This historic New York resort town draws visitors to its natural mineral springs, thoroughbred racing track, and Victorian mansions along Broadway Avenue.
Located in upstate New York, Saratoga Springs has 21 natural mineral springs where you can taste waters rich in iron, calcium, and sodium. You can watch thoroughbred races at the 1863 Saratoga Race Course, soak in mineral baths at Roosevelt Spa, or see the New York City Ballet perform at the 5,000-seat Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Along Broadway street, 1800s Victorian mansions with detailed cornices and wraparound porches now house shops and restaurants, while Saratoga Spa State Park's 2,200 acres include hiking trails, mineral springs, and two museums.
Natural Mineral Springs
You'll find 21 public mineral springs throughout downtown and Saratoga Spa State Park. Each spring contains different levels of minerals - some taste strongly of iron while others have high carbonation. Take a self-guided tasting tour with your water bottle, starting at Congress Park where four springs emerge from ornate fountains. At Roosevelt Baths & Spa inside Saratoga Spa State Park, you can book a 40-minute private mineral bath in one of their historic tubs.
Horse Racing Experience
From mid-July through early September, you can watch daily races (except Tuesdays) at Saratoga Race Course. The 350-acre facility has kept its 1863 Victorian grandstand with wooden seats and covered viewing areas. During race season, join the 7 AM tours to see horses training and learn about stable operations. Visit the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame across from the track to see historic racing trophies, jockey silks, and interactive displays about thoroughbred racing in America.
Arts and Performance Venues
The Saratoga Performing Arts Center's amphitheater seats 5,000 people, with lawn space for another 20,000. Each summer, the New York City Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra perform here for three-week residencies. The venue also hosts rock concerts and the annual Freihofer's Jazz Festival. At Skidmore College, the Tang Teaching Museum displays contemporary art exhibitions, while the 400-acre Yaddo estate has provided workspace for artists and writers since 1900.
Getting Around Saratoga Springs
The city is 30 miles north of Albany, with direct Amtrak trains running from New York City (4 hours) and Montreal (6 hours). You can walk around downtown, but you'll need a car to visit Saratoga Spa State Park and the National Historical Park. CDTA buses connect main locations within the city and run extra service to the race track during racing season.
Seasonal Events
Winter brings cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to Saratoga Spa State Park's trails. The Flurry Festival in February fills the city with contra dancers and folk musicians for three days. First Night Saratoga transforms downtown on New Year's Eve with live music, dance performances, and family activities in over 20 venues.
