Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs is located just south of the Adirondacks in upstate New York. Long a vacation destination for New Yorkers, Saratoga Springs is a pleasant town filled with swanky shops, spas and horse racing. A key battle in the Revolutionary War happened nearby. Saratoga Springs is home to Skidmore College and Empire State College (SUNY).

Understand

Saratoga is most known for its great horse racing track (oldest on the country) and harness racing track. Victorian visitors came to take the waters at springs. The spring waters are located at different pavilions around the city and surrounds. They vary tremendously in flavor from a light mineral water to frosty and hard. The city of Saratoga Springs is a major tourist destination during its summer horse racing season. Yaddo, the famous writers retreat is located near the "flat track" on Union avenue. If you call ahead, you may be able to tour.

Get in

By plane

Albany International Airport (ALB ^IATA) in Albany.

By car

Saratoga Springs is just off Interstate 87 about 45min north of Albany and 4 hours from New York City and 3.5h south of the Canadian border. Enjoy this tree lined drive along I-87, also called the Adirondack Northway.

By train

Amtrak serves the city two daily trains in each direction, both trains have their southern terminus in New York City. The Adirondack runs between NYC and Montreal while Ethan Allen Express originates in Rutland, Vermont. 🌍 Saratoga Springs Station is located at 26 Station Lane, about a mile west downtown. Local buses are timed to arrive and depart in conjunction with trains.

For a more leisurely experience, Saratoga and North Creek Railroad runs heritage trains between Saratoga Springs to the Adironack village of North Creek, with flag stops at seven other intermediate stations. Service is offered daily from Thursday through Monday during summer in historic dome cars. The morning train is timed to coordinate with Amtrak service. A great way to see the Adirondacks without driving.

By bus

• Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) operates local buses in the Albany area. Several routes operate to and within Saratoga Springs, including a Saratoga Visitors Trolley.
• Greyhound, in conjunction with other bus carriers, offers service to Saratoga from both the north and south. Buses that originate in New York City, Albany, and Montreal stop here several times a day.
• Megabus has a service from New York City and Burlington. The bus stop is located at the Saratoga Raceway Casino, near the Nelson Avenue entrance and CDTA bus stop. Fares from $1 and up.

Get around

The downtown walking area is centered on Broadway, but you will need to use public transport or a car to reach the world famous Saratoga Race Track, Saratoga Racino , Natural Museum of Dance, Roosevelt Spa, Saratoga SPA State Parkor SPAC. However, there is a lot to see and do in the downtown area of Saratoga Springs.

Visitor center

• Saratoga Springs Urban Cultural Park Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, Phone: [phone]. Daily 9AM-4PM (Closed Su Dec-Mar).

See

• 🌍 The Children's Museum at Saratoga, 69 Caroline Street, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone]. Summer: 9:30AM-4:30PM. Winter hours (Labor Day through June): Tu-Sa 9:30AM-4:30PM, Su noon-4:30PM.. $5, under age 1 free.. 
• 🌍 Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery, 815 North Broadway, ☎ [phone]. Tu-Th 10AM-5PM; F 10AM-7PM; Sa,Su 12PM-5PM. 
• 🌍 National Museum of Dance, 99 South Broadway, ☎ [phone]. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM. Adults $6.50, Students and seniors $5, under 12 $3. 
• 🌍 National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame, Union and Ludlow Sts, ☎ [phone]. M-Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 12PM-4PM (Closed M,Tu in Jan. and Feb.). A place to experience the history of one of Saratoga's most popular attractions, thoroughbred racing. Something for everyone with interactive exhibits, rare memorabilia, and equine art. Adults $7, Seniors, students $5, under 6 free. 
• 🌍 New York State Military Museum, 61 Lake Avenue, ☎ [phone]. Tu-Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 1PM-4PM. Voluntary donation.. 
• 🌍 Roosevelt Mineral Baths, 37-39 Roosevelt Drive, ☎ [phone]. Daily 9AM-7PM. 
• 🌍 Saratoga Automobile Museum, 110 Avenue of the Pines, ☎ [phone]. (updated Apr 2018)
• 🌍 Saratoga Spa State Park (I-87 to exit 13N. Take Route 9 north for 3 miles to park. Or from Downtown, take Route 9 south about 2 miles), ☎ [phone]. year round. Dubbed "The Public's Resort", this park has mineral baths, eighteen-hole and nine-hole golf courses, free hardtop and clay tennis courts, and several pool areas with showers, locker rooms, rest rooms and food concessions. Hiking (and cross country/snowshoe) trails and picnic areas complete with grills are available as well. The park encompasses and protects the mineral springs in use at least as far back as the 14th century. This "Queen of Spas" was a 19th century vacation retreat for the rich and famous.  
• 🌍 Saratoga Springs History Museum, ☎ [phone]. Canfield Casino Bldg, Congress Park. Summer 10AM-4PM. Other seasons W-Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 1PM-4PM. Housed in an 1870 casino. Adults $5, ages 12-17 $3. 
• 🌍 Yaddo Gardens, Route 9P, ☎ [phone]. Artist community on four hundred acre site. 
• 🌍 Saratoga National Historical Park, 648 Route 32, Stillwater, NY, ☎ [phone]. Free. (updated Feb 2018)

