Saratoga Springs New York is known for two things: horse racing and natural springs. Obviously, it’s great to visit Saratoga Springs New York to see a race but that’s not always in your control.
The horse races start in mid July and go until early September (that’s only one and a half months!). One and a half months isn’t exactly a lot of time for everyone to be able to see a race.
So when I visited Saratoga Springs in the fall, I was in a for a bit of a rude awakening… But I now have a list of things to do in Saratoga Springs if you’re not visiting on Race Day.
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Is it Even Worth Visiting Saratoga Springs If It Isn’t Race Day?
This honestly depends on you and what you’re interested in. There are still some worth while things to do in Saratoga Springs aside from horse races. That being said, the Saratoga Springs race track is a HUGE part of the city.
After visiting, I definitely feel like I missed an important part of Saratoga Springs New York. If I ever visit again, I’ll try my best to make a point to visit on a race day.,
But, there were a few pros to avoiding visiting on race days altogether…
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Pros To Avoiding Saratoga Springs New York On Race Day
Although there are a few benefits to visiting on race day there are also a few cons. If you aren’t interested in seeing a race, it might be more worth it for you to make sure you AREN’T visiting on a race day.
First, visiting on race day means there’s an influx in tourists in Saratoga Springs New York. This will mean a few things – the city will feel livelier but also be a lot busier.
Restaurants will be more full which means you might have longer waits and might not get into your first choice.
Not to mention, hotels will raise their prices on race days – knowing that these are desired dates.
Cons To Avoiding Race Day
Like I said, horse racing is a big part of Saratoga Springs New York. It’s hard to not realize this – there are horse and jockey statues are everywhere in the city.
If it’s something you’ve never watched before, it’s not a bad place to see your first horse race! Or if you’re a fan, the Saratoga Springs race track is also a must see being the third oldest track in the country.
Visiting on a race day also opens up a few other Saratoga Springs activities. It’s not just about the race after all, it’s also about visiting this century old stadium. Inside, you’ll have access to the famous Big Red Spring – a mineral fountain (something else Saratoga is very known for!).
But, what I’m most upset about missing are the tours offered on race days.
Decided To Visit A Horse Race In Saratoga Springs New York?
You can see the race schedule. Like I said, the races start about mid July and go until early September.
Here’s some general information to know before visiting – like when and where to buy tickets.
Visiting Saratoga Springs New York – General Info
How Long Do You Need In Saratoga Springs
I spent a day and a half in Saratoga Springs… not on a race day… and in the fall (P.S. read more about visiting Saratoga Springs in the fall). It was a bit hard to fill the entire day and a half that we were there – but we got very unlucky with our timing.
The first day we were there it rained all day… and all the museums in Saratoga Springs were closed. So there wasn’t much we could do. We did end up missing a few must-sees in the city (like the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame).
But other than the museums, we somehow still managed to see everything else we wanted to. But, if you’re interested in some of the museums, going to a race, and a spa you might need more time.
Going to a race or the spa can take an entire day alone!
All around, depending on when you’re visiting, one to two days in Saratoga Springs is more than enough to see everything you want.
Do You Need A Car To Get Around Saratoga Springs?
There’s quite a few things to do within walking distance in the city centre that you won’t need a car to get to – especially if you stay at a nearby hotel.
But, there’s also a few activities that are must-dos and are a tad far to walk to from the city centre. The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and the Saratoga Race Course are about a 20 minute walk from Broadway Street.
The Saratoga Spa State Park (which has a lot of things to do in Saratoga Springs, is a 30 minute walk to the closest entrance of the park. Then to walk through the entire park is another 40 minutes! Let’s just say, you’ll most likely want to have a car to get around in Saratoga Springs.
Related
Saratoga Springs Hotel Recommendations
We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Saratoga Springs. Honestly you can’t ask for a better location for the price. The hotel has an amazing lobby to hang out in, is pet friendly, and offers a free breakfast. The only downside is that it would really benefit from an update right now! See availability and room rates on Booking.com.
