Saratoga Springs is a quintessential American resort town located in upstate New York. Earlier this summer my family and I stopped here for an afternoon to break up the long drive to Lake George. But it wasn’t our first time visiting this adorable city and it won’t be our last.

Saratoga is named after its healing springs, but more famously known for its horse racing. Its home to both the famous Saratoga Racing Course and the National Museum of Racing. If you love a fun day event at the races and a relaxing spa then Saratoga may have everything you need! But there is a lot more to it than that.

One of the cool things about Saratoga is that it’s a special place to visit all year round, in any season.

The first time I went to Saratoga was for one of my closest friends weddings in December 2016. It was an amazing weekend of family gatherings and celebrations, in the most picturesque winter environment. We walked through town under a light snowfall, the street lights and buildings covered in red and green holiday decorations. The wedding events were perfectly planned to give us some time to enjoy Saratoga, as well as celebrate the wonderful couple!

My family and I had such a great time, we looked forward to coming back again in the future.

I imagine that it’s just as enjoyable visiting Saratoga Springs on a crisp autumn weekend as the leaves are changing colors, or in Spring when the flowers are blooming. No matter the time of year, there is an undeniable charm to this place, and it’s worth planning a visit!

Things to Do in Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs offers quite a lot to do within it’s town limits, here are a few activities I would recommend!

And don’t forget, Saratoga Springs is centrally located upstate in New York. It’s close to many other popular areas like the Adirondacks and Lake George, or Great Sacandaga Lake. It’s easy to build a larger trip around it.

Attend a Horse Race

The Saratoga Race Course opened in 1863 and it’s one of the oldest major sporting venues in the country. During the season which begins in mid-July, races happen five days a week through labor Day weekend. Check out the racing calendar on the site so you can catch a race during your visit!

You’ll notice there is definitely a country vibe to Saratoga, which probably has to do with horse racing being a large part of the community. It’s fun to see little nods to the history of Saratoga around town, both amongst the new modern builds and the old historic buildings.

Explore the Outdoors

Saratoga Springs is appropriately named after its mineral springs at Spa Park. If you are looking to spend some time in nature, visit this 2,400 acre park preserve. There are great hiking trails where you can explore geysers and springs, pools, golf, bike riding and many activities throughout the park. Afterward you can relax at the spa in one of the bath houses.

Attend a show at SPAC (Saratoga Performing Arts Center)

SPAC is definitely one of the region’s best venues. It’s actually located in the Spa state park, and they hold a variety of events including concerts, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the New York City Ballet. It has a 5,200 seat amphitheater and a lawn that holds an additional 20,000 people – so it’s not a small stage.

I was always jealous of my friends from upstate New York who could attend these amazing outdoor concerts, and they always seem to have great performers. In the next few weeks they’ll have Maroon 5, Dave Matthews Band, Jonas Brothers and Zac Brown Band all playing SPAC! One event I’d love to visit for is the Saratoga Wine and Food Festival.

Shopping the historic Broadway District

In the heart of Saratoga Springs NY you’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, and hotels. This central part of town is pretty large, and each time I’ve visited I never made it into every boutique I had my sights on (though I’ve certainly tried). There are so many cute small businesses that are unique to Saratoga, and the friendly staff always seems to be so proud of their shops. Truly, people are so friendly in Saratoga. I’ve struck up conversations with salespeople and waiters who’ve offered recommendations for other shops and things to do in the area!

My sister and I found the cutest stores in the Saratoga Marketplace, called Lucia, and I ended up buying a great straw hat. I also found a breezy summer dress for my vacation from Yellow Boutique.

One of my favorite stores is the Saratoga Olive Oil Co shop. It’s fun to taste test the different flavors, and these bottles make for the best gifts! The delicious raspberry balsamic was even a party favor at my friends Saratoga wedding.

Dining in Saratoga

I feel like this town is a foodies dream. There are so many farm to table restaurants, and a large variety of cuisines. Dining options vary from rustic cozy historic inns, to bright beer gardens to modern steakhouses.

Here are just some of the great places to grab food in town!

15 Church - Elegant dining and fantastic food
Thirsty Owl - Bistro & Wine Bar
Scallions - Healthy gourmet dining with GF and vegan/vegetarian options!
Bailey’s Cafe - charming outdoor/indoor bar with a full menu & live music
Salt & Char - Farm to table steakhouse at the Adelphi Hotel
Olde Bryan Inn - Dining in a stone tavern built in 1773!!
Wheatfield’s - Italian handcrafted fresh pastas
Hamlet & Ghost - great for cocktails and dining

And for after dinner, here is a list of bars to grab a drink:

Druther’s Brewing - Beer garden right in town
Henry St Taproom - Great bar for craft beers, cocktails and food too
Caffe Lena - good for drinks and live music or performances
Adelphi Wine & Bar Garden - Perfect for a drink post Salt & Char
Harvey’s - Irish pub

Where to Stay in Saratoga Springs

When I stayed here we spent three days in a spacious suite in the Embassy Suites by Hilton Saratoga Springs. It was clean as always, and had all the amenities we needed. Plus it was centrally located in town and across the street from the wedding venue. There are a few reliable options like the Hampton Inn or Holiday Inn as well.

My hotel recommendation would be the Adelphi Hotel on Broadway. Its beautifully and luxe, but located right in town in a historic hotel property.

Another option is the twelve room boutique Brentwood Hotel. It’s located about a half a mile out of the center of town, but looks SO CUTE. I would love to stay here or even just swing by the lobby bar for a drink the next time I’m in town.

Lastly, you can’t beat a weekend at the Saratoga Arms. The rooms are beautifully decorated and each unique, many even have their own fireplaces. If you’re doing a girls trip or a romantic weekend you can even pick from a few of their custom packages.

I hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about Saratoga, and that you consider visiting one day yourself. This cute town is a great place to explore while on a trip upstate, or as a destination itself. As for me, I’m definitely planning to come back next year and attend one of the official thoroughbred horse races, and have another great weekend in Saratoga!

Xx Gab

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