Tours of Saratoga Springs, NY
FREE SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOURS:
Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center
We produce several self-guided walking tours. Brochures for these walking tours can be found at the Visitor Center or can be downloaded here.
- Historic Congress Park
- Mineral Waters
- North Broadway
- East Side Neighborhood
- West Side Neighborhood
- A Strolling Tour of the Gut
Saratoga National Historical Park
The tour road is open to vehicles April 1 through November 30, weather permitting – inclement weather can result in delayed opening or early road closure. The Visitor Center is open daily 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Use your own smart device for a cell phone-activated walking/driving tour to explore the many look-outs and historical sites within the park. The tour road is open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. for vehicles and dawn to dusk for pedestrians and bikers through 9/4/22. For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/sara/index.htm or call (518) 670-2985.
FREE GUIDED TOURS:
Saratoga Spa State Park
There are approximately a dozen mineral springs located within the beautiful Saratoga Spa State Park! Stop by the Visitor Center to pick up a map and brochure of the history of the springs. Free guided tours will be offered Friday – Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Meet at the Creekside Classroom, Geyser Loop Road, in the Saratoga Spa State Park. For more information, visit https://www.parks.ny.gov/parks/saratogaspa or call (518) 584-2535.
BICYCLE TOURS:
Saratoga Bicycle Tours
A family-friendly leisurely ride appropriate for all ages; bicycles provided. You will visit several of Saratoga’s most picturesque venues, such as the Roosevelt Baths in the Spa State Park, the Beekman Arts District, the Harness Race Track, Yaddo Gardens and more! Tours begin at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and take about 2 2/2 hours; $85.00 each. For more information, visit www.cyclingsaratoga.com or call (518) 832-3796.
BREWERY TOURS:
Saratoga Craft Beer Tours
Take a guided tour of Saratoga’s popular nightlife district, sample local craft beer at the city’s most interesting breweries and learn about the local craft beer scene. The walk is short and snacks will be served along the way. Offered Friday and Saturday from 5:00-7:30 p.m. $65.00 per person (must be 21 and have proof). Check the website for scheduled tours or inquire about a private tour at www.saratogacraftbeers.com.
BOAT TOURS:
Adirondack Cruise & Charter Company
Founded in 2016, Hal and Erin Raven began offering lake tours with their pontoon boat “Kaydeross." Lake tours quickly proved to be a success! In 2017 a fantail launch was purchased to handle larger groups. This small family business soon became a welcomed attraction at Saratoga Lake. Narrated boat cruises on beautiful Saratoga Lake are offered at a variety of dates and times, please visit www.adkcruise.com.
Lake George Shoreline Cruises
Enjoy narrated cruises on beautiful Lake George aboard either the Horicon or the Adirondac. Various cruise options available for brunch or dinner tours as well as sunset, fireworks, and history cruises. For more information, visit https://lakegeorgeshoreline.com or call (528) 668-4644.
Lake George Steamboat Company
Choose from three beautiful boats and spend an hour or a day on this beautiful waterway known as the “Queen of American Lakes." Embark on an hour-long cruise aboard the Minne-Ha-Ha, one of the last steam paddlewheel ships in America. Or for a longer cruise, board the Mohican for a lovely scenic experience that will take you on a 28-mile tour. The Lac du Saint Sacrement is the largest ship on New York State’s Inland waterways and offers sightseeing, lunch, and dinner cruises. Book your cruise online at www.lakegeorgesteamboat.com or call the ticket office at (518) 668-5777.
FOOD TOURS:
Saratoga Food Tours
Learn about the region’s vibrant food scene! Tours stop at several of Saratoga’s most interesting and delicious culinary establishments (typically 5-6 on each tour), with tastings at each stop. Offered Saturdays at 12:00 p.m., May through October. Adults $63.00, children under 12 are $38.00. Tickets are available at www.saratogafoodtours.com or call (518) 832-3796.
HAUNTED TOURS:
Ghosts of Saratoga Trolley Tour
Join us for a unique 90-minute guided trolley tour of numerous ghostly locations in Saratoga, including the second floor of the famed Canfield Casino. Pursue the stories of Saratoga that make the city a portal of paranormal activity. Led by local historian Charlie Kuenzel, the stories are derived from research by noted ghost hunter David Pitkin and other paranormal investigators. Get on board for a fun filled evening of eerie entertainment! The 2023 Ghosts of Saratoga Trolley Tours will run Thursdays, October 5, 12, 19, 26. Advanced reservations only- these tours sell out! Please call the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center at (518) 587-3241, Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saratoga Springs History Museum Ghost Tours
As investigated by GHOST HUNTERS, come and experience the original Ghost Tours of Saratoga Springs at the Canfield Casino! Tours begin at 11:00 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in July and August. Cost is $15.00 adults, $12.00 children 6-17, children under 5 free (cost includes Museum admission). Reservations not required. Meet at the History Museum in Canfield Casino in Congress Park. For more information, visit www.saratogahistory.org or call (518) 584-6920.
Haunted Saratoga Tours
Discover the spirits that have “lived” in Saratoga for hundreds of years! This 90-minute walking tour will showcase the many ghosts rumored to have haunted the city. Cost is $22.00 for adults and $10.00 for children under 12. Private tours available. Buy tickets online at www.hauntedsaratoga.com.
HISTORY TOURS:
Congress Park History Tours
Join us as we share the legends and lore of Saratoga's splendor! This 90 minute guided walking tour will entertain and enlighten both visitors and residents with the famed stories of this great city. Saratoga Springs was the playground of the rich and famous during the 1800's and provides the stories of this wonderful, gilded period in our history. This unique and engaging tour will guide participants from the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center to Congress Park and will conclude with a complete tour of the elegant Canfield Casino. Tours take place Tuesday-Saturday 10:30 am-Noon. Cost is $20 per person. For reservations, please call the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center: (518) 587-3241 Tuesday thru Saturday from 9am-5pm. Tours run rain or shine.
