Saratoga Springs: The Essential Guide

Located in the Adirondacks lowlands, just a few miles from Lake GeorgeSaratoga Springs is located in New York and is surrounded with some of the most breathtaking scenery. striking landscapes in all of Upstate. Saratoga Springs is a popular summer destination for tourists who want to see world-class thoroughbred races. Saratoga Springs becomes a cozy, small town when the season is over and the leaves start to change. 

Saratoga Springs, unlike other Upstate New York places that become popular fall destinations, such as Rhinebeck, Beacon and the Catskills remain quiet and under the radar between September to November. The city has a Stars Hollow feel from September through November. Gilmore Girls—The downtown area of this energetic city is filled with quirky shops, artisanal goods, and a vibrant, active community.

Broadway, Saratoga Springs’ picturesque main street is bustling with activity. There are many exciting shops, bakeries and restaurants. The city’s parks and acres of green space make it an ideal destination. fall foliage seekers Look for destinations outside of the New England hotspots. Its parks don’t only have beautiful landscapes or long hiking trails. The parks offer something for everyone: history buffs, art lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Sara Mikula says, “I love fall because racing season is over, but you can still watch the horses in training and running early in the morning.” Saratoga Arms Hotel and a resident of the Capital/Saratoga region for over 30 years. The change in the air temperature and the changing of the leaves brings out the charms of downtown. Saratoga is so special because of the relaxed atmosphere that you feel after the race season. 

This is everything you should know before planning your visit to Saratoga Springs.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Saratoga Arms

You can also find out more about the following: Saratoga Arms, a brick-mansion-turned-hotel has welcomed travelers to Saratoga Springs since 1870. The property is replete in vintage charm and relics, including a retro annunciator board, fun shower tiles, which share information about the history of the city, located in each bathroom.

MacKenzie Zarzycki says the Discover Saratoga vice president of Marketing and Communications is her favorite hotel in the city. “It’s a locally-owned bed-and-breakfast that’s awesome,” she adds. The on-site restaurant is also a favorite. They have a great chef and just recently opened their breakfast for the public at weekends. 

Each of the 31 bedrooms has been designed by the Smith Family, who have owned the property in its current form since the 1990s. The hotel has 31 rooms, and no two are alike. This makes every stay unique. The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast and a snack bar.

The Adelphi Hotel

At Saratoga Springs, you’ll have the opportunity to experience all that this city has to offer. The Adelphi HotelThe hotel’s central location makes it a great choice for those who want to stay in the city. The hotel’s location in the heart of downtown was what made it stand out. Michelin Key This year has 65 suites and rooms that blend Victorian history with modern style. The hotel offers amenities such as complimentary refreshments in the room, a game area with classic board games and billiards, and a fitness center with infrared Saunas. 

Adelphi Hotel has two restaurants on the property. Salt & Char This steakhouse has a farm to table ethos, showcasing the best of Upstate New York produce. Morrissey’s Lounge & Bistro Enjoy a wide range of American cuisine, including a variety of cocktails and a wine list that is impressive.  

Hotel Brookmere & Arbor Spa

Hotel Brookmere & Arbor Spa The newest addition to the bestselling is a. newest hotels in Saratoga Springs, and sits on 9.7 acres of lush marshland just minutes away from the city’s downtown area.​​ The hotel’s 88 rooms blend modern comforts with the property’s dairy farm roots. Hotel Brookmere offers a variety of amenities like an outdoor seasonal swimming pool, an indoor sauna, an ice-plunge tub, as well as a full service spa. RegentThe hotel’s restaurant and bar is located on site. 

Camp Hudson Pines

Visit Saratoga Springs to see the stunning landscape. Camp Hudson PinesA luxury campground that offers airstreams, cabins and glamping. This option is located 17 miles from downtown Saratoga Springs. Guests can access kayaks and canoes during their stay, and connect with other guests during Bonfire & S’mores on Friday nights.

The Best Things to do 

Spend time outside.

Check out the beauty of the city if you are able to visit during the fall. Yaddo’s Gardens, which also doubles as a retreat for artists—it’s hosted names like James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, and Sylvia Plath, to name a few

If you are looking for some delicious charms, then head over to Congress ParkLocated in downtown Saratoga Springs. The park looks strikingly like the town square. Gilmore GirlsThe gazebo is perfect for people-watching.. The more adventurous traveler can explore the area. Saratoga LakeThe waterfront park is the perfect place to spend an afternoon kayaking, paddle-boating and fishing. The lake in Saratoga Springs is a great place to see fall foliage and to enjoy quiet and tranquility. 

