Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs is located just south of the Adirondacks in upstate New York. Long a vacation destination for New Yorkers, Saratoga Springs is a pleasant town filled with swanky shops, spas and horse racing. A key battle in the Revolutionary War happened nearby. The city is home to Skidmore College and Empire State College (SUNY).

Understand

Saratoga is most known for its great horse racing track (oldest in the country) and harness racing track. Victorian visitors came to take the waters at springs. The spring waters are located at different pavilions around the city and surrounds. They vary tremendously in flavor from a light mineral water to frosty and hard. This city of 28,000 people (2020) is a major tourist destination during its summer horse racing season. Yaddo, the famous writers retreat is located near the "flat track" on Union avenue. If you call ahead, you may be able to tour.

Get in

By plane

Albany International Airport (ALB IATA) in Albany.

By car

Saratoga Springs is just off Interstate 87 about 45 min north of Albany and 4 hours from New York City and 3.5 hr south of the Canadian border. Enjoy this tree lined drive along I-87, also called the Adirondack Northway.

By train
See also: Rail travel in the United States

By bus

Get around

The downtown walking area is centered on Broadway, but you will need to use public transport or a car to reach the world famous Saratoga Race Track, Saratoga Casino, Natural Museum of Dance, Roosevelt Spa, Saratoga SPA State Parkor SPAC. However, there is a lot to see and do in the downtown area of Saratoga Springs.

Visitor center
  • Saratoga Springs Urban Cultural Park Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, Phone: +1 518 587-3241. Daily 9AM-4PM (closed Su Dec-Mar).

See
  • 🌍 Saratoga Spa State Park, 19 Roosevelt Dr (I-87 to exit 13N; take Route 9 north for 3 miles to park; or from Downtown, take Route 9 south about 2 miles), ☏ +1 518 584-2535. year round. Dubbed "The Public's Resort", this park has mineral baths, eighteen-hole and nine-hole golf courses, free hardtop and clay tennis courts, and several pool areas with showers, locker rooms, rest rooms and food concessions. Hiking (and cross country/snowshoe) trails and picnic areas complete with grills are available as well. The park encompasses and protects the mineral springs in use at least as far back as the 14th century. This "Queen of Spas" was a 19th-century vacation retreat for the rich and famous. $10/vehicle for some areas of the park. Victoria Pool: adults $8, children $4. 
    • 🌍 National Museum of Dance, 99 South Broadway, ☏ +1 518 584-2225. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM. Adults $6.50, students and seniors $5, under 12 $3. 
    • 🌍 Roosevelt Baths and Spa, 37-39 Roosevelt Dr (inside Saratoga Spa State Park), ☏ +1 518 226-4790. Daily 9AM-7PM. Despite the plethora of day spas around the city, this is the only place where you can relax in a natural mineral bath using water drawn straight from the ground. (It's mixed with hot tap water to bring it up to a comfortable temperature, though.) This facility was built in 1935 as part of the development of the park. While the mineral baths are their signature service, they also offer the standard menu of modern spa services: massages, facials, etc. The decor, with its aged porcelain fixtures and linoleum floors, may look a little institutional, but keep in mind any oxidation you see is natural, a result of iron in the spring water. And it's certainly the most authentic Saratoga spa experience you can get. 
    • 🌍 Saratoga Automobile Museum, 110 Avenue of the Pines, ☏ +1 518 587-1935. (updated Apr 2018)
  • 🌍 The Children's Museum at Saratoga, 69 Caroline Street, ☏ +1 518 584-5540, fax: +1 518 584-6059. Summer: 9:30AM-4:30PM. Winter hours (Labor Day through June): Tu-Sa 9:30AM-4:30PM, Su noon-4:30PM. $5, under age 1 free.. 
  • 🌍 Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery, 815 N Broadway (at Skidmore College), ☏ +1 518 580-8080, . Tu W F-Su noon-5PM; Th noon-9PM. Free. Suggested donations: adult $5, children over 12 $3, seniors $2. 
  • 🌍 National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame, Union and Ludlow Sts, ☏ +1 518 584-0400. M-Sa 10AM-4PM, Su noon-4PM (closed M Tu in Jan and Feb). A place to experience the history of one of Saratoga's most popular attractions, thoroughbred racing. Something for everyone with interactive exhibits, rare memorabilia, and equine art. Adults $7; seniors, students $5; under 6 free. 
  • 🌍 New York State Military Museum, 61 Lake Avenue, ☏ +1 518 226-0991. Tu-Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 1-4PM. Voluntary donation.. 
  • 🌍 Saratoga Springs History Museum, 1 E Congress St, ☏ +1 518 584-6920. Canfield Casino Bldg, Congress Park. Summer 10AM-4PM. Other seasons W-Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 1-4PM. Housed in an 1870 casino. Adults $5, ages 12-17 $3. 
  • 🌍 Yaddo Gardens, Route 9P, ☏ +1 518 584-0746. Artist community on a 400-acre site. 
  • 🌍 Saratoga National Historical Park, 648 Route 32, Stillwater, ☏ +1 518 670-2985. Free. (updated Feb 2018)
  • 🌍 Grant Cottage State Historic Site, 1000 Mt McGregor Rd, Wilton, ☏ +1 518-584-4353, . (updated Jan 2021)