For a luxury hotel stay, The Adelphi is the only hotel to stay at in the heart of Saratoga Springs. You will feel like royalty when you stay here. See availability and room rates on Booking.com.
I’d also recommend The Springwater Bed and Breakfast, especially if you’re planning on going to a race. They offer a lot of room options (even some entire apartments!) at different price points. See availability and room rates on Booking.com.
For more accommodation options in Saratoga Springs, on Booking.com, or read more of my recommendations for hotels in Saratoga Springs.
Top 13 Saratoga Springs Things To Do (That Aren’t Going To A Horse Race!)
Here are 13 unique things to do in Saratoga Springs that aren’t going a horse race.
Even though you aren’t going to a race, it is still worthwhile to drive by the Saratoga Springs race track.
There’s a fence but you can still see the Saratoga Springs race track inside – and it’s pretty cool! You can see the stands, the immense size of the race track, and one of the uniquely painted horse statue (more on that in a bit!).
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1. Go On A Walking Tour Of Saratoga Springs New York
To find out some information about Saratoga Spring – and get your bearings – go on a walking tour of the city. It was hard to find an official walking tour of the city but you can download (and print) these self-guided walking tours of the different areas of Saratoga Springs.
They have maps for Congress Park, East & West sides of the city, North Broadway, and a tour about the Mineral Waters.
They do also offer walking tours of Congress Park, Food Tours of the City, and Ghost Tours. See Saratoga Springs walking tours.
2. Visit The National Horse Racing Museum And Hall Of Fame
One of the best alternatives you can do instead of going to a horse race, is to go to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (across the street from the Saratoga Springs race track).
If you’re visiting during high season, you should have no problem visiting. If you’re visiting during low season (like I was) check their hours before you visit. They’re closed Monday and Tuesday starting in October.
They have a lot of exhibits about horses and racing at this museum. From photo, art, and horse sculpture galleries to more historical galleries as well.
P.S. Hidden on the side of the museum is a Seabiscuit Statue (one of the most famous horses of all times!). Apparently, there’s also a Secretariat Statue – but I’m not sure where…
P.S.S. Before your trip to Saratoga Springs New York, get in the horse racing mood by watching two films about the most famous race horses of all time: Seabiscuit and Secretariat.
Watch Horse Racing Films Before Visiting Saratoga Springs New York
Where To Watch Secretariat
Buy it on Amazon.ca
Rent or Buy it on Amazon.com
Watch it on Disney+
Where To Watch Seabiscuit
Buy it on Amazon.ca
Rent or Buy it on Amazon.com
3. Visit On Of The Other Many Museums In Saratoga Springs
If you want to avoid the horse racing theme altogether, no problem! There’s a surprising amount of other themed museums in Saratoga Springs as well…
You can go to the Saratoga Springs History Museum in Congress Park. Or head to the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center just off of Broadway Street.
A bit further, in Saratoga Spa State Park there are a few other museums. – like the Children’s Museum at Saratoga, the National Museum of Dance & Hall of Fame (temporarily closed), and the Saratoga Automobile Museum.
If you’re more interested in an art gallery, head to Skidmore College to visit the Tang Museum. They have constantly changing exhibits focusing on the education of diversity through art. P.S. It’s free to visit – a donation is recommended!
Even further – if you’re interested – is a very unique museum in Saratoga Springs: X-Files Preservation Collection. This is probably best for only the biggest X-Files fans.
4. Actually Have A Spa Day In The Mineral Baths
Like I said, Saratoga Springs is known for two things: horse racing and natural springs. If you can’t go to a horse race, you might want to indulge in going to a Saratoga Springs Spa.
For centuries the water in Saratoga Springs were used for it’s mineral healing properties. It was in only 1925 when Roosevelt invested in building the first official baths in Saratoga Springs: The Roosevelt Baths.