Do

• Adirondack Balloon Flights, ☎ [phone]. Located 4 exits north of Saratoga, exit 19 on I-87. This once and a lifetime experience is not to be missed. Enjoy the gorgeous views of the Adirondack Region and the Green Mountains of Vermont from high in the sky with some of the most experienced ballooning crews. 
• 🌍 Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street (second floor, accessible by elevator or stairs.), ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Daily 5 PM to 11 PM. Acoustic music in a 110 seat coffeehouse that opened in 1960. The venue enjoys a world-wide reputation for preserving and furthering American musical traditions. Its archives are held at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. The schedule features a mix of established career musicians and nationally touring emerging artists. Emerging artists presented by Caffe Lena have included Bob Dylan, EmmyLou Harris, Don McLean, Arlo Guthrie, Ani DiFranco, G. Love and Sawyer Fredericks. A complete performer list dating back to May 21, 1960 can be viewed on the venue's website. Hospitality for concert-goers includes desserts, light fare, local craft beer, wine, coffees and teas. The venue is operated as a non-profit organization. Monday and Wednesday $3 to $5. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday $16 to $60.. (updated Feb 2018)
• Saratoga Lake Located 4 miles southeast of Saratoga Springs. This 8 1/2 mile long lake has a public boat launch at the north end, as well as several private marinas. Popular activities include bass fishing, sailing, boating, water skiing, and ice fishing.
• 🌍 Saratoga Performing Arts Center, 108 Avenue of the Pines, ☎ [phone]. Summer home of the New York City Ballet, the Philadelphia Orchestra and various concerts such as The Dave Matthews Band.  

Horse Racing

The time to come to Saratoga is during the Thoroughbred season, which is five or so weeks in July, August and September. The premier race here is the Travers, but every day in the season thousands flock from around New York and points behind to the see the ponies. That said, if you find yourself in town during other times of the year, check out some of the smaller tracks. Indoor gambling places are available for those who have a gambling urge during the winter months.

• Oklahoma Training Track
• 🌍 Saratoga Casino Hotel (formerly Saratoga Casino and Raceway), 342 Jefferson St, ☎ [phone]. Harness racing and video gaming. (updated Apr 2018)
• 🌍 Saratoga Race Course, 267 Union Avenue, ☎ [phone]. Thoroughbred horse racing from late July to early September.  

Golf

• Saratoga Lake Golf Club, 35 Grace Moore Road, ☎ [phone]. Eighteen holes with lots of up/down. 
• Saratoga National Golf Club, 458 Union Avenue, ☎ [phone] ext 615. Named 2005 "Golf Course of the Year" by National Golf Course Owners Association. Named "One of America's 100 Greatest Public Courses 2005-2006" by Golf Digest. 
• Saratoga Spa Golf Course, 60 Roosevelt Drive, ☎ [phone]. Towering pines surround this 7,100 yard course. 

Walking

Aside from walking on park trails, one really fun thing to do in good weather is to simply walk up and down Broadway in Downtown. There are lots of beautiful 19th- and early 20th-century buildings lining the street.