Derby Tours of Saratoga
Led by local historian, Hollis Palmer, this walking tour features the unique history and architecture of Saratoga Springs. Visit www.derbytours.com or call (518) 495-7012 for reservations.
Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation Summer Strolls
Sunday morning 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., rain or shine. Various historic Saratoga locations. Cost is $20.00 non-members, $15.00 members. Reservations required, contact Preservation Foundation at (518) 587-5030 or visit www.saratogapreservation.org.
Scavenger Hunt: “On the Hunt for Saratoga History”
Gather your family and friends and travel through time as you stroll Broadway, Saratoga’s award-winning main street. Explore and discover the meaning behind our city’s well-known slogan “Health, History, Horses." Learn about the beverage that put Saratoga Springs on the map! Uncover the truth behind the history of the city. Test your knowledge about thoroughbreds and the Saratoga Race Course. Most importantly – have FUN! Scavenger hunt forms can be found at the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center located at 297 Broadway or the Saratoga Springs History Museum in the Canfield Casino in Congress Park. A completed form with answers can be found at the Visitor Center or the History Museum. If you score 40 questions or more correct on the scavenger hunt, you will receive a packet of free admissions and coupons for businesses and museums in Saratoga Springs. For more information, call the Heritage Area Visitor Center at (518) 587-3241.
HORSE TOURS:
NYRA Saratoga Racecourse Backstretch
This tour is available every race day except Travers Day and Labor Day (there are no races or tours on Mondays and Tuesdays). This is a guided walking tour of the famous and historic stable area (weather permitting), available during breakfast at the track. The first tram to the stable area leaves the main Clubhouse entrance at 7:30 a.m., with additional trams leaving approximately every 15 minutes. The last tour departs at approximately 9:00 a.m. No reservations accepted – trams are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. For more information, visit https://www.nyra.com/saratoga/visit/breakfast-at-saratoga.
NYRA Saratoga Racecourse Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour
Offered by NYRA on Fridays during the racing season (July 14-Sept. 4). The tour will feature a buffet breakfast at the racetrack, time to watch the thoroughbred horses exercise, and a round-trip open-air trolley ride and tour of Old Tavern Farm. $55 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under. Purchase tickets at www.NYRA.com.
NYRA Saratoga Racecourse Walking Tours
History, highlights, unique architecture, and landscapes at Saratoga Race Course! These daily walking tours bring more than 150 years of history within Saratoga Race Course to life. Ever wonder why we ring a bell at 17 minutes to post or why there is a canoe in the lake in the infield? Take a guided tour to get to know The Spa! Tours are scheduled at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. each racing day and costs $5 per person or $15 for a group of 4 or more. Binocular rentals available at first floor Grandstand Guest Services Center only. Please note: No morning tours on Runhappy Travers Day and Labor Day. For more information, visit https://www.nyra.com/saratoga/visit/walking-tours or call (518) 584-6200 x 4433.
Old Friends at Cabin Creek
A wonderful farm for retired thoroughbred horses! Old Friends at Cabin Creek, the Bobby Frankel Division, is Saratoga County’s only thoroughbred retirement farm and one of the few that will take thoroughbred stallions. Starting on July 5 – September 3, tours will be offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. No reservations needed. Private and group tours available by prior arrangement. Admission is FREE; however, donations are greatly appreciated. For more information, visit https://oldfriendsatcabincreek.com or call (518) 698-2377.
Oklahoma Training Track Tours
Tours of the Oklahoma Training Track are offered by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Walking tours at 9:00 a.m. daily through racing season. Tour lasts approx. 90 mins. and covers roughly 1 mile. Adults $15.00, Seniors/students $10.00; no children or strollers. (Fee includes $5.00 off museum admission.) Reservations required. Sturdy footwear recommended. For more information, visit https://www.racingmuseum.org or call (518) 584-0400.
TRAIN TOURS:
Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway
Hop on board the Saratoga Corinth and Hudson Railway and enjoy the scenic views of the Southern Adirondacks on our 90-minute vintage train ride. Located just 20 minutes north of Saratoga Springs, we offer the perfect adventure for families and train lovers of all ages.
- Tickets start at $10.00 per child and $25.00 per adult
- Choose from first class, coach, or open-air seating.
- Ride with the Engineer!
- Book a private event
For more information, visit www.corinthtrain.com or call (518) 222-9590.
TROLLEY TOURS:
Guided Trolley Tour
Join us for a 90-minute guided tour of beautiful, historic Saratoga Springs, NY! This informative and entertaining tour will include historic sights and points of interest along Broadway, North Broadway, the Skidmore campus, the High Rock area, Saratoga Race Course, beautiful Union Avenue and more! The Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center has partnered once again with Upstate Transit of Saratoga to bring you this one-of-a-kind tour! Upstate Transit has captured the charm of yesteryear and the comfort of today by designing trolleys with an authentic wooden interior, decorative etched glass windows and air-conditioning for your comfort. Trolleys also feature a wheelchair lift. Tours take place Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00AM August 1 - August 31. Pick-up and drop-off location is the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center located at 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Tickets are $25.00 per person. Recommended for children 12 and over. To purchase tickets please call (518) 587-3241. Cancellation policy: no refunds for reservations cancelled less than 48 hours prior to start of tour. Cancellations can be made via email at karen@discoversaratoga.org. Day-of tickets can be purchased at the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY.