So one of the top things to do in Saratoga Springs is still to bathe in the mineral waters at the Roosevelt Baths & Spa today. A reservation is required, so make sure to book in advance.
Also, just a heads up, the water will be yellowish brown – those are all the minerals in the water. But if you don’t know before hand, it can definitely be off putting.
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5. Walk The Vale Of Springs Trail (Geyser Creek Trail) In Saratoga Spa State Park
Are spa and mineral baths not your thing? You can still enjoy the natural Saratoga Springs in the Saratoga Spa State Park. This is perhaps one of the COOLEST Saratoga Springs activities you can do.
Along the Geyser Creek Trail is the Vale of Springs, a half mile loop along the stream. There are two sections to the walk… along the stream and the upper level.
The walk along the stream, can be a bit unnerving… there’s no barrier between you and the stream. It’s also not a wide path, and it can be very wet.
But it’s one of the most unique things to do in Saratoga Springs. At one point you’re literally walking on the mineral rock. It didn’t feel like something you would normally see in any North American city – and it’s not man made at all!
It’s F***ing COOL! But, I won’t lie, I was scared of falling in at times.
Anyway, the trail starts off with a 100% natural Spouter (*not a geyser despite it being called Geyser Creek). A Geyser is actually very different than a Spouter. This Island Spouter shoots up because of the gas in the water, not because of heat.
You’ll have to go there to learn more. They have several information posts set up throughout the walk for you to stop at and read!
P.S. In the park there are a few other natural springs that you can seek out! See if you can visit them all! Try to find the Ferndell Spring, The Memorial Spring, Orenda Sprin, Hathorn Spring, and Coesa Spring (to name a few!).
6. Admire The Architecture & Reflecting Pool In Saratoga Spa State Park
As you might be able to tell by now, the Saratoga Spa State Park is HUGE. Obviously not as big as Central Park, but there’s no chance of walking through this park – you’ll need a car. There’s a lot to see and I don’t think you’ll make it everywhere if you walk.
So, you’re next stop in Saratoga Spa State Park is the Hall of Springs and the Simon Baruch Research Library.
Come here to admire the architecture alone. This was put up with the Roosevelt Baths & Spa. It’s epic! Make sure to snap some pics of the archways and the reflecting pool in the middle!
Simon Baruch Research Library was originally created by Roosevelt to research the natural spring water and store medical files. Today it’s simply the New York State Recreation and Park Society. The Hall of Springs is a banquet hall used for weddings and events.
While you’re here, head to Wired Coffee Roasters for a quick pick me up!
7. Enjoy Local Shops, Cafés, & Architecture Along Broadway Street
Broadway is the main street in Saratoga Springs New York. You’ll find some of the main Saratoga Springs buildings here like City Hall, The Adirondack Trust Company, and the Adelphi Hotel.
But you’ll also want to spend some time here doing some local shopping. I love the Northshire Bookstore and (no surprise), Tea & Honey.
I’d also recommend hitting up some local cafes for a little break. My absolute favourite was The Saratoga Coffee Traders for their specialty lattes.
The café is also very pet friendly, and the staff are all very nice! I opted for the Witches brew with mint, lavender, and vanilla. Sounds odd, I know, but I legit went back the next day just to order it again (if you LOVE mint this is a must try!)!
If you’re looking for more of a sweet treat, there’s no better spot than Mrs London’s Bakery!
Broadway is one of my favourite streets to walk along, just the wide sidewalks made it so enjoyable (and great for top notch photos!).
8. Walk Through Congress Park Spotting All The Fountains & Carousel
After the shops on Broadway Street end, you’ll reach Congress Park. You can’t get an easier escape from the city than this. On a nice day, pick up an iced coffee and picnic lunch and bring it to the park to enjoy!
But the park is more than just a good picnic spot for lunch. There are fountains, ponds, and mineral springs to find!