History buffs will enjoy a visit to Saratoga National Historic ParkTake a walking tour through Victory Woods, hike the Wilkinson Trail or climb Mount Washington. Enjoy a walking tour of Victory Woods. Hike the Wilkinson Trail or climb the Saratoga Monument Enjoy the landscape of the park from a high vantage point. You could also take a tour in private with a park official. Saratoga Battlefield Guide Spend an hour walking the battlefield on horseback.

Mineral water straight from the source is best.

Saratoga Springs is not complete without a visit to one of the natural springs. The city has 21 public mineral springs Visitors can try a variety of flavors, each one with its own unique profile. Tasting your way through the springs is one of the best ways to see the city—and it’s completely free to do. Bring a water bottle or cup to drink the water from, as it is not recommended to drink directly from the spout.

Visit a park that has several cultural centers of international renown.

Saratoga Spa State Park This is not just a park. It’s so much more. On the 2,200 acres of this park, you’ll find top-notch performance venues, museums, spas and hiking trails. The You can watch a live performance at the Saratoga Performing Arts CenterThe venue has hosted the New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra as well as concerts by superstars such as Laufey and Shania Twain.

You can also visit a few other museums, such as the National Museum of DanceThe book tells the history and evolution of American dance, as well as the Saratoga Automobile MuseumThe book explores the impact of cars on American culture.

Visitors seeking relaxation can spend an afternoon at Roosevelt Baths & SpaThe hydrotherapy spa uses mineral water from nearby springs for innovative wellness treatments. The spa offers a wide range of services including mineral baths and massages. It also has facials, body scrubs, body wrappings, and a salon.

Take part in the Halloween spirit.

Saratoga Springs offers a unique opportunity to explore some unrecognized horrors during the Halloween season. Explore the downtown area of the city with Haunted Saratoga Ghost Tour Learn about the ghosts that haunted the old Canfield Casino, Hattie’s Restaurant, and the Witch of Saratoga. Test your courage by sitting in the Devil’s Chair at Saratoga Springs. 

Discover the history of horse racing in the town.

Saratoga Springs has a reputation for horse racing. Each summer, Saratoga hosts thousands of visitors from all over the world. Saratoga Race CourseThe events attract wild and rowdy crowds. Horse racing fans will be able to learn about the history of their sport in the fall at the National Racing Museum and Hall of Fame. The site is a great resource for racing fans, as well as newcomers.

Best Shopping 

Beekman Street Arts District

Saratoga Springs has a well-kept secret: the Beekman Street Arts Disctrict. There are many art galleries and vintage shops on this street. Visit the Cottage of Art & Design You can also call it Eden Compton Gallery Saratoga Springs has many talented artists. You can find a wide variety of works by Saratoga Springs’ artists. The Beekman AtelierFind locally-made clothes, homewares and provisions. Head to The Vintage ShopOne of the largest vintage stores in Upstate New York.

Saratoga Marketplace

The hotel is located in the center of downtown Saratoga Springs. this indoor marketplace The area is home to 13 local businesses, including some of the best shopping and dining in the city. Visit The Store Shop unique brands like Twin, Corridor Denim, and Outland Denim. You can also grab some delicious artisanal sweets at Saratoga Chocolate Co. You’re on your way. 

Lyrical Ballad

Find your next book! Looking for your next read? Lyrical Ballad BookstoreA charming and unique used bookshop, housed inside a former bank dating back to 1971. The shop stocks over 100,000 titles, including some so rare that they are kept locked in the former vault.

Silverado Saratoga

Silverado Saratoga A family-owned jewelery gallery, featuring stunning items by designers from across the nation. You’re on a limited budget? There are several gem pieces available for less than $100.  

Lola Saratoga

The best place to shop for vintage luxury is at Lola SaratogaThe shop has a unique collection of designer pieces. The store offers leather products from brands such as Tory Burch, Gucci and more.

Best Restaurants 

The Merc

The Merc It is probably one of the underrated dining spots in town. This small American restaurant is located in downtown and offers a wide variety of comforting American food. The menu is diverse enough to satisfy both adventurous foodies and picky eaters. For colder autumn evenings, you can’t go wrong with the fried-chicken and jambalaya.

