at the Roosevelt Baths and Farmers Market the next day- great trip. Only thing that would make the park better would be a open gas fire pit somewhere on the grounds were people could meet and get warm.

2. Glen Falls

Glen Ave, Williamsville, NY
Excellent
72%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 172 reviews

Glen Falls

Reviewed By hilpup24 - Buffalo, New York

I used to live right by this park and it was a place I would go to several times a week. Like a little getaway in the middle of bustling Williamsville. Fantastic place to walk around after getting some ice cream at Sweet Jenny's.

3. Saratoga Race Course

267 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-3553 +1 518-584-6200
Excellent
73%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Saratoga Race Course

This famed 350-acre racetrack features thoroughbred horseracing during its six-week season from late July through early September. Though one of the sport's premier events, the races often take second place to people-watching.

Reviewed By Rachel L - Newark, Delaware

Saratoga is a historic and beautiful race track for Thoroughbreds. It's always an enjoyable day spent at this classy track!

4. National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

191 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-3513 +1 518-584-0400
Excellent
68%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 221 reviews

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

History of Thoroughbred racing is told through a superb collection of equine art, trophies of past wins, magnificent silks and racing memorabilia.

Reviewed By Roger H - Lexington, Kentucky

Went to tour Saratoga Race Track was disappointed to find it was closed and didn't offer tours (wrong information on TripAdvisor). We went to museum and was very impressed, it was free admission on this day. Being from the Horse Capital and avid thoroughbred fan it was a great blast from my past. I had known or wagered on most of Hall of Fame members from 1965 to present . Even if you're not a racing enthusiast this venue is great, informative, and very cool. Loved it!

5. Congress Park

Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 +1 518-587-3550
Excellent
62%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 637 reviews

Congress Park

Located in the center of town, this beautifully landscaped park features the historic Canfield Casino and many of the famous springs that made the area famous.

Reviewed By nldogbert - Eindhoven, The Netherlands

This is a large park with lots of greens and in winter, with the snow covered grounds, this place is very beautiful for a stroll. It is a nice peaceful break from the busy downtown area with some nice historical buildings on the grounds.

6. Saratoga Springs Visitor Center

297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-4204 +1 518-587-3241
Excellent
67%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 148 reviews

Saratoga Springs Visitor Center

Find out where to dine, what to see and where to stay at this informational center filled with brochures, maps and guides for visitors.

Reviewed By Slick5276 - Salisbury, North Carolina

While on a recent tour of Saratoga Springs, we had a step on guide who joined us for an interesting tour around the town. She had lived there all her life and knew everything and everyone. Such an interesting town! We were in awe of the homes, gardens and history of the town.
We concluded our tour by going into the visitors center. There were lots of pamphlets, brochures, magazines, etc for the area as well as friendly, helpful staff who answered our questions.

7. Yaddo Gardens

Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 +1 518-584-0746
Excellent
53%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 261 reviews

Yaddo Gardens

Formal rose and rock gardens are part of the magnificent Yaddo estate, a working artists' community.

Reviewed By loishms - East Windsor, Connecticut

What a nice escape from the busyness of Saratoga and the tourists! The gardens are peaceful and beautiful. The statues, fountains, pillars and rock garden are lovely. Although some of the other reviews mention guides being present, I have never seen one. Someday I would love to take part in a tour. I would also like to visit when the roses are at their peak. It must be magnificent!

8. The Saratoga Automobile Museum

110 Avenue of the Pnes, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-6220 +1 518-587-1935
Excellent
44%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 227 reviews

The Saratoga Automobile Museum

Reviewed By idonotusescreennames - Ottawa, Canada

This is not just a display of cars, they try to address cultural and historical aspects of the impact car culture has had on society. It is rather positive about that impact, and ultimately this is a small shrine to the automobile, highlighted by the regular (and apparently wildly popular and over the top) auctions of fine old and new cars. Glad I went, but the whole thing seemed to be aimed at (affluent) collectors.

9. Saratoga Performing Arts Center

108 Avenue of the Pnes, Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-6296 +1 518-584-9330
Excellent
54%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
7%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 471 reviews

Saratoga Performing Arts Center

Summertime cultural and entertainment venue features performances in a sheltered amphitheatre or "under the stars." The Center is the summer home of the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Reviewed By Bourlingueur60 - Albany, New York

The Philadelphia Orchestra performed at SPAC during a 3-week period in August. We attended a concert each of the weeks. At 2 of the concerts, the smell of cigarette smoke filled the amphitheater. This is just plain disgusting…. It is a good thing that the renewals come in February when we have forgotten the hot humid nights, mosquitos, and uncomfortable seats.

10. New York State Military Museum

61 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-2315 +1 518-581-5100
Excellent
66%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 74 reviews

New York State Military Museum

Reviewed By Rita S - Brevard County, Florida

Very large & quite impressive collection of military memorabilia, weaponry, vehicles, uniforms, artifacts. Detailed exhibits. Everything Thoroughly presented & documented. Displayed in era's (date). Housed in an old Armory building. Small gift shop. Helpful, knowledgeable staff. A hidden gem. Free admission. Terrific day trip.

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