Do
  • Adirondack Balloon Flights (4 exits north of Saratoga, exit 19 on I-87), ☏ +1 518 793-6342. Enjoy the gorgeous views of the Adirondack Region and the Green Mountains of Vermont from high in the sky with an experienced ballooning crew. 
  • 🌍 Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street (second floor, accessible by elevator or stairs), ☏ +1 518 583-0022, toll-free: +1-800-838-3006, . Daily 5-11 PM. Acoustic music in a 110-seat coffeehouse that opened in 1960. The venue enjoys a world-wide reputation for preserving and furthering American musical traditions. Its archives are held at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. The schedule features a mix of established career musicians and nationally touring emerging artists. Emerging artists presented by Caffe Lena have included Bob Dylan, EmmyLou Harris, Don McLean, Arlo Guthrie, Ani DiFranco, G. Love and Sawyer Fredericks. A complete performer list dating back to May 21, 1960 can be viewed on the venue's website. Hospitality for concert-goers includes desserts, light fare, local craft beer, wine, coffees and teas. The venue is operated as a non-profit organization. M W $3 to $5, other days $16 to $60. (updated Feb 2018)
  • Saratoga Lake lies 4 miles southeast of Saratoga Springs. This 8½-mile-long lake has a public boat launch at the north end, and several private marinas. Popular activities include bass fishing, sailing, boating, water skiing, and ice fishing.
  • 🌍 Saratoga Performing Arts Center, 108 Avenue of the Pines, ☏ +1 518 584-9330. Summer home of the New York City Ballet, the Philadelphia Orchestra and various concerts such as the Dave Matthews Band. 

Horse-racing

The time to come to Saratoga is during the Thoroughbred season, which is five or so weeks in July, August and September. The premier race here is the Travers, but every day in the season thousands flock from around New York and points behind to the see the ponies. That said, if you find yourself in town during other times of the year, check out some of the smaller tracks. Indoor gambling places are available for those who have a gambling urge during the winter months.

Golf

Walking

Aside from walking on park trails, one really fun thing to do in good weather is to simply walk up and down Broadway in Downtown. There are lots of beautiful 19th- and early 20th-century buildings lining the street.

Events
  • 🌍 Flurry Festival. Presidents' Day Weekend in February. More than 5000 attendees flock to the city for the annual Flurry Festival, which features folk dance and music, including one of the largest contra dances in the U.S. (updated Jun 2023)

Learn
  • Adirondack Community College, 6 Mountain Ledge Drive, Gansevoort 12831, +1 518 584-3959.
  • Empire State College, 111 West Avenue, +1 518 587-2100 ext. 2297.
  • Skidmore College, 815 North Broadway, +1 518 580-5000. Offering bachelors and/or graduate degrees in over 30 areas of study, as well as the "University Without Walls" degree completion program.

