There is nothing quite like a Saratoga summer. Days can be spent sampling the famous mineral springs, picnicking in Congress Park, walking the gorgeous downtown, boating on Saratoga Lake, or enjoying a concert at SPAC. However, there's nothing more thrilling than the roar of the crowd as powerful thoroughbreds race around the track at Saratoga! If you're looking for ways to enjoy the summer and beat the heat in Saratoga and the surrounding areas, we have some great outdoor ideas for you!

Fun on the Water

Hoping to spend some time on the water? Adirondack Cruise and Charter invites you to experience the best of Saratoga Lake! Whether you want to enjoy one of their popular public cruises (Wake on the Lake Coffee Cruise, afternoon cruise, sunset cruise) or perhaps a private charter for parties, intimate weddings, or private dinners, they have customizable cruises for everyone. If you're looking to get some exercise, head on over to the Kayak Shak and rent yourself a kayak or paddleboard. With a belief that it's important to give people the opportunity to get out on the water and enjoy the solitude, sunshine, and fun that Saratoga has to offer from a different perspective, they have a variety of additional offerings including SUP (standup paddleboard) Yoga classes, bachelorette parties and team building, And don't forget to check out their Hammocraft, which allows up to four people to float in hammocks on the water! If you are a local and looking for a great way to get in shape while spending time outdoors, check out the Saratoga Rowing Association (SRA). In addition to the middle and high school programs providing year-round training and racing, SRA offers adult and masters rowing with both competitive and learn to row programs. 

Group of people lined up on shore with paddleboards and kayaks

Kayak Shak

About a half hour north of Saratoga lies beautiful Lake George, ranked one of the most beautiful lakes in the country! Enjoy the beauty of the lake, the surrounding mountains and the beautiful homes and resorts that line the shore by visiting Lake George Steamboat who offers daily cruises aboard three historic vessels, both public and chartered. Another great option is Lake George Shoreline Cruises, who also offers private charters and regular scheduled cruises on their two yachts. And if you're heading south of Saratoga toward Albany and looking for some time on the water, be sure to check out Dutch Apple Cruises and Tours and take in the scenic beauty of the Hudson River. 

Large white boat on river with puffy white clouds

Dutch Apple Cruises

Family Fun

School's out and this is the perfect time for some fun outdoor activities with the family, and it's blueberry season! Take a short drive out to Star Farm Blueberries in Galway, NY, a fully operational, family-owned blueberry farm, and pick yourself a few containers of these sweet, juicy berries. If you would like to take the kids out for some flower-picking, be sure to check out Balet Flowers and Design. Visit their 5-acre farm, greenhouses and beautiful farm field. During the summer months, they offer pick-your-own flowers and vegetables, allowing you to enjoy farm-fresh abundance even if you are too busy to garden or are just visiting the area for a short time. Olde Saratoga Miniature Golf is an obvious choice for a few hours of family fun. Each hole highlights a significant piece of Saratoga's history, such as the Battle of Saratoga and the Canfield Casino, among others. While playing mini golf, kids and adults can enjoy a walk through time! 

The Saratoga Polo School, located on Patagonia Farm just minutes from downtown Saratoga, offers both riding and polo lessons for all levels. Additionally, they welcome the public on select dates for an afternoon of pulse-pounding polo and field-side fun for all age. Take advantage of complimentary general admission field-side tailgating, and spectators are encouraged to bring a picnic. If you feel like you need to spend some time enjoying the splendor of the majestic Adirondack mountains, the Adirondack Experience - The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake, located in the heart of the Adirondacks, is where you need to be. The open-air campus offers everyone something to do! Step into the rich history of this region as you browse the museum, row an authentic guide boat, break up a log jam, climb a classic ADK fire tower, or enjoy a family-friendly hike to Minnow Pond.

Aerial view of the museum, lake and mountains

Adirondack Experience - The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake

Saratoga Race Course is the longest continuously operating thoroughbred racetrack in the country. Attracting more than one million visitors each year, Saratoga Race Course is one of the largest attractions in the area. The venue has been named one of Sports Illustrated’s 10 Best Sporting Venues in the U.S. The 2022 summer meet will begin on July 14 and end on September 5. All the music lovers in the family are in luck! Live Nation is presenting a season jam-packed with big name performances at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Enjoy the Dave Matthews Band, Norah Jones, Luke Bryan, Styx and REO Speedwagon, and so many more! Whether you've got a seat in the amphitheater or you're spreading a blanket out on the gorgeous grounds to enjoy the show, you're sure to have a great time. And what would summer be without a good county fair? The Saratoga County Fairgrounds are home to the six-day, award-winning Saratoga County Fair held every year in July. Located on 30 acres of fenced property with an additional 20 acres of parking, the fairgrounds are a perfect setting for craft and home shows, company picnics, festivals, horse shows and much more.

Concert on stage in amphitheater at night

Live Nation Concert at Saratoga Performing Arts Center 

Golf

We can't talk about summer fun without mentioning the many golf courses throughout Saratoga County. Enjoy any one of these award-winning golf courses that provide challenging and beautifully maintained fairways for every level of golfer, as well as scenic views and elegant spaces for events like weddings, banquets, corporate retreats, and more!

Saratoga National Golf Course

Saratoga National Golf Course

 

Our city in the country offers a safe, walkable downtown with countless restaurants and shops. Over 100 restaurants will intrigue every unique taste. It’s no wonder that Travel Magazine named Saratoga Springs One of the Nation’s Most Charming Small Cities in 2021. Start planning your summer getaway today!