Seneca

Head to for the best coziness in town. Seneca. It has an open-kitchen with a wood-fired barbecue, which makes it the ideal spot to dine during the winter months. Seneca’s menu offers a number of grilled specialties, including a veal ribeye and bone-in chop. My favorite dish, however, is the beef gyulash made with a paprika-braised sauce, ricotta, cavatelli and herbed cream fraiche. Dessert is a must: pumpkin bread pudding, London fog creme-brulee and ricotta cavatelli are among the best sweets in the city. 

Darling Doughnuts 

This small-but-mighty bakery It is well-known for its rotating selection of donuts, which go beyond the basic flavors. Locals love this spot in the fall because it has its seasonal donuts. Gilmore GirlsMenus such as the Pumpkin pancake, a donut covered in a pumpkin glaze and topped with buttermilk pancakes drizzled with maple syrup. 

Forno Bistro  

The Old Firehouse is located in the Broadway Historic District. Forno Bistro In a stunning, historical space, teaches you how to cook Tuscan Italian food at its best. The restaurant masterfully blends time-honored Italian cooking techniques with produce sourced from all over New York. 

Mikula states that “you can’t really go wrong with any of the dishes at Forno.” “They are very knowledgeable on wine pairings and wines, so that is a great place if you like to drink. 

Hattie’s

You thought you couldn’t find good Southern food north from Mason-Dixon? Hattie’s Saratoga Springs’s oldest restaurant, opened in 1938. The restaurant is known for some of the finest Southern food in the Northeast, and it’s fried chicken was featured on Throwdown! Throwdown!. I recommend the fried chicken sandwich, which comes with Cajun coleslaw on a toasted kaiser roll—it perfectly blends southern flavors with northern traditions. 

Fat Paulie’s Deli & Bagels

If you need a quick snack on the run, Fat Paulie’s Deli Deli & Bagels You’re best off going to a deli. The shop brings Long Island deli culture to upstate New York with its hot Italian heroes, bagel breakfast sandwiches, and cold subs. Grab a Fat Paulie Special, a hot hero made with house roasted garlic and herb-rubbed chuck roast, ladles or au jus, as well as fresh mozzarella. Just don’t forget to grab lots of napkins—Fat Paulie’s sandwiches are notorious for being incredibly juicy.

The Best Time to Visit 

Saratoga Springs attracts throngs during the horse-racing seasons in summer. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy the best of the city, visit the city at the end or beginning of September when the weather is still warm. 

Zarzycki loves autumn in the city. She says, “You are coming off the busy summer concerts and track series which bring huge crowds.” “There’s beautiful fall foliage, there’s live music everywhere,  and we have so many fall community events in town.”

How to get there 

Albany International Airport (ALB), located a little more than 30 miles from Saratoga Springs is the closest major airport. You can catch flights with airlines like Allegiant Airlines, American Airlines Delta Air Lines JetBlue Southwest Airlines and United Airlines from ALB. Renting a car is the best option once you reach the airport.

However, if you’d like to drive, Saratoga Springs is about 185 miles from New York City and 200 miles from Boston—it’ll take you roughly four hours to drive to the town from each metropolis. The route is stunning, especially in the autumn when the roads are covered with flaming fall foliage.

Saratoga Springs is also home to an Amtrak station that is about six minutes from the downtown area. Amtrak services the station on two routes. Adirondack The following are some examples of how to get started: Ethan Allen Express Train.

How to Get Around 

Saratoga Springs will appeal to those looking for an escape without a vehicle. Saratoga Springs offers a large network of bus lines via the Capital District Transportation AuthorityYou can use to get around the city. During the summer months, visitors to the city can take advantage of the city’s free seasonal trolley service You can use the bike rental services to reach some of Saratoga Springs most popular tourist attractions. Renting bikes is also possible in the region. CDPHP Cycle! bike share program. Uber and Lyft, two popular ride-hailing services are available in Saratoga Springs.

You don’t actually need a car once you arrive in Saratoga Springs to reach the major attractions. Zarzycki states that if you stay downtown, in one of the properties located on Broadway or nearby Broadway, you will be able to walk everywhere in town. Saratoga Springs has a safe, walkable downtown.