Learn

• Adirondack Community College, 6 Mountain Ledge Drive, Gansevoort 12831, [phone], .
• Empire State College, 111 West Avenue, [phone] ext. 2297, .
• Skidmore College, 815 North Broadway, [phone], . Offering bachelors and/or graduate degrees in over 30 areas of study, as well as the "University Without Walls" degree completion program.

Buy

Saratoga isn't Manhattan, but it does have plenty of boutiques and shops that cater to that particular crowd. No matter what your style is, Saratoga Springs is full of chic boutiques, trendy antique stores and a wide variety of eclectic shops to satisfy any style. Start on Broadway and find local crafts, haute fashion and other merchandise for that platinum card.

• Celtic Treasures 456 Broadway [phone]. Open Daily. This Irish gift shop has only the best from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Pottery, china, jewelry, music, books, posters and prints, sweaters and caps are all available at this charming establishment.
• Crafters Gallery, 427 Broadway, ☎ [phone]. Open Daily, shipping available. A large selection of Saratoga related paintings and prints, as well as thoroughbred photos. This local favorite is a great place for gifts. 
• deJonghe Original Jewelry, 470 Broadway, ☎ [phone]. This Gallery/Workshop is where designer and goldsmith Dennis deJonghe creates his one of a kind jewelry out of fine gems and precious metals. It features his equestrian collection, as well as sample wedding bands and other original designs. 
• Lifestyles 436 Broadway, [phone]. Open Daily. V/MC/AE accepted. This specialty boutique located downtown is known for elegant fine fashions and accessories. Designers include Eileen Fisher, Singrid Olsenand, and Michael Stars.
• Northshire Bookstore, 424 Broadway, ☎ [phone]. 10AM-7PM Su-Th, 10AM-9PM Fr-Sa. A family-owned, independent bookstore committed to the future of the book (updated Oct 2016)
• Rockabella's Boutique, 441B Broadway, ☎ [phone]. Find the hottest fashions for women and teens. Find trend driven clothing perfect for your style. Designs by Ed Hardy, Sky, Sweetees, Blue Cult, David Kahn, Unyx, Steve Madden and more. 
• Saratoga Farmers Market High Rock Park. [phone] Open Wed 3-6PM, Sat 9AM-1PM. This open air market is home to a variety of homemade goods, crafts, and foods. The market is a must and has been serving the locals for over 25 years.
• Sweetheart’s Dolls, 368 Broadway, ☎ [phone]. V/M accepted. This "shop with a heart" has 24 lines of dolls to choose from. Play dolls as well as porcelain and vinyl collectibles are available in a variety of price ranges. 

Eat

Saratoga has some of the best dining in upstate New York. Chefs from New York City have emigrated northward to ensure that there's food for every palette. Most of the finest restaurants can be found on or near Broadway. Keep in mind that some places aren't open outside of the tourist season.

There's also plenty of choice for those less discriminating taste buds or smaller budgets. Pub grub, American specials and small diners abound. And if you're hungry at 2AM, be sure to ask a local where you can get a doughboy. They're great.

