Health, History & Horses — that’s the motto of Saratoga Springs, and it gives a broad hint of what makes this place so special. Saratoga Springs is a lovely town of about 25,000 residents and is home to several mineral springs (health), a Revolutionary War battlefield (history), the country’s oldest thoroughbred racetrack (horses), a lively performing arts community, museums, parks, shops, restaurants, coffee shops, spas, and Skidmore College.
Saratoga Springs has a vibrant downtown — on either side of Broadway, the main street in town — with wide sidewalks that beckon walkers who can reach just about everything already mentioned on foot. A bonus is that the town is located near the foothills of the Adirondack mountains, so there are plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities just a short drive away.
In upstate New York, Sarasota Springs is located 35 miles north of Albany (the state capital); it’s also under 200 miles from Boston, New York, and Montreal — making it a very comfortable drive from those and other nearby cities.
So Much to See and Do
Listed below are the 15 best things to do during your visit to Saratoga Springs. They are not listed in order of importance. Rather, they are listed in order of closest to downtown (and walkable if you’re staying there) to the sites further (but not too far!) away.
#1 Stroll along Broadway
There are great shops and restaurants along Broadway, the town’s main street. As mentioned, this is a lovely downtown with nice wide sidewalks and some beautiful old buildings dating from the 19th century. You’ll find people window shopping, power walking, and dining at outside eateries on the wide tree-lined street. In addition, you’ll find plenty of independently owned establishments selling clothing, jewelry, books, toys, home goods, and horse-themed items (of course!).
#2 Visit Congress Park
Congress Park has trails, fountains, a carousel, and park benches. It’s a peaceful place in a gorgeous setting. When we visited, there were moms walking their kids in strollers, men sitting in their own foldable chairs having a socially distanced business meeting outside, a bunch of kids playing disc golf, and friends strolling with each other. A lovely park in town. Broadway & Congress St.
#3 Tour the Saratoga Springs History Museum
Located in Congress Park, this museum has a history of its own. It was built in 1870 by John Morrissey, a founding member of the nearby racetrack, as a casino — although that term didn’t grace the building. Instead, it was called the Saratoga Clubhouse; naming it a casino would not have sat well with townspeople. Thirteen years later, Richard Canfield bought the building and added quite a few embellishments to the building as well as the grounds of Congress Park; also, it continued its role as a popular casino.
Today, the building is a museum that tells the story of the town’s development from a destination offering mineral baths that were thought to heal all sorts of ailments to its use as a casino and an homage to its citizens (especially the Walworth family) who called this town home. 1 E. Congress Street, Congress Park
#4 Wander Through the Neighborhoods
If you’re staying near Broadway, you have the advantage of being close to a great downtown which is fun to walk through. And if you venture onto side streets, like Fifth Avenue north of Broadway, you’ll walk by some stately homes, many of which were built in the mid to late 19th century. In fact, plenty of the historical homes have plaques by their front doors noting the years they were built. It’s a leisurely way to appreciate some of the charms of Saratoga Springs.
In addition, you can walk to Union Avenue, one of the other main streets in town. Here you’ll find the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame plus the Saratoga Race Course. If you’re lucky, you may spot some riders exercising the horses along one of the tracks even in the off-season. (I took morning walks and caught a few horses stretching their legs on the track.)
#5 Visit Saratoga Race Course
Horse racing is a big draw in Saratoga Springs, and its race track is the country’s oldest thoroughbred track. It hosts an 8-week summer season (mid-July through early September). In addition to the races, the track presents breakfast at the track as well as a tram and walking tour on race days. 267 Union Avenue.
#6 Tour the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
The Saratoga Race Track is an impressive and popular horse racing venue, but the racing season is just a few short weeks in the summer. What’s a horse lover to do? Visit the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame — an interesting museum that will surely grab the interest of even casual observers of the sport (like me).
