Known across the world for Thoroughbred horse racing and its wealth of mineral waters that made it the ideal setting for America’s first resort, Saratoga Springs is an excellent place to visit all year long. Nestled at the foothills of the Adirondacks, just south of Lake George and just north of the state capital of Albany, Saratoga Springs offers top-notch lodging, dining, and cultural attractions all with a backdrop that may remind you of a Norman Rockwell painting. Spend a weekend discovering The Spa City.
Updated 5/7/26
FRIDAY
1 pm: Giddy Up at the Saratoga Race Course
Experience the thrill of thundering hooves as the finest Thoroughbreds in the world compete at the Saratoga Race Course. The season takes place from July 3 – September 7, and features multiple major events that you may want to plan your visit around! For the third year in a row, the Saratoga Race Course will host the prestigious Belmont Stakes. The action kicks off on Wednesday, June 3, with the full 5-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival running from June 3 through June 7. Racing fans have even more to celebrate as the course will once again host the July 4th Racing Festival, (July 3 – July 5) traditionally held at Belmont Park. Perhaps the most popular track tradition, the 36th annual Travers Stakes comes to town on August 29.
Saratoga began racing horses in 1863, and the course retains a charm and old-world elegance. Much more than a horse racing venue, an afternoon at the track means being a part of a festival atmosphere that includes fantastic local food, live music, and people-watching opportunities galore as folks come dressed to the nines. The competition for the fanciest hat is almost as contested as the race itself! If you’re traveling during the off season, you can still take backstretch tours to view the historic grounds that served as a film set for the Hollywood movie Seabiscuit.
5 pm: Stroll Along Historic Broadway
Credit: @saratoga_ny on Instagram
Take a stroll down Broadway, Saratoga’s award-winning Great American Main Street. Peek inside the windows of a number of locally-owned boutiques that contribute to the street’s charm, including Impressions, Saratoga Tea & Honey Co., Saratoga Olive Oil Co., and Northshire Bookstore. Enjoy dinner and drinks at 15 Church, an upscale restaurant known for its fresh seafood and steak. Marvel at the exposed brick, natural barn wood, open kitchen and wood-fire grill at Seneca. Get cozy on the patio at Morrissey’s Lounge & Bistro, offering some of the best views, cuisine, and crack cocktails on Broadway. Saratoga has more restaurants per capita than NYC, so there is something to suit every taste.
8 pm: Settle in at Saratoga Arms
Take a short and scenic walk to Saratoga Arms, a beautifully restored, award winning, Second Empire brick hotel. Ease into the evening with conversation over drinks on the wraparound porch overlooking Broadway. This family-owned and operated historic gem offers 31 guest rooms, luxurious amenities, and custom-designed classic furniture, making it an ideal choice for a home base.
SATURDAY
8 am: Explore Congress Park
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Threaded with Grecian pavilions, Italian gardens, groves of trees surrounding mineral springs, and even a carousel, a walk through Congress Park is a walk through time. After exploring the grounds, head to Sweet Mimi‘s for an award-winning breakfast and pastry selection, or the Country Corner Café for a classic comfort foods inspired by seasonal ingredients.
10 am: Lounge on the Lake
Make your way to Saratoga Lake where you can stay dry and catch some rays on Brown’s Beach or cool off and go for a swim. If you’re up for a different aquatic adventure, float on over to the Kayak Shak and rent a kayak or paddleboard to serenely paddle for miles. If you’re looking to go all out, book a tiki boat tour. The thatch-covered 16-passenger floating tiki boat is the perfect way for you and your crew to cruise in style.
12:30 pm: Finger Lickin’ Chicken at Hattie’s
Hattie’s Restaurant has a storied past dating back to 1938. Known for its fried chicken, this character-filled and beloved venue once won the Food Network’s Fried Chicken Throwdown with Bobby Flay. Its original time-tested recipes for sides such as collard greens and macaroni and cheese add to the appeal. It’s mainly a dinner joint but serves a popular brunch/lunch on weekends as well.
2 pm: Museum Round-up
After you’ve fueled your body, visit one of these unique museums depending on your interests:
Saratoga Automobile Museum: Check out some of the greatest cars from around the world! Nestled in Saratoga Spa State Park in a repurposed bottling plant, the museum features permanent exhibits, car shows, and special exhibits, including: 140 years of Mercedes-Benz.
The National Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame: Interested in the history of horse racing? Experience a life-size starting gate with all the sounds and pre-race whinnies of the horses as they load and break, and watch a movie about the majesty of Thoroughbreds.
The Children’s Museum at Saratoga: Kids can learn about science, history, community living, and the arts by exploring the museum’s hands-on exhibits. The museum is conveniently located in the Saratoga Spa State Park.
7 pm: Rock On on the SPAC Lawn
Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) has hosted the world’s greatest artists and musicians in its treasured, award-winning amphitheater. Find the summer line-up here and discover SPAC’s diverse group of visiting artists, from the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra to the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Laugh out loud with John Mulaney or break out in song and dance with Pitbull, Kesha, James Taylor, Dave Matthews Band, and Tim McGraw.
SUNDAY
9 am: Find Uncommon Grounds
Credit: @worldsbestbagel on Instagram
Drop in and leisurely enjoy fresh-roasted coffee and a house-made bagel while you people-watch from the patio of Uncommon Grounds. This locally-owned staple serves beverages and bites all day long.
10 am: Soak in Serenity at Roosevelt Baths
Credit: Beautiful Destinations
A luxurious massage and mineral bath at Roosevelt Baths in Saratoga Spa State Park is a must-do on your trip. Make reservations at least two weeks in advance to get a prime Sunday appointment. You’ll be glad you did as you slip into the mineral waters drawn from the ground and your cares bubble away with the natural effervescence.
12 pm: Tour the Historic Gideon Putnam Hotel
Named for one of the founders of Saratoga Springs, the Gideon Putnam Hotel offers a lavish brunch spread in a series of four picturesque dining rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Saratoga Spa State Park. Try to make reservations two weeks in advance for this, too.
2 pm: Get on the Green
Hit the links and enjoy world-class golf at the public Saratoga National Golf Course. Take in stunning views of the natural landscape and distant Adirondack mountains as you play 18 holes.
GETTING THERE:
By car:
From Montreal: 3 hours
From NYC: 3 hours, 30 minutes
From Boston: 3 hours, 30 minutes
From Philadelphia: 4 hours, 25 minutes
By air: Albany International Airport, 30-minute drive
By train: Amtrak to Saratoga Springs Train Station.
By bus: Trailways or Greyhound to Saratoga Bus Station.
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