• Bruno's Restaurant, 237 Union Ave, ☎ [phone]. Check out the famous wood fired pizza and homemade soups. 
• Char Koon, 388A Broadway, ☎ [phone]. Mo-Th 11AM-11PM, Fr Sa 11AM-11:30PM, Su and Holidays 12PM-11PM. If you're in the mood for Chinese, look no further than this delicious spot downtown. Good price, great food, and also serves Thai. 
• Chez Sophie Bistro, 534 Broadway, ☎ [phone]. Upscale French bistro located at The Saratoga. 
• Compton's, 457 Broadway, ☎ [phone]. 4AM-3PM Mon-Fri, 3AM-3PM Sat-Sun. Early morning breakfast.fast! Opens when the bars close. 
• D'Andreas Pizza, 33 Caroline Street, ☎ [phone]. Su-We 11a-11p, Th 11AM-2AM, Fr-Sa 11AM-4AM. 
• Esperanto, 4 Caroline Street, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Su Mo 11AM-12AM, Tu W 11AM-2AM, Th 11AM-3AM, Fr Sa 11AM-4AM. Pizza and a doughboy and you're ready for anything. Take them out for a stroll. Originally at 6 1/2 Caroline, the restaurant moved its location in August 2009 to provide an expanded dining area. 
• Four Seasons Natural Food Store & Cafe, 33 Phila Street, ☎ [phone]. Cafe: daily 11:30am-8:00pm. This vegetarian spot has a variety of soups, salads, and hot en trees. While you are there, check out the retail store which offers a selection of natural foods,teas,supplements, and personal care and organic produce. 
• 43 Phila Bistro, 43 Phila Street, ☎ [phone]. Premiere dining and wine list. 
• Gaffney's Restaurant, 16 Caroline Street, ☎ [phone]. Great courtyard dining during track season, indoor and pub dining available. 
• Hattie's Restaurant, 45 Phila Street, ☎ [phone]. "Hattie" may have long since passed, but her Cajun tastes are still reflected on the menu, which includes her signature fired chicken. 
• Lillian's Restaurant, 408 Broadway, ☎ [phone]. Warm rustic steak and seafood place right on the strip. Private parties and banquets upstairs in Diamond Jim's. 
• Longfellows Hotel, Restaurant & Conference Center, 500 Union Avenue, ☎ [phone]. Good location for weddings, businesses meetings or private gatherings. 
• Mare Ristorante, 17 Maple Avenue, ☎ [phone]. Trendy Italian restaurant, amazing lounge, seafood pasta and vino. Per morire per! 
• The Merry Monk Restaurant and Bar (formerly Tiznow), 84 Henry Street, ☎ [phone]. 4PM=9PM M-Th, 3PM-10:30PM Fr, 11AM-10:30PM Sa, 11AM-9PM Su. Classic bistro decor makes this a great spot for cocktails or dinner. Ask for a corner banquette table to enjoy a cozy meal for two and listen to the funky world beat soundtrack. $$. 
• Mexican Connection, 41 Nelson Avenue, ☎ [phone]. Viva De Mexico, best mex going! Away from downtown but near the track. 
• Mouzon House, 1 York Street, ☎ [phone]. Located in a renovated Victorian house, this sister restaurant to One Caroline Street Bistro specializes in locally-sourced cuisine with a Cajun flair. Try the Crawfish Beignets! 
• The Olde Bryan Inn, 123 Maple Avenue, ☎ [phone]. 18th century inn. 
• One Caroline Street Bistro, 1 Caroline St, ☎ [phone]. Jazz with dinner, reservations or wait required but worth it. 
• Pennell's Restaurant, 284 Jefferson Street. Family-owned Italian Restaurant 
• Pizza Works, 88 Henry St., ☎ [phone]. 4PM-9PM. Pizzaworks is a family pizzeria. Their hand tossed New York style, thin crust pizza is based of a traditional Italian family recipe. They also serve a variety of subs, wings, calzones, stromboli, wraps, salads and appetizers including bread sticks and garlic knots. 
• PJ's BAR-B-QSA, ☎ [phone]. South Broadway (US Route 9). Barbecue chicken and ribs; includes two 20-foot barbecue pits out in the back. Located about one mile from the Northway, open year-round. 
• Putnam Market, 435 Broadway, ☎ [phone]. Specialty food store and deli. 
• Ravenous, 21 Phila Street, ☎ [phone]. A unique menu featuring savory and sweet crepes for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. 
• Sushi Thai Garden, 44 Phila Street, ☎ [phone]. Light eating. 
• Saratoga City Tavern, 21 Caroline Street, ☎ [phone]. Pub Fare. 
• Spring Street Deli, 132 Spring St, ☎ [phone]. 7AM-9PM. Neighborhood delicatessen, featuring sandwiches named for famous thoroughbred race horses. $. (updated Oct 2016)
• Uncommon Grounds, 402 Broadway, ☎ [phone]. 6:30AM-10PM M-Th, 6:30AM-11PM Fr, 7AM-11PM Sa, 7AM-10PM Su. Serves coffee, bagels, bagel sandwiches and such. A local favorite. 
• Wheatfields Restaurant and Bar, 440 Broadway, ☎ [phone]. Pasta, Steak and more. 