This museum, just down Union Street from the race track, highlights the history of horse racing in the United States from colonial times to today. Plenty of artifacts including photographs, riding gear, and trophies help tell the story of horse racing.
The Hall of Fame highlights horses, jockeys, trainers, and others associated with horse racing. A 16-minute film lets you hear some of the Hall of Famers relate their love of horses and the sport. 191 Union Avenue
#7 Yaddo
Just down Union Avenue from the race track is this artists’ retreat that has hosted thousands of artists since its inception in 1926. Although the public isn’t able to enter the house as it’s reserved for the artists in residence, visitors are able to enjoy the gardens with a variety of roses, perennials, statues and a fountain. 312 Union Avenue
#8 Explore Saratoga Spa State Park
Saratoga Spa State Park is an expansive, well-maintained park that sprawls over 2,200 acres and has quite a variety of features beckoning visitors: mineral springs, manicured lawns, and well-maintained hiking and biking trails, the Roosevelt Baths offering mineral baths and spa services, a golf course, two pools, and the Gideon Putnam Hotel (dating to the 1920s and located in the park with an on-site restaurant — a short drive from downtown). Plus the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, the Saratoga Automobile Museum, and the National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame are on the grounds.
One interesting (and easy) walk/hike in the park is along Geyser Creek Trail (follow signs to Geyser Loop Road) that takes visitors along Geyser Creek and two of Saratoga’s famous springs. The springs are surrounded by hardened mineral deposits, making for an interesting formation. The park is south of downtown, off S. Broadway.
#9 Enjoy a Performance at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC)
Known far and wide as an important performance art venue, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s amphitheater, located in Saratoga Spa State Park, hosts a variety of musical guests from the world of classical, rock, and, opera. The New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra also perform here. In Saratoga Spa State Park. Check online for the current schedule of performances.
#10 Take a Hike
There are several great trail options in and around town. Of course, there are nice trails in Saratoga Spa State Park, as already mentioned. There are also some a little outside town.
Where We Hiked
We hiked Spruce Mountain Trail (about 12 miles northwest of town in Corinth) which is an up-and-back woodland hike (about 3 miles total) on a rocky trail with lots of tree roots. At the top of the trail (quite an incline in spots) is an old 73-foot fire tower (no longer in use) that visitors can climb for views that stretch for miles. The trail is not accessible during big game hunting season from late October to early December.
Other Hiking Options
For other hiking trails, consider Bog Meadow Brook Trail (an easy hike just outside Saratoga Springs) and more challenging ones at Hadley Mountain (also in Corinth) or Prospect Mountain (about 30 miles north in Lake George). Do an online search for a full list of hiking trails to find the one that will fit the difficulty level and experience you’re looking for.
#11 Visit the Saratoga National Historical Park
Two of the seminal battles of the American Revolution were fought on the Saratoga National Battlefield. British General John Burgoyne marched his men south from Canada and was planning to meet other British forces (who never ended up joining him) in the general area. The plan was to cut off the New England colonies from the rest of the American colonies and gain an advantage in this strategic area.
There were two major battles here in the fall of 1777. Although the British had the upper hand after the first battle on September 19, 1777, the Americans, under the command of Major General Horatio Gates, were victorious after the second battle 18 days later. The eventual outcome? The British surrendered and retreated to Canada. The American victory led to the welcome involvement of the French military and supplies in the American’s fight for independence.
Route 32, Stillwater. Other nearby related sites to visit, all a few miles north along Route 32, are the Surrender Site, the Schuyler House, the Saratoga Monument, and Victory Woods.
#12 Peek into the Past at Grant Cottage
A unique presidential historical home sits just nine miles away from Saratoga Springs in Wilton: Grant Cottage. Home of a friend, this house is where President Ulysses S. Grant retreated from New York City (8 years after his presidency ended) to write his memoirs. At this point, he was suffering from throat cancer that would end up claiming his life. It was here that he spent his last 6 weeks of life before dying in the house on July 23, 1885. On Mt. McGregor, off Ballard Road, Wilton.
