Day trip to Saratoga Springs from Albany
Thirty-five minutes up the Northway to a Victorian resort town with thoroughbred racing, mineral springs, and a walkable Broadway.
Broadway in Saratoga Springs with Victorian storefronts
The drive and parking
I-87 (the Northway) north to Exit 13N or 14. Thirty-five minutes from Empire State Plaza in normal traffic; add 20 minutes on August race days. Park on Broadway (metered, $1.25 an hour) or in the free lot behind the visitor center on Broadway near Church Street. Amtrak also runs from Albany-Rensselaer to Saratoga Springs, about $17 each way, 40 minutes.
Race season versus off-season
Saratoga Race Course runs late July through Labor Day, closed Tuesdays. Grandstand admission $10, clubhouse $15, first post usually 1pm. The National Museum of Racing across the street is $10 and worth an hour. Off-season, the town is quieter and cheaper: focus on Saratoga Spa State Park (free), the Roosevelt Baths for a $35 mineral soak, and SPAC for summer concerts.
Eat and drink
Hattie's Chicken Shack on Phila Street: $22 fried chicken, cash-friendly, expect a wait on weekends. Mrs. London's on Broadway for a $6 pastry and $5 coffee. Druthers Brewing on Broadway, $6 pints and $16 burgers, good for families. Dinner at Boca Bistro on Broadway, Spanish tapas $8 to $16, or splurge at 15 Church, mains $32 to $48.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask before they set off on this one.
Yes, especially May to June and September to October. Broadway is still active, hotels drop 40 percent, and the state park is beautiful with the leaves.
About $80 per adult: $10 admission, $10 parking, $25 for lunch, $30 for two $2 bets and a beer. Kids under 18 free with an adult.
Yes, Amtrak Empire Service from Albany-Rensselaer to Saratoga Springs, about $17 each way, 40 minutes. Station is a 15-minute walk from Broadway.
Druthers Brewing has burgers and a kids menu; Sweet Mimi's on Phila Street does pancakes all day for $12.
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