Drink

Saratoga has no lack of choices if what you desire is a hop-or-two. Fine Irish Pubs to trendy ultra-light-serving watering holes abound. If wine is what makes you feel fine, you will. Mare, 43 Phila, Doc's and, of course, The Wine Bar will be more than happy to help you. Even if they have to run across town to get exactly what you want, literally!

The wineries from New York's Fingerlakes region have been maturing very well and can be found on most lists. The pages of more established varieties from California, Australia, France and Italy sometimes make your head spin before you sip. If you get the chance attend one of the many wine tastings. They are available both for the novice and the Guru of the Grape.

• Desperate Annie's, 10 Caroline Street, e-mail: [e-mail]. M-Su 4P-4A. A Caroline Street institution since who-knows-when. 
• The Merry Monk, 84 Henry Street, ☎ [phone]. M-F 11:30A-10P, Sa 11A-10:30P, Su 11:30A-9P. Classic bistro decor makes this a great spot for cocktails or dinner. 
• The Parting Glass, 40 Lake Ave, ☎ [phone]. This local favorite had tons to offer, live music and great food add to the appeal of this one of a kind bar. 
• Spa City Tap & Barrel, 13 Caroline Street, ☎ [phone]. 4P-4A. (updated Jul 2015)
• Tin 'n' Lint, 2 Caroline Street, ☎ [phone]. A 1930s era saloon. 
• Trotters, 45 Caroline Street, ☎ [phone]. A great place to watch football on Sundays, or start out your night. Inexpensive and the best specials in town. 

Sleep

Saratoga Springs has a number of different accommodation options ranging from budget chain motels to quaint (and often historic) bed and breakfasts.

• Batcheller Mansion Inn, 20 Circular St, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone], fax: [phone]. A historical bed and breakfast. 
• Best Western Park Inn, 3291 South Broadway, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone]. 
• Comfort Inn & Suites, 17 Old Gick Road, ☎ [phone]. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. Free Wi-Fi, indoor pool, pet-friendly, free hot breakfast. $89-399. 
• Courtyard Saratoga Springs, 11 Excelsior Av, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone], fax: [phone]. 
• Gideon Putnam Hotel & Conference Center, 24 Gideon Putnam Rd, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone], fax: [phone]. 
• Hampton Inn & Suites, 25 Lake Ave, ☎ [phone]. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. 
• Hilton Garden Inn, 125 South Broadway, ☎ [phone]. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. 
• Holiday Inn, 232 Broadway, ☎ [phone]. 
• Inn At Saratoga, 231 Broadway, ☎ [phone]. 
• Residence Inn Saratoga Springs, 295 Excelsior Av, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone]. 
• The Saratoga Hilton, 534 Broadway, toll-free: [phone]. 
• 🌍 Saratoga Arms, 497 Broadway, ☎ [phone]. 31 rooms. $175-595. 
• The Westchester House Bed and Breakfast Inn, 102 Lincoln Avenue, ☎ [phone]. 7 rooms. $110-170. 

Connect

Saratoga Springs is in the 518 area code. The ZIP code is 12866.

Cope

Publications

• Albany Times-Union,
• Glens Falls Post-Star,
• Saratoga Living, , quarterly magazine; also covers nearby Warren and Washington Counties
• The Saratogian, , Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County's daily newspaper

Religious services

• Church of Saint Peter, , [phone]
• St. Clement's Church, , [phone]

Stay safe

Saratoga Springs is relatively safe for a city its size. However, the bars along Caroline Street can get a bit rowdy late in the week and on weekends.

Hospitals

• Saratoga Hospital, 211 Church Street, ☎ [phone]. 

Go next

• Lake George and the Adirondacks

Routes through Saratoga Springs

Montreal ← Ticonderoga ←	N  S	→ Albany (Rensselaer) → New York City
Montreal ← Lake George ←	N  S	→ Albany → New York City
Montreal ← Lake George ←	N  S	→ Clifton Park → Albany
Plattsburgh ← Lake George ←	N  S	→ END