It’s also much more manageable than Saratoga Spa State Park. You can easily walk around the park to find all the hidden gems. For example, you’ll want to find the Congress Park Carousel (maybe even ride it!).
Other spots of interest include the Katrina Trask Memorial Staircase, Deer Park Spring, Veterans Pond, The Devils Chair, and the Italian Gardens. This is also where you’ll find the SarAtoga Springs History Museum!
If you’d rather, you can also go on a walking tour of Congress Park.
9. Go Horse Statue Spotting In Saratoga Springs New York!
Saratoga Spring New York has an abundance of horse statues (no surprise here!). So why not go on an adventure through the city to find them all!?
Today there’s about a dozen horse statues throughout the city, but at one point there were over 30! Fiber glass horse statues were created by different artists in the North East back in 2007. Eventually some were auctioned off, but others still remain in Saratoga Springs.
They’re not mapped out, but you can walk through the city trying to spot them all. I’ll give you two clues – head to the Race Course and the Visitors Centre to start! If you want some more clues, see the full list of the statues throughout the city.
This is also a neat way to see the city and go about touring in a different way.
10. Go Brewery Hopping – Saratoga Springs Things To Do
It’s always fun trying local beer and Saratoga Springs is no exception. There are actually two breweries you can hit up in downtown Saratoga Springs: Whitman and Druthers Brewery.
I wasn’t so impressed with the beers at Whitman – but they made a killer Detroit style pizza, and they have some chill vibes.
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Druthers had one of the best beers I’ve ever had (The Scottish Ale) and a very nice selection of Sour Beer as well. You also have to order the Pretzel bites and dip when you’re here!
Although not a local brewery, there’s also Brasserie Benelux. I’m actually upset we missed it, it’s known for it’s selection of European beers.
If beer isn’t your thing, you can check out the Wine Bar on Broadway instead!
11. Visit A Saratoga Springs Farmers Market
If you’re visiting Saratoga Springs New York on the right day, you might be in luck to visit the Saratoga Springs Farmer’s Market.
Starting in May until October, The Saratoga Farmers Market is in High Rock Park on Saturdays and Wednesdays. They sell local produce, plants, crafts, and other good finds. At the market there’s also typically live music to enjoy.
Don’t worry if you’re visiting between November and April, you’ll just have to travel a bit further to the Wilton Mall for the Market. During low season, it’s only on Saturdays.
If you’re visiting on Sunday, you can head to the Spa City Farmer’s Market in the historical Lincoln Baths building. During the summer months, they also host the market on Thursday evenings.
12. Visit The Gardens At Yaddo
Yaddo is the former country estate of Spencer Trask and his wife Katrina. Without any children to leave the estate to, they left it to became a residency program for artists. This non profit dates back to 1893!
It’s meant as a retreat for artists to rest and refresh and solely focus on creation. Although you can’t tour the residence, the gardens at Yaddo are open to the public in the summer.
The gardens were a gift from Spencer to his wife in 1899 and were designed by them! It includes a rose and woodland rock garden to explore.
See if they’re offering tours when you’re visiting.
13. Take A Vintage Train Ride Through The Adirondacks
This activity is a bit of a stretch, not being in Saratoga Springs, but I think it’s worth it.
About a 20 minute drive away is the Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway. You can ride a vintage train for 90 minutes through the Adirondack Mountains.
It’s a surreal way to relax and see the incredible mountains surrounding Saratoga Springs. Ticket prices vary from $25 to $200, see updated ticket prices!
If you happen to be visiting in the fall, they offer an Autumn Explorer ride. It’s their most popular as it takes you through the changing leaves. P.S. See more things to do in Saratoga Springs in the fall.
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eb
Sunday 2nd of July 2023
thank you for this. very thorough and helpful information. always wanted to stop there on my way to or from lake george. will definitely get there and use your guidance for sure!
Meghan
Sunday 2nd of July 2023
Thanks! So glad to hear it, Saratoga Springs is such a cute town you won't regret the stop :D Happy travels!!