Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Saratoga Springs, New York
Our Tourist Attractions Expert Says:
Did you know that the potato chip was invented in Saratoga, New York? It was invented there in 1835, but that's not the only reason to visit Saratoga, which is now a large town filled with things to do and see, such as museums, golfing, shopping, entertainment, dining, and more!
For indoor fun, Saratoga has much to choose from. The most popular places to visit include The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, the National Museum of Dance, and the National Bottle Museum. Kids will particularly enjoy the Children's Museum at Saratoga. Other places to visit are the Waterford Historical Museum, Stillwater Blockhouse, Saratoga Springs History Museum, NYS Military Museum & Veterans Research Center, New York State Military Heritage Institute, Friends of Ulysses S. Grant Cottage, and the Brookside Museum, all of which offer history of Saratoga and surrounding areas, with a focus on military history. If you are interested in learning more about Saratoga's history, visit the historical sites of the Battle of Saratoga, where American forces defeated the British in 1777, or the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Another option is to experience the live action Thoroughbred horse racing at America's oldest continually operating track, Saratoga Race Course or at the Saratoga Gaming and Raceway. In the evening you may want to see a performance at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, which offers shows by the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra during the summer, as well as rock and pop concerts throughout the year.
To enjoy Saratoga's outdoors, take a trip to Yaddo, Congress Park, Saratoga State Park, and Saratoga Lake, which are just a few places among Saratoga's many great parks and gardens. There are also opportunities to go apple picking or to navigate the corn mazes—both fun activities for children (and adults!) of all ages. The Saratoga National Historical Park is also a great place to visit while also learning about history. For a relaxing time after so much activity, visit the outdoor mineral spas which awarded Saratoga the nickname "Queen of the Spas."
Golfing is a favorite pastime in Saratoga, which is home to many award-winning golf courses, including the Saratoga National Golf Club and the Airway Meadows. There are fourteen golf courses in the Saratoga area; various golf packages are available for avid golfers.
Clearly, Saratoga's history is rich with important points in American history. In fact, the American victory at Saratoga was a major turning point in the war for Independence, increasing support for American independence and convincing France to ally with the United States—these events eventually led to American victory as a free and independent nation. This history is directly reflected in almost all of Saratoga's tourist destinations. Saratoga is a history buff's dream come true!
For a guided tour of Saratoga, take a ride on the Visitor Trolley and get off at any place that interests you. The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce's information center is also a great resource to find things to do or places to stay, and is open every day from June through Labor Day.
For dining, there is much to choose from in Saratoga. For breakfast, we recommend the Lakeside Cider Mill Farm which serves fresh hot cider and doughnuts, or Breakfast Beverly's. For lunch, taste the homemade food at the Bread Basket Bakery, or Publik House for reasonable family prices. For a classy dinner, go to The Wheatfields, an upscale, yet still casual, restaurant, Chez Pierre Restaurant for some French cuisine, or the Continental Springwater Bistro. For dessert, have a crepe at the Creperie Ravenous, or a coffee at Virgil's Coffee House and Tech-Free Café. Also recommended is the gelato at Eugenio's Cafe Gelato, an authentic Italian café. Afterwards, for some nighttime entertainment, check out The Parting Glass, which offers traditional Irish Music, the Wishing Well Restaurant for live piano music, or 9 Maple Avenue for live jazz. There are many other restaurants, cafes, and bars to choose from, serving all types of food.
In terms of shopping, you'll find plenty of great antiques, art, baby gifts, clothing, technology, toys, furniture, and jewelry to choose from, as well as a farmers market where you can buy local produce.
Saratoga offers many options in terms of accommodations, including several Bed & Breakfasts, from Victorian to modern styles, area campgrounds and RV resorts, full-service luxury hotels as well as chain hotels, and moderately priced motels.
There is also a wide selection of rental properties available. Keep in mind that package promotions with several hotel accommodations and various local attractions are always available each season.
Saratoga is located in upstate New York off of Interstate 90 or the New York State Thruway, quite a long drive away from surrounding major cities. However, the drive is worth it to visit a place which is important to American history and a whole lot of fun!