A Local's Guide to Surviving Saratoga Track Season
Saratoga track season brings energy, excitement, and a whole lot of people to town. With the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, July 4th Racing Festival, and the full summer meet at Saratoga Race Course, it’s a thrilling stretch for racing fans—and a busy time for locals.
So how do you make the most of the season without getting swept up in the crowd? This local's guide highlights peaceful escapes, fun alternatives, and go-to spots to enjoy the Saratoga area beyond the track.
Plan Around the Racing Calendar
A little planning goes a long way during track season. Start by knowing when things get busiest so you can work around the crowds—not against them.
- Belmont Stakes Racing Festival: June 4–8, 2025
- July 4th Racing Festival: July 3–6, 2025
- Saratoga Summer Meet: July 10 - September 1, 2025
Once you’ve got those key dates on your radar, it’s time to start filling in the fun stuff. Whether you’re sticking close to home or venturing a little farther out, here are the best ways to experience Saratoga—without the track-day chaos.
Connect with Nature (and Animals!)
When the track feels a little too hectic, these serene settings offer space to breathe, stretch your legs, and reconnect with the outdoors.
Into the Woods Farm
Located in Middle Grove, Into the Woods Farm offers goat yoga, guided forest walks, and family-friendly outdoor experiences. Surrounded by pine forests, it’s a peaceful place to reset while getting a little fresh air and movement.
As one visitor put it, "So fun!! Such a cool experience and the goats are hilarious! We had an incredible walk through the woods with Phaedra and she is a wealth of knowledge about animals and the area. Highly recommend for any age."
Hudson Crossing Park
Just outside Schuylerville, Hudson Crossing Park features walking trails, picnic facilities, and scenic overlooks along the Hudson.
A friend of mine took her family and said it was perfect for kids—especially the Riverwalk Sensory Trail and the children’s play garden, which kept them entertained the whole time.
Pair your visit with a stop at Bound by Fate Brewing for a casual beer and a local bite, or grab lunch at Old Saratoga Eatery, a top spot for comfort food like wraps, sandwiches, gourmet burgers, and more—just minutes away.
Moreau Lake State Park
With wooded trails, a quiet beach, and options for paddling or picnicking, Moreau Lake State Park is ideal for a slower pace of summer. Cap off your day at nearby Dancing Grain Farm Brewery for a cold pour in a breezy countryside setting.
Battenkill Valley Outdoors
Escape the buzz of town with a scenic float down the river via Battenkill Valley Outdoors in Cambridge. They offer everything from tubing to kayaking in a calm, picturesque environment.
A family who visited shared, "We took out a raft and a kayak for our family of three and had a blast. Staff is super friendly and accommodating. We loved meeting their two incredibly sweet, gentle dogs. Great way to spend a day."
Sip & Unwind at Local Wineries and Breweries
If you're skipping the clubhouse crowds but still want to toast the season, these spots pour local flavor in laid-back settings.
Adirondack Winery Queensbury
Adirondack Winery is a modern tasting room offering flights of their fruit-infused wines, seasonal events, and wine slushies. Their spacious Queensbury headquarters features both a comfortable patio and indoor seating.
"Had dinner at the bar, tasted some nice local wines and bourbon. All delicious!" said one customer. "Then we went upstairs for a phenomenal dueling pianos show... Sasha throws a great party!"
Ledge Rock Hill Winery
For a quieter escape, Ledge Rock Hill Winery in Lake George serves hand-crafted wines in a rustic tasting room. Their wines are made from premium grapes, with popular options including Green Apple Blanc and Sacandaga Sunset.
A recent patron described it as "a beautiful place—and by beautiful I mean the attention, the decoration, the ambiance. Live music, country, with excellent service."
Artisanal Brew Works & Nature’s Edge Bistro
Located on the edge of Saratoga Springs, Artisanal Brew Works pairs experimental beers with casual food at the attached Nature’s Edge Bistro. They’re known for creative flavors and variety, and if you’re a fan of sours, I highly recommend trying their WarHeads® Extreme Sour Ales—one of my personal favorites.
The Saratoga Winery
At The Saratoga Winery, locals can enjoy wood-fired pizzas, wine tastings, and live music on a spacious outdoor patio. Their house-made wines, seasonal cocktails, and local craft beer selections make this a versatile stop for groups with varied tastes.
Not sure what to try first? Choose from five pre-set wine flights—Dry, Sweet, Red, White, or the Best Pour Decisions. There’s even an Upstate Whiskey Flight if that’s more your style.
