You’ve heard it before – Saratoga Springs is the summer place to be. But what is it that makes the city such a great place? In this post, we’ve compiled the top 10 things to do in Saratoga Springs to help you create your summer bucket list.
- Saratoga Spa State Park—Consisting of a dozen natural mineral springs and over 12 miles of maintained trails, a self-guided tour of the springs is a great way to get out and explore. Large pavilions are scattered throughout the park so be sure to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy. Bring a water bottle so you can also sample the water directly from the springs, which have their own unique mineral composition.
- National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame—Saratoga is famous for its long history of horse racing, so a stop at the National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame is a must while visiting! Exhibits honor the American Thoroughbred racehorse, jockeys, and trainers that have trained and raced here.
- Saratoga Lake—One of the only public swimming spots on Saratoga Lake is Brown’s Beach. Relax by the water at the public beach or snack bar. A variety of water sports are also available to try here, such as paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing.
- Saratoga Casino Hotel—Better known as the Racino, the Saratoga Casino Hotel boasts an indoor/outdoor harness track that hosts year-round races. The casino has over 1200 slot machines, Keno, and electronic table games, as well as six different dining options. located inside is Vapor nightclub where you can listen to live bands and DJs perform, so get out your dancing shoes.
- The Children’s Museum at Saratoga—Newly relocated to the Lincoln Baths, kids will enjoy hours of fun at this hands-on museum. The museum is filled with interactive exhibits and provides weekly programs such as storytime and nature exploration classes.
- Broadway/Downtown Saratoga—Bustling with trendy boutiques, unique restaurants, and bars, you’ll never be bored walking the streets of Downtown Saratoga.
- The Saratoga Winery—Located only minutes away from downtown, The Saratoga Winery produces a variety of red and white wines using only New York state grapes. Their signature wine—the Melomel—is made from NY grapes and locally sourced honey and is a must try for first-time visitors. Offering live music, fire pits, and Sunday Brunch, this is a popular spot any day of the week.
- Saratoga Racecourse—The Saratoga Racecourse is the main attraction in town, bringing in thousands of visitors every season. Hang out in the grandstands while watching the daily races or walk about the front lawn where pop-up shops and food tents line up. Whether you gamble or not, chances are your day at Saratoga Racecourse will be a win!
- Festivals & the Arts—Saratoga hosts a myriad of festivals and events year-round, but many of the most popular ones take place during the summer. The Saratoga Jazz Festival showcases some of jazz’s most talented musicians for a weekend of music, food, and fun. Another festival that draws a large crowd is the Opera Saratoga, which performs multiple operas at a variety of local theatres.
- Roosevelt Baths and Spa—Said to have restorative powers by the Native American tribes that used to inhabit the region, Saratoga’s mineral baths really are the stuff of legends. At the Roosevelt Baths and Spa, you can choose from an array of services, ranging from facials to body treatments and massages. But soaking in the mineral baths is the main draw to this relaxing spot.
These are only a few of the many exciting things to see and do in Saratoga Springs, NY. Keep an eye out for fun seasonal events and live performances happening throughout the summer.
Extend your stay in the Spa City this summer with a short-term apartment lease so you can experience the best of Saratoga Springs. Burns Management offers flexible Saratoga Springs apartments to rent with lease terms from 3 to 18 months, giving you ample time to try everything on our list.