Two Perfect Days in Saratoga Springs: A Weekend Getaway for Food, Wellness, and Timeless Charm
If you’re dreaming of a weekend getaway that combines relaxation, culinary indulgence, and historic charm, there’s no place quite like Saratoga Springs, New York. Known for its mineral springs, wellness retreats, horse racing heritage, and thriving food scene, Saratoga offers a perfect mix of luxury and laid-back adventure — all within a picturesque, walkable downtown.
Whether you’re here for the spas and springs, concert, quality dining, horse race, or a taste of equestrian history, Saratoga Springs delivers two perfect days filled with beauty, flavor, and timeless style.
Day 1: Stroll, Shop, and Savor Downtown Saratoga Springs
Our Saratoga experience begins in the heart of downtown. Strolling along Broadway, the city’s main thoroughfare, where boutique shops, local cafés, and charming galleries set the scene for a relaxing morning.
Here were a few favorites we visited:
📍348 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Sip your way through artisanal teas and naturally infused honeys. During fall they had this Chai-der tea (seasonal drink between chai and apple cider) that was absolutely delicious.
Don’t miss out on their Honey Room in the back where you can sample all their honey flavors.
📍438 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
A bright and welcoming women’s boutique filled with stylish finds like exquisite jewelry, fashionable accessories, and locally inspired gifts. They were decked out for fall and their Halloween arch was a must stop photo spot.
📍484 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
A tasting destination for gourmet oils and vinegars that make perfect souvenirs.
Specializes in fresh, high-quality extra virgin olive oil, aged balsamic vinegars, and other gourmet foods.
📍454 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
A artisan chocolate company. It is known for its handmade, high-quality confections like premium chocolate bars, truffles, and barks, using single-origin or blended chocolates. The company operates a cafe and retail shop in the Saratoga Marketplace, offers custom corporate gifts, and was named the #5 Best Chocolate Shop in America by USA Today for 2025.
Lyrical Ballad Bookstore
📍7 Phila St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, just off Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs.
This is a multi-room treasure trove filled with over 100,000 used, rare, and antique books — including rooms behind old bank vault doors.
📖 Includes Specialties: Rare books, first editions, local history, art, architecture, horse racing, and antique prints.
Wander Through Congress Park:
Just a short walk away, Congress Park awaits — a historic oasis of fountains, gardens, and mineral springs that embody the city’s name. Be sure to stop by the Spirit of Life fountain or take a peaceful moment by the carousel for that quintessential Saratoga photo op.
🚗Downtown Saratoga Parking Tip:
There is plenty of free parking in Saratoga, the Putnam St. Garage (my favorite) and Woodlawn Garage are great options. Come early to get a great spot and parking was free for the first 3 hours.
Stay at Hotel Brookmere
As evening approached, we checked into Hotel Brookmere, a serene retreat nestled on ten acres of pristine wetlands just outside the city. With its mix of modern comfort and natural beauty, it’s the ideal escape after a day of exploring.
This hotel includes the Arbor Spa, fitness center, outdoor pool, and dining at their onsite restaurant the Regent.
The hotel combines historic charm with modern elegance, offering a peaceful retreat just a 10 minute drive from downtown Saratoga Springs.
Dinner at The Coat Room
For dinner, head to The Coat Room — a speakeasy-style restaurant located on the historic site of the former United States Hotel. This intimate spot features a rotating seasonal menu, unique cocktails, and a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
We enjoyed the Chicken au Riesling with mushrooms, Autumn Pumpkin Ravioli with sage cream sauce, and tiramisu for dessert. Every bite was beautifully plated and bursting with fall flavors.
Day 2: Soak, Sip, and Explore Saratoga’s Wellness and State Park
Brunch at The Merc
On Day 2 we started our morning at The Merc, a local favorite for classic American brunch. From breakfast burritos and avocado toast to chicken and waffles, this spot offers hearty dishes and a laid-back vibe that’s perfect gather spot for groups or weekend travelers.
Lunch at PDT Maison
After even more wandering around and shopping in downtown Saratoga. Headed to enjoy lunch at PDT Maison — a cozy French-Italian café on 35 Maple Avenue. The curated, European-inspired space is perfect for a relaxing midday escape.
We tried the Leaf Peeper Sangria, Harvest Toast, and fall macarons in flavors of salted caramel, tiramisu, pumpkin spice, and candy apple — a must if you’re visiting in autumn.
Relaxation at Roosevelt Baths & Spa
No trip to Saratoga Springs is complete without experiencing its legendary healing waters. Head to the historic Roosevelt Baths & Spa at Saratoga Spa State Park, where mineral baths have been a restorative ritual since 1935. Slip into the effervescent warmth and feel the stress melt away — a true wellness tradition that put Saratoga on the map. The naturally carbonated mineral waters here have drawn visitors for centuries for their healing and restorative properties.
Saratoga Spa State Park
Afterward, continue your exploration with a self-guided mineral springs tasting throughout the park. Each spring has its own distinct flavor and mineral composition — from naturally carbonated to slightly salty — offering a taste of Saratoga’s unique geology and history.
Spend the afternoon wandering the park’s scenic walking trails.I parked near the Geyser Loop Trail where you can see the geyser and several over springs nearby.
Tips: During peak spring, summer, and early fall the fee per car to enter is $10/car. Many libraries in NY have the Empire Pass to check out; which you could use here to get in and park for FREE.
Full fees and rates can be found on their website here: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/saratogaspa
Dinner at The Regent Restaurant
Located within Hotel Brookmere, The Regent Restaurant offers a chef-driven, French-inspired menu that defines fine dining in Saratoga Springs.
The highlight? Their signature bread basket with pimento cheese spread and the Berkshire pork — complete with smoked loin, braised belly, and savory apple butter. Pair your meal with a glass of wine or signature cocktail from their expertly curated list, and don’t skip dessert.
If you’re staying in the hotel you could also finish your bottle of wine, drinks, or any food in your hotel room.
Day Three: Sweet Brunch Farewell and Cultural Exploration
Before heading home, make time for breakfast at Sweet Mimi’s Café & Bakery — a Saratoga Springs staple known for its Mediterranean-inspired brunch dishes and fresh-baked treats.
We loved the lemon ricotta pancakes and maple biscuit sandwich — both as beautiful as they were delicious. They are also very accommodating to those that are gluten free.
Tip: Get their EARLY! it’s a small cafe and there was a line of people even 20 minutes before opening during a weekday.
Last stop was the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame to learn about Saratoga’s rich equestrian heritage. The museum’s stunning exhibits, fine art, and historic trophies make for a fascinating and inspiring visit.
Visitors of all ages can engage in a variety of hands-on activities. Popular attractions include a race-calling booth where you can record your own race call and a horse simulator that mimics the experience of riding a thoroughbred.
The museum hosts a rotating series of temporary exhibits and programs throughout the year, such as annual photo exhibitions, farm tours, and anniversary celebrations.
Why You’ll Love Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs is more than a weekend destination — it’s an experience. Between its award-winning restaurants, luxury boutique hotels, historic mineral springs, and walkable downtown, this upstate gem captures everything that makes New York’s small towns so special. Saratoga County boasts small-town charm with big-city attractions.
Whether you come for the food, the spas, a horse race, or simply to unwind, you’ll leave feeling nourished, inspired, and already planning your next visit.
Disclaimer: This blog post is sponsored by Discover Saratoga.
