Growing up in New York, the words “Saratoga Springs” have popped up in conversation often.
Whether my friends were headed that way for a concert at SPAC, or some equestrian acquaintances were enjoying a weekend at the famous Saratoga Race Course, I never doubted for a second that this town was bustling with activity.
We had the chance to check it out for ourselves last week, and the rich history, racehorse culture, & wellness opportunities certainly did not disappoint.
Keep reading to discover the top 12 unique things to do in Saratoga Springs below, and start planning your own adventure.
Trust me, you won’t regret it!
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The 12 Most Unique Things to Do in Saratoga Springs, NY
1. Check into One of the Distinctive Saratoga Springs Hotels
I don’t know about all Saratoga Springs hotels, but our stay at The Downtowner really was one of a kind.
Originally opened as a seasonal hotel at the height of the motor lodge era of the 1960’s, this centrally located property celebrates legends in literature, music, visual, and performing arts through its colorful and inspiring new design.
From a photographer’s point of view, I couldn’t get enough of the bright interior of this place.
Snapping great photos is a huge part of what I do when I travel, so this was an awesome bonus when it came to things to do in Saratoga Springs.
I also loved grabbing a cup (or two) of coffee from the cute, Insta-worthy coffee bar.
Not to mention, The Downtowner is located right on Saratoga’s main drag and within walking distance to plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars.
We actually walked to dinner at night, which ended up being much more convenient than trying to find parking down the street!
Related: Live Like Gatsby in This 1920s Era Glens Falls Hotel
2. Grab a Clean (Mouthwatering) Meal at Urban Roots
Just editing the photos we took at Saratoga Springs’ clean eatery, Urban Roots, is enough to make anyone’s mouth water (trust me).
From fresh pressed juices (try the charcoal lemonade) to loaded avocado toast and colorful smoothie bowls, this place is a jackpot when it comes to health foods.
I also appreciated being able to sit down with the owners of this fast casual establishment and gain some insight into their business.
Finding healthy takeaway food (don’t forget you can dine in though, too) is challenging in smaller cities, so Urban Roots is designed to make that search just a bit easier.
Sourcing only the highest quality, often organic ingredients, Urban Roots fulfills the need for a quick, delicious, and health conscious dining choice in Saratoga Springs (and hopefully more cities coming soon!).
Little things like sourcing foods from local farmers and using only the freshest ingredients make all the difference.
Just try the almond butter or a slice of avocado toast with some olive oil…they’re both unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before.
P.S. Even if you’re not super into health and wellness, I’d strongly encourage you to add grabbing a snack at this local eatery to your list of things to do in Saratoga Springs.
It’s so delicious it’s easy to forget you’re doing something good for yourself!
3. Explore The Hyde Collection
Did you know that you can view works from artists like Sandro Botticelli, El Greco, Pablo Picasso, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir right in the small town of Glens Falls, NY?
This private art collection turned museum is just under a half hour outside of Saratoga Springs, and it’s totally worth the drive.
What Charlotte Hyde and her husband were able to add to their collection over the years is incredible to say the least, and the galleries are now a prominent attraction in the Adirondack region.
Not only can you wander the halls of the historic Hyde home at this museum, but you can also view the Hyde’s permanent collection of more than 4,000 objects comprising paintings, works on paper, sculpture, and decorative arts, including furniture and textiles.
This is a great way to spend a few hours soaking in these beautiful, historic works of art available right nearby Saratoga Springs.
4. Have a Hearty Dinner at The Mercantile
When it comes to things to do in Saratoga Springs, you absolutely MUST check out the restaurant scene.
There are countless bars and restaurants in Saratoga, but you can’t miss indulging in a hearty meal at The Mercantile Kitchen & Bar.
This classy establishment serves up a variety of comfort foods, and it’s only about a five minute walk (if that) from The Downtowner.
The shepherd’s pie at this restaurant so good, and I also really enjoyed the brussels sprouts.
You just can’t go wrong here. Next time we’re in town, I fully intend on grabbing a seat at the bar too!
I’m not a big drinker, but I so wouldn’t mind enjoying a glass of wine in this cozy, atmospheric spot.
Related: 14 Unforgettable Things to Do in Nashville TN This Weekend
5. Learn About Racehorse Culture at the National Museum of Racing
Whenever I travel, I always make it my mission to experience the local culture as fully as possible.
There’s so many unique things to do in Saratoga, so it made accomplishing this surprisingly easy.