#13 Take in Amazing Views
There are plenty of places offering great views of the Hudson River Valley. Here are some we especially enjoyed:
- Saratoga National Historical Park (battlefield) – Stillwater, 15 miles from town, see #11
- Grant Cottage – Wilton, 12 miles from town, see #12
- Prospect Mountain – Lake George, 30 miles from town, see #15
#14 Appreciate Art at the Hyde Collection
Twenty miles away is an interesting art collection at the Hyde Collection in Glens Falls. This art museum is actually in a home once owned by Louis and Charlotte Hyde. The couple began collecting art from Europe and later included pieces by American artists, as well. Over the years, their collection grew to include works by Rembrandt, Sandro Botticelli, El Greco, Peter Paul Rubens, Pablo Picasso, Winslow Homer, and James McNeill Whistler.
As you walk through the rooms listening to a narration (using cellphones), you’ll learn more about life in the Hyde’s household (Charlotte pressed a button under her dining room chair to signal for service) and how they fostered instruction for budding artists in the home’s courtyard — all while marveling at the collection which dates back to pieces from the mid-14th century. 161 Warren Street, Glens Falls
#15 Venture North to the Lake George Area
About a 30-minute drive north of Saratoga Springs sits scenic Lake George and the lakeside town of the same name. Highlights here are a tour of Fort William Henry, a boat tour on Lake George, and a hike or ride up Prospect Mountain. All these places are on the southern end of the lake. On the north side of the lake is Fort Ticonderoga which played an important role in the French and Indian War as well as the American Revolutionary War.
Map
Where to Stay
If you’re planning to visit the general area to visit the Lake George and Saratoga Springs areas, I suggest using Saratoga Springs as your base. The reason is simple. Saratoga Springs has a great downtown with large sidewalks, and plenty of welcoming shops, restaurants, and cafes. After a day out and about, it’s nice to return to your hotel or inn and then walk to dinner in the evening — and maybe get in some window shopping before or after your meal. Another benefit is you don’t feel like you’re in a touristy town. Although hospitality is an important part of the local economy, you aren’t bombarded with souvenir shops or tourist traps.
Can’t Beat Broadway!
Plan your stay in this delightful town on or close to Broadway in the downtown district (between Circular Drive to the west and Van Dam to the east). The only reason you’ll really need your car is to visit some places a little farther away — like the Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Battlefield National Park, Grant Cottage, Glens Falls, and the Lake George area.
Finding the Best Fit
While doing our pre-trip research, I went back and forth about where to stay in the general area. I knew we wanted to visit spots in Lake George and Sarasota Springs. I had first thought of spending a couple of nights in Lake George and a few in Sarasota Springs but then reconsidered due to the choices of lodging in both places. My husband and I just felt that Sarasota Springs would be a more enjoyable choice. It was. We explored Lake George on a couple of different days during our trip, but we really enjoyed staying in Sarasota Springs. The vibe in town is relaxing yet upbeat. Plus there are just too many great choices of restaurants, cafes, brew pubs, and the like.
We settled on Saratoga Arms — a delightfully comfortable hotel run by its owners. It has a large wraparound porch, and a few rooms have covered patios with direct access to Broadway. It’s in an ideal location for strolling around this beautiful town.
Nearby Attractions
Not far from Saratoga Springs are some compelling historical sites including Fort Ticonderoga, Fort William Henry, and Grant Cottage along with the Saratoga battlefield (technically, it’s the Saratoga National Historical Park).
You may also want to consider other amazing sites in New York State:
Final Thoughts
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Sarasota Springs which spanned 5 days. There’s plenty to do in and around town. It’s also a great place to use at home base while exploring other places in the general area. We are already thinking about a return visit to Saratoga Springs and the general area — it was that inviting and compelling.
Comments
Feel free to share suggestions on things to do and places to visit in and around Saratoga Springs. Thanks! 🙂