Cool Off on the Water — Without the Crowds
Trade concrete for open water and cool breezes. These lake adventures are a refreshing way to enjoy summer outside the city.
Original Tiki Tours
Cruise Saratoga Lake on a floating tiki bar with Original Tiki Tours. It’s a social but mellow way to spend a summer afternoon, complete with island vibes and lake breezes.
I’ve been out with a group of eight, and it was the perfect size for kicking back with our favorite playlist, some cold drinks, and a relaxing ride up and down the lake.
Adirondack Cruise & Charter Co.
Adirondack Cruise & Charter Co. offers private and guided cruises on Saratoga Lake. They operate two boats and host a variety of public cruises, such as the Wake on the Lake Coffee Cruise and Saratoga Lake Sunset Cruise.
One guest shared, "This cruise was great. A nice experience, slow tour of the lake with a bunch of little history fun facts. Well worth the money. Thank you guys for making our evening a memorable one."
Daleys Adventure Boat Tours
With Daleys Adventure Boat Tours on Saratoga Lake, you can customize your boat outing—music, snacks, and your own pace included. The average tour runs about 3 hours in summer (2 in spring or fall), giving you time to relax and explore.
You can even add swimming and tubing to your itinerary, making it a fun and personal way to enjoy the lake with family or friends.
Try Something Adventurous or Totally Different
Whether you're chasing adrenaline or looking for a new summer memory, these unique outings bring a different kind of excitement to your weekend plans.
Adirondack Adventure Center
Located in Lake Luzerne, Adirondack Adventure Center offers ziplining, whitewater rafting, and lazy river tubing. It’s a great day trip for those looking to shake up their routine.
Pro tip: Harris Grocery is right next door and makes a solid stop before or after your adventure—with a nice selection of breakfast sandwiches, lunch options, snacks, gifts, and more.
For another fun add-on, the trailhead to Potash Mountain is just a short drive away and offers a scenic hike with beautiful views of the southern Adirondacks.
Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway
Ride the rails through scenic Saratoga County on vintage train cars with Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway.
A family who rode the train had this to say, "Every single worker went above and beyond to answer any questions we had, plus they let us explore the other cars during the scenic ride."
They offer unique themed rides throughout the year, like the LaMothe Landing Limited!!! Dinner Train, which features a farmhouse-style dinner, local wine and beer, and live music.
Dine Smart: Local Spots Beyond the Usual Crowds
Dining out during track season doesn’t have to mean long waits or packed sidewalks. These spots deliver great meals with space to breathe.
Hills & Hollows
Tucked away in Wilton, Hills & Hollows is a casual, modern restaurant serving up creative dishes with seasonal ingredients. It’s located at the scenic McGregor Links Country Club, where the 18-hole course has been part of Saratoga’s landscape since 1921.
According to a recent diner, "Great place to visit—even if you don't play golf. Grounds are impeccable, restaurant is the same. Staff very friendly, nicely decorated, and the food was spot-on."
Carson’s Woodside Tavern
Known for generous portions and lake views, Carson’s Woodside Tavern delivers reliable dining without the downtown hassle.
The massive outdoor patio overlooks Saratoga Lake and Vermont mountains, offering a view that’s hard to beat. Weekly live music adds to the relaxed, come-as-you-are feel that locals love.
Dunning Street Station
Located in Malta, Dunning Street Station offers classic American fare inside a stunning 1950s Fodero dining car. From lite fare to hearty entrees like the short rib stroganoff, there is something for everyone.
One customer noted, "The atmosphere, the staff, the food, and the vibe from the other customers make this place the best. Chef Bruce has some wonderful creations, and if you have dietary restrictions, he’s always accommodating."
The Whistling Kettle
In Ballston Spa, The Whistling Kettle is known for its extensive tea list and hearty brunch menu. With cozy indoor and outdoor seating, it’s a favorite spot to catch up with a friend or unwind with a pot of loose-leaf tea and something sweet. Opt for this quieter option during warm summer mornings.
If you're looking to expand your dining rotation this summer, check out even more great restaurants near Saratoga Springs—all outside the downtown hustle.
Are You Ready for Summer?
Surviving Saratoga track season as a local doesn’t mean skipping out on summer fun—it just means knowing where to go when the crowds roll in. From hidden wineries and shaded trails to easygoing boat rides and outdoor adventures, there’s still plenty of room to enjoy the season!
Find more things to do during summer in Saratoga >>
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