Location: Saratoga Springs
Top Things to do in Saratoga Springs
Things to do in Saratoga Springs, New York (NY): The Best Museums
Saratoga Springs is one of those special getaway spots where everything is just, well, pretty close to perfect. The city's lovely tree-lined streets and grand old Victorians, porch swings swaying and gardens brimming with colorful flora bring to mind a gentler era. World-class horse racing, renowned performing arts and natural springs spas, plus 13 golf courses, 10 museums, a historic battlefield, fabulous boutiques, antiques and restaurants mean there is something for everyone. Relax at the Lincoln Mineral Baths, window shop in town and then it's off to the races. Walk everywhere, it's that kind of place. One of the oldest tourist destinations in the United States, Saratoga offers ample accommodation choices in elegant hotels, historic bed and breakfasts or comfortable inns. The only drawback is you may never want to leave.
Restaurants in Saratoga Springs
1. Gallery 100
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Original paintings, sculpture and ceramics from established regional and international artists are displayed in a refined and elegant exhibition space.
2. Historical Society of Saratoga Springs and Canfield Casino
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By Solo1300 - Albany, United States
The Saratoga Springs History Museum resides within Canfield Casino, a beautiful building on the National Register of Historic Places in the heart of Downtown Saratoga Springs, NY. Teeming with stories to be told, the Casino was first constructed in 1886 by John Morrissey. Since then, it has seen several owners up until its current life as the museum’s home under the custody of the City. There are three floors to the building, all with different things to see. Downstairs is home to the Museum’s gift shop, as well as the Casino’s ballroom, a beautiful design of stained glass skylights and parquet wood floors. The second floor is the heart of the Museum’s collection, with two exhibit spaces and the well-preserved High Stakes Room, complete with many impressive pieces original to the building during its time as an active gambling hall. The third floor houses the Walworth Family museum, which gives excellent insight to the lives of one of Saratoga Springs most well-known families of the age. One of the best things about coming here is getting to speak with the folks who have absorbed the knowledge of Saratoga’s history. If you ask the executive director anything about the City’s history, he can tell you where, when and how it happened. This is a beautiful place to go with friends or on a date when you are looking for an interesting place to walk around and spark discussion. If you are already in Congress Park, it makes sense to pop inside and take a look around for a very affordable $8 admission and only $2 more for a full guided tour. There are also some great items in the gift shop to pick up if you are looking for a specific Saratoga piece to bring home from your visit.
3. National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 283 reviews
A tour through the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame sets you on an incredible journey through the sport’s history, from colonial times through present day. Surrounded by incredible works of fine art, trophies, and historical artifacts, visitors experience all aspects of this thrilling sport, from its most iconic moments and pageantry to what happens behind the scenes during a day at the races. The Museum’s new signature film, What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame is a 16-minute immersive experience that brings viewers on an amazing journey through the sport and examines the rare honor — given to less than one percent its participants — of reaching the game’s pinnacle and earning a coveted spot in the Hall of Fame. The cutting-edge film conveys the exhilaration of the sport of thoroughbred racing in America and the passion behind the heritage of the game.
Reviewed By Meander742866
Fantastic museum - a must see for all horseracing fans - could spend hours walking around looking at everything.
4. Tang Teaching Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
The Tang Teaching Museum is closed to the public and all events are canceled as of March 17, 2020, in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus. Check our website for updates. The mission of the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery is to awaken the community to the richness and diversity of the human experience through the medium of art. The Tang invites curiosity and collaborative learning through active engagement with ideas, artworks, and exhibitions. Programming tailored to foster formative connections between contemporary art and students of all ages is central. Critical to this end are direct experiential opportunities for Skidmore students to participate in integral aspects of museum practice. The Tang Museum collects works of art, which by their preservation and display, provide opportunity for further study. A vigorous publication program serves as a learning tool and will join regular traveling exhibitions as important means of outreach.
Reviewed By robertfL3106BA - Stowe, United States
Although we timed our visit poorly, not much was exhibited, we loved the elevator art. Upon entering the elevator you grab a smock from the coat stand in the corner and turn on the Ipad found in the pocket. The app that is loaded uses the camera and converts the colors of the multi colored abstract art hanging in the elevator into sound. So much fun!!!
5. Saratoga Paint and Sip Studio
6. New York State Military Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By snowshoe1
This free museum is open to the public and the place shows off an extensive collection of military weapons from all periods of history covering the Colonial and Indian wars, the French and Indian War and through Afghanistan and the Iraqi battlefronts.
7. Saratoga Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By francoiset737
My kids have been attending their summer art and theater camps for years. Scholarships are available. I have taken a variety of art classes, and offered some as gifts. Whenever I can, and wander around the art gallery. I do the same with their "art in the park" in Congress Park. A favorite of mine, my daughters, and many more. I wish they would expand their gift shops: nothing made in China, all from local artists, individually made.
8. Crafters Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By travelgal5353
This store was fun to poke around and explore. We bought several items made local, like a darling felted wool pumpkin and small individual birdseen ornament; also so unique Saratoga tees and ball caps.
9. National Museum of Dance & Hall of Fame
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 103 reviews
Museum solely dedicated to American professional dance featuring the permanent exhibition of Mr. & Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Hall of Fame, which recognizes those who have influenced America's dance heritage.
10. The Children's Museum at Saratoga
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 90 reviews
This two-story fun and educational museum teaches children about science, history, community living and the arts through hands-on activities in a mock schoolhouse, fire department and bank and through challenges such as encapsulating themselves in a giant soap bubble.
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