Buy

Saratoga isn't Manhattan, but it does have plenty of boutiques and shops that cater to that particular crowd. No matter what your style is, Saratoga Springs is full of chic boutiques, trendy antique stores and a wide variety of eclectic shops to satisfy any style. Start on Broadway and find local crafts, haute fashion and other merchandise for that platinum card.

  • Celtic Treasures 456 Broadway +1 518 583-9452. Open Daily. This Irish gift shop has only the best from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Pottery, china, jewelry, music, books, posters and prints, sweaters and caps are all available at this charming establishment.
  • Crafters Gallery, 427 Broadway, ☏ +1 518 583-2435. Open daily, shipping available. A large selection of Saratoga related paintings and prints, as well as thoroughbred photos. This local favorite is a great place for gifts. 
  • deJonghe Original Jewelry, 470 Broadway, ☏ +1 518 587-6422. This Gallery/Workshop is where designer and goldsmith Dennis deJonghe creates his one of a kind jewelry out of fine gems and precious metals. It features his equestrian collection, as well as sample wedding bands and other original designs. 
  • Lifestyles 436 Broadway, +1 518 584-4665. Open Daily. V/MC/AE accepted. This specialty boutique in downtown is known for elegant fine fashions and accessories. Designers include Eileen Fisher, Singrid Olsenand, and Michael Stars.
  • Northshire Bookstore, 424 Broadway, ☏ +1 518-682-4200. Su-Th 10AM-7PM, F Sa 10AM-9PM. A family-owned, independent bookstore committed to the future of the book (updated Oct 2016)
  • Rockabella's Boutique, 441B Broadway, ☏ +1 518 581-8386. Find the hottest fashions for women and teens. Find trend driven clothing perfect for your style. Designs by Ed Hardy, Sky, Sweetees, Blue Cult, David Kahn, Unyx, Steve Madden and more. 
  • Saratoga Farmers Market High Rock Park. +1 518 893-2669 Open W 3-6PM, Sa 9AM-1PM. This open air market is home to a variety of homemade goods, crafts, and foods. The market is a must and has been serving the locals for over 25 years.
  • Sweetheart’s Dolls, 368 Broadway, ☏ +1 518 584-6362. V/M accepted. This "shop with a heart" has 24 lines of dolls to choose from. Play dolls as well as porcelain and vinyl collectibles are available in a variety of price ranges. 
  • 🌍 Wilton Mall, 3065 Rt 50, ☏ +1 518-583-2138. (updated Nov 2020)

Eat

Saratoga has some of the best dining in upstate New York. Chefs from New York City have emigrated northward to ensure that there's food for every palette. Most of the finest restaurants can be found on or near Broadway. Keep in mind that some places aren't open outside of the tourist season.

There's also plenty of choice for those less discriminating taste buds or smaller budgets. Pub grub, American specials and small diners abound. And if you're hungry at 2AM, be sure to ask a local where you can get a doughboy. They're great.

Drink

Saratoga has no lack of choices if what you desire is a hop-or-two. Fine Irish Pubs to trendy ultra-light-serving watering holes abound. If wine is what makes you feel fine, you will. Mare, 43 Phila, Doc's and, of course, The Wine Bar will be more than happy to help you. Even if they have to run across town to get exactly what you want, literally!

The wineries from New York's Fingerlakes region have been maturing very well and can be found on most lists. The pages of more established varieties from California, Australia, France and Italy sometimes make your head spin before you sip. If you get the chance attend one of the many wine tastings. They are available both for the novice and the Guru of the Grape.

Sleep

Saratoga Springs has a number of different accommodation options ranging from budget chain motels to quaint (and often historic) bed and breakfasts.

Connect

Saratoga Springs is in the 518 area code. The ZIP code is 12866.

Cope

Publications

Religious services

Stay safe

Saratoga Springs is relatively safe for a city its size. However, the bars along Caroline Street can get a bit rowdy late in the week and on weekends.

Hospitals

Go next
Routes through Saratoga Springs
Montreal ← Ticonderoga ←  N  S  → Schenectady → Albany (Rensselaer)
Montreal ← Lake George ←  N  S  → Albany → New York City
Montreal ← Lake George ←  N  S  → Clifton Park → Albany
Plattsburgh ← Lake George ←  N  S  → END


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