Things to Do in Saratoga Springs
A summer racing town with mineral springs, a performing arts center and a lively main street.
See top-rated activities »About Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs became a resort in the early 1800s, when visitors came to drink and bathe in its naturally carbonated mineral springs. Gambling and horse racing followed, and Saratoga Race Course, which opened in 1863, is one of the oldest sporting venues in the country. Its summer meet runs from mid-July through Labor Day, and on race days the track's shady picnic grounds, white wooden grandstand and early-morning workouts make it a social event as much as a sporting one. The Travers Stakes, usually in late August, is the meet's biggest day.
Across Union Avenue, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame tells the story of American thoroughbred racing through paintings, trophies and the stories of famous horses and jockeys. Downtown, Broadway is lined with shops, restaurants and Victorian buildings, and Congress Park, the town's original spa grounds, has the Canfield Casino, mineral springs you can sample and free summer concerts.
South of downtown, Saratoga Spa State Park is a National Historic Landmark with mineral springs, Classical Revival bathhouses, golf courses, pools and wooded trails. The Roosevelt Baths still offer mineral baths, and the Saratoga Automobile Museum occupies a former bottling plant inside the park. The Saratoga Performing Arts Center, or SPAC, is also in the park: New York City Ballet has spent part of each summer there since 1966, and the Philadelphia Orchestra holds an annual summer residency, along with pop concerts on the lawn.
About 25 minutes southeast, Saratoga National Historical Park preserves the battlefield of 1777 where American forces defeated a British army under General John Burgoyne, a turning point that brought France into the Revolutionary War. A tour road with stops and the Saratoga Monument in Victory make an easy half-day trip. Outside racing season, Saratoga is calmer and hotel rates fall sharply, which makes fall a good time to visit.
Don’t Miss
Racing from mid-July through Labor Day at one of the country's oldest tracks, open since 1863.
Art, trophies and Hall of Fame displays on thoroughbred racing, across from the track.
Mineral springs, the Roosevelt Baths, trails and historic buildings in a National Historic Landmark park.
Summer home of New York City Ballet residencies, the Philadelphia Orchestra and big concerts.
Changing exhibits of classic and racing cars in a former spring water bottling plant.
The 1777 Battles of Saratoga battlefield, with a tour road and visitor center.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Saratoga Springs
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Get free trip quotes »Saratoga Springs — FAQ
When is racing at Saratoga?
The summer meet usually runs from mid-July through Labor Day, with racing most days except Mondays and Tuesdays. Check NYRA's calendar for the exact schedule.
Can I drink the spring water in Saratoga?
Yes. Several public springs in Congress Park and Spa State Park flow freely, each with its own mineral taste. Bring a cup and try a few.
Where can I take a mineral bath?
The Roosevelt Baths and Spa in Saratoga Spa State Park offers mineral baths and other spa treatments year-round by appointment.
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