10 Fun Things To Do in Saratoga
Saratoga Race Course
Sports Illustrated named it one of the "Top 10 Sporting Venues of the 20th Century." It’s not only a beautiful place, it also attracts the world’s biggest names in horse racing. Stated simply, there is horse racing and then there's horse racing at Saratoga. Put it on your bucket list.
The meet kicks off in mid-July and runs through Labor Day each year. During the meet, the world focuses on Saratoga for its world-class thoroughbred horse racing including the Travers Stakes, affectionately known as America's "Mid-Summer Derby".
For more information about Saratoga Race Course, click here.
Saratoga Spa State Park
Listed as a National Historic Landmark, within the park’s 2,000 acres, visitors find golf courses, pools, walking trails, classical architecture, mineral springs and museums.
As soon as you drive down the Avenue of the Pines you’ll know you’ve landed someplace special.
For more details about the park and our mineral springs/baths, click here.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC)
Nestled inside the gorgeous Saratoga Spa State Park, SPAC is a hot spot during the summer in Saratoga Springs. It’s amphitheater stage is the summer home of the New York City Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra. It also attracts all the top Live Nation concerts in popular music. The summer venue regularly hosts acts such as Goo Goo Dolls, Dave Matthews Band, Zac Brown Band, Phish and Willie Nelson, just to name a few. And let's not forget the annual Jazz Festival! People come from all over to see a fantastic show and have a guaranteed great time.
For more information on key dates and insider tips about SPAC, click here.
Downtown Saratoga
Take one stroll down Broadway and you'll hear yourself thinking, it’s what downtowns used to be. And more.
So many great places to eat, drink, and dance, as well as shop and hangout. There are wonderful bookstores, quaint shops and art galleries.
By day, it’s the perfect place to go strolling. At night, you’ll be amazed by how alive it becomes.
For more details about all there is to do downtown, click here.
The Great Outdoors
Hike a mountain trail, or go whitewater rafting. Kayak, golf, swim, cycle. Saratoga has mountains, lakes and rivers right nearby. If your thing is being active, this is a destination that doesn’t disappoint.
If you prefer tamer outdoor activities, take a stroll through the city to see public art displays or go for a tour of the natural springs. Or take a self-guided walking tour of the mansions on North Broadway.
For more information on what to do outdoors, click here.
Saratoga Battlefield
The battle fought here is considered the true turning point in the American Revolution. There is a paved tour road as well as hiking trails, with spectacular views all around Saratoga National Historical Park.
In addition to the battlefield, there are also a number of nearby historical sites to visit, such as the Saratoga Monument and Saratoga Surrender Site, so your'e sure to glean something new.
For more information on historical sites in Saratoga County, click here.
Saratoga Casino Hotel
Sure, you can play one of the 1,700 slots and visit the electronic table games, but there’s also live harness racing, multiple dining options, live entertainment, a nightclub and a luxurious hotel.
It’s a safe bet you’ll enjoy your time here.
For more information about Saratoga Casino Hotel, click here.
Museums
If museums are your thing, consider this: Saratoga is home to The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, the National Museum of Dance, New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center, Saratoga Automobile Museum, Saratoga History Museum, The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, and the Tang Teaching Museum and Gallery at Skidmore College.
That ought to keep the history buff in you pretty busy! For more information on each museum in Saratoga, click here.
Golf
For the golfer, Saratoga's got miles and miles of fairways.
Saratoga National is a championship track, superbly maintained. The Saratoga Spa Golf Course in the state park is a nice walk through the pines, with generous fairways and an excellent layout. And it’s nine-hole executive course is just right for those who prefer to play short par-3s.
For more information about Golf Courses in and around Saratoga County, click here.
Healing Waters
There are mineral springs all over the place in Saratoga County. Most of them are naturally carbonated and people have been drinking at them for centuries, believing the water will help heal what ails them.
You can decide that for yourself, but it’s definitely part of Saratoga’s charm.
And for you history buffs, it's said that George Washington wanted to buy land here just to be near the springs.
For more information about Saratoga's springs, click here.
And That's Just to Get You Started...
Ready for Even More?
Salons & Spas
Finding time to relax can be difficult to do, but being in Saratoga makes it easier. There are a multitude of salons and spas throughout the region that can provide the treatment you deserve, while ensuring that you'll come out feeling more relaxed and refreshed than ever.
For more information on all of our salons and spas, click here.
Culinary Tourism
Saratoga features a wide array of culinary delights, including locally grown foods, farmers markets, over 100 area restaurants (tied for the most per capita with San Francisco), cooking classes, wine experts and more. Just by taking a stroll down the streets of downtown Saratoga Springs, you will come across some of the greatest restaurants in Saratoga.
For more information on culinary tourism, click here.
The Horses
Who can think of Saratoga without thinking of the horses? Along with the trotters and flat track, there are still locals keeping polo alive.
Join in the fun and start your polo adventure today!
For more information about Saratoga Polo, click here.
Saratoga Jazz Festival
Every summer in Saratoga, SPAC holds the Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival with world famous artists headlining. This annual gathering is of the most celebrated music festivals and longest-running jazz events in the world.
For more information on this year's festival, click here.
Nightlife
Just because the sun has set, that doesn't mean the fun is over in Saratoga!
There is always something to do at night, all year-round. From restaurants, bars and brew pubs to clubbing and dancing, the late night scene is always lively.
For more information, click here.
Caffè Lena
Caffè Lena is a true Saratoga gem, presenting diverse music and regular open mic nights in an intimate setting. It's considered to be the longest continuously operating folk music venue in the U.S. The Library of Congress calls Caffè Lena “An American treasure,” and it has been recognized by the Grammy Foundation for its important contributions to the development of American music.
For more information about Caffè Lena and its events, click here.
Family Fun
From the popular carousel in the historical Congress Park, to the Children's Museum at Saratoga, to horse rides, bike rides, and breakfast at the track followed by a backstretch tour, Saratoga is a family-friendly place to visit. Everyone in the family - from young children to the grandparents - are guaranteed to have a great time during your stay in Saratoga!
For more information on family-friendly activities in Saratoga, click here.
Hiking and Biking
To enjoy the natural beauty of the region, take a ride on one of the many bike trails through Saratoga Spa State Park or take a hike up Hadley Mountain.
There are a numerous hiking and biking trails all over the region. One can get a great work out and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Saratoga County at the same time!
For more information on hiking and biking trails in the region, click here.
Indoor Fun
If the weather is dreary, or you just would prefer to be inside, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you entertained and enlightened here in Saratoga County. There are national and regionally significant museums, amusement centers, movie theaters, shopping destinations, bookstores, cafes and other places for some indoor fun.
For more information on which places to check out, click here.
Agriculture
Explore corn mazes, fairs and farmers markets during your visit to Saratoga. There are many opportunities to get out on the farm for some good old fashioned fun. Check out our self-guided Saratoga farm tour or help support local farmers while getting fresh food from one of the many area farmers markets.
For more information on agriculture in Saratoga, click here.