Speaking of which, one of the most authentic and unique things we did in Saratoga Springs was visiting the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
It’s no secret that this area is known for horse racing, so we simply couldn’t pass up learning more about the sport and checking out all of the amazing artifacts in this collection.
There’s a lot to look at and tons of neat interactive exhibits, so plan on spending a good chunk of time here!
6. See a Horse Race at the Saratoga Race Course
If you’re in the area when the weather warms up, make sure you catch a race at the Saratoga Race Course.
The thrill and excitement of horse racing is unlike anything you’ve probably seen before, and this local tradition is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.
Not to mention, the Saratoga Race Course is the fourth oldest race course in the country!
There’s so much history in this town, so don’t miss out on taking part in this famous tradition.
7. People Watch at a Saratoga Racehorse Auction
One thing I had no idea about before visiting Saratoga Springs was the opportunity to get a rare glimpse into the glamor and wealth of racehorse culture during a Saratoga racehorse auction.
Every summer, individuals from all around the world gather in Saratoga Springs to take part and place bids on what they think will become successful, winning racehorses.
Millions of dollars are at stake, and some of the world’s wealthiest families come all the way to Saratoga to get in on the action.
Personally, I think this would be the perfect place to people watch.
According to a contact at the National Museum of Racing, these auctions are open to the public.
So, I’d love to take a return trip to this area and experience this unique event for myself.
8. Experience a Healing Mineral Bath at the Roosevelt Baths & Spa
If health and wellness are high up on your priority list, you’ll be pleased to hear that there are a large number of things to do in Saratoga Springs that coincide with these goals.
Along with access to delicious and healthy meals at places like Urban Roots, you can also soak in the healing benefits of Saratoga’s natural springs at the Roosevelt Baths & Spa.
In fact, Saratoga has been known as a hotspot for health and wellness retreats for decades.
Back in the 1940s, a three-week stay at the Spa was considered the norm and included 21 mineral baths, accessory treatments, regulated diet, rest, exercise, and recreation.
I think the history of this practice is so interesting, as well as the potential benefits.
While I’m not sure that I noticed all the potential benefits of a mineral bath, I have to say that I definitely felt relaxed and rejuvenated after a 40 minute soak in one of these historic baths.
Related: 34 Things to Do in Times Square (+ 4 Are Free!)
9. Taste All of the Saratoga Springs at Congress Park
Did you know you can actually taste test all of Saratoga’s natural springs at nearby Congress Park?
I really enjoyed walking the beautiful woods and getting outside for awhile (though it was COLD!).
Tasting the mineral water was hilarious, too.
To me, it kind of tasted like salt water.
The spring water though was incredibly refreshing.
Each station and the corresponding spring has a bit of a different flavor, so have fun trying them all and be prepared to take some photos of your friends when they try the mineral water…you’ll get a great laugh of everyone’s faces when they realize what it really tastes like!
10. Wander the Iconic Shops & Restaurants of Broadway Street
One of the things that makes Saratoga Springs so much fun is its iconic main street.
There’s so many unique shops and restaurants to wander, you could spend the whole day doing just that!
I love places where you can find one-of-a-kind goods, and you’ll be no less than impressed with this area if you do, too.
11. Indulge in a Tasting at Saratoga Olive Oil Co.
When Richard and I visited Lake Placid last fall, we were so excited to find a company called Saratoga Olive Oil.
We of course went in and helped ourselves to plenty of samples, and we left with several bottles of specialty oils and vinaigrettes.
Ever since then, we haven’t been able to get enough.
The white peach vinaigrette has been especially delicious as both a salad dressing and flavorful marinade.
If you’re in Saratoga Springs, you definitely cannot pass up this specialty shop!
Related: 9 Amazing Things to Do in Lake Placid
12. Catch a Show at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center
The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (also known as SPAC), sets the stage for a number of incredible performances in the Adirondack region.
This venue, with its 25,000 person capacity, is home to both the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra.
If you enjoy live music, seeing a concert at SPAC will be a “must” on your list of things to do in Saratoga Springs.
What are some of your favorite things to do in Saratoga Springs? For those of you who have yet to visit, have I convinced you?
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Thank you to all of our wonderful partners that provided us with food, lodging, and other unique things to do in Saratoga Springs! As always, all opinions are entirely my own. For more information on things to do in Saratoga Springs, make sure to visit the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
