Things to Do on a Business Trip to Saratoga Springs, NY
Visiting Saratoga for business? Here's what to check out in between meetings - on your own, with friends, or as you're networking with colleagues. Take some time off from work to enjoy the sights and favorite activities in the Spa City!
⭐ Partner Spotlight: The Hotel Saratoga for Professional Business Meetings
The Hotel Saratoga, minutes from downtown and the track, is the prime place to host your business meeting. The Pinecone Room is fit for meetings, training sessions, or even just a social get-together. The 500-square-foot room accommodates up to 49 guests, with A/V equipment and/or catering services available as needed. Plus, they have a convenient on-site bistro if you're just grabbing a quick bite to eat or drink with a coworker.
The entire hotel is seeped with Saratoga history, from the Saratoga water bottle display in the lobby to paintings on the walls. You'll find thoughtful nods to the heritage of the city throughout the property that will get your group into a Saratoga state of mind, ready to enjoy all this destination has to offer!
If you're coming into town for business and need somewhere to stay, look no further:
"Love this hotel. We always get a really warm, friendly greeting when we check in. The ambiance of this hotel is very new, updated, and clean. The decorations reflect the Saratoga area." - Caryna F. on Yelp
Downtown Saratoga Springs: Dining, Shopping & After-Work Energy
In the heart of Saratoga is downtown, with a diverse array of restaurants ranging from fried chicken to fine dining, boutique shops and galleries, and a lively nightlife scene. Downtown is centered around Broadway, with popular Beekman Street and Phila Street close by.
Grab coffee with a colleague or client, pop into Impressions of Saratoga or Northshire Bookstore in between appointments, and look forward to evening, when many bars feature live music.
Saratoga Race Course: A Seasonal Must-See
If your business trip falls during the summer racing season (typically July through early September), the Saratoga Race Course is a must-visit Saratoga spot. This is one of the most famous thoroughbred tracks in the country, attracting visitors from across the world.
Guests often dress up in signature Derby style - think big hats, sundresses, and polos. A day at the track offers the perfect mix between entertainment/a fun activity you'd be doing anyway, and an excellent networking opportunity.
Saratoga Casino Hotel: Year-Round Entertainment
Whether you're visiting during the summer or not, the Saratoga Casino Hotel is always a popular stop for business or leisure travelers. Catch live harness racing and fantastic video gaming, plus the class blackjack, roulette, craps, and more.
Also at this location: The Vapor Night Club, a happening place for late-night dancing, socializing and drinks.
Play a Round of Golf: Courses Near Saratoga Springs
Golf: It's always a classic for a business trip! If your coworkers are into golfing you're in luck, because Saratoga is home to several prominent courses where you'll find an ideal blend of challenge and leisure.
Saratoga National Golf Club offers a polished, championship-level experience just minutes from downtown, complete with a scenic layout and clubhouse dining that works well for business outings.
For a more relaxed round, Airway Meadows Golf Club in Gansevoort delivers an approachable course and welcoming atmosphere. Built on a former airfield, you can enjoy the planes flying overhead while you play a leisurely game of golf. You might even see some skydiving!
Dining: From Business Dinners to Casual Bites
If you're browsing Saratoga restaurants and feeling overwhelmed by all the amazing choices, we're here to help: choose between these three restaurants, all with different vibes but excellent for a business dinner, meal, or drink.
Chianti Il Ristorante
For an upscale, Northern Italian dinner, Chianti II Ristorante on Division Street is an exceptional choice. Think handmade pasta dishes, wood-fired meats, fresh seafood, and a carefully curated wine selection.
15 Church
If you're trying to impress clients, 15 Church is the place to go. Located on Church Street just off Broadway, this dining destination is considered the pinnacle of upscale, with a chef-driven menu and incredible seafood that is flown in from across the world.
The Coat Room
A newer addition to the Saratoga scene, you'll find speakeasy vibes and a scratch kitchen at The Coat Room. This is the restaurant to go if you're having an exclusive, important conversation that requires mood lighting and a plush atmosphere.
Spas & Mineral Baths: Relax After a Day of Meetings
For when you're ready to recharge after a long day of business meetings, book a full-service spa treatment. True to its nickname "The Spa City," Saratoga Springs has long been known for wellness, thanks to its naturally occurring mineral springs. Many modern spas carry on the tradition with mineral soaks, massages, and other treatments to help you slow down and reset.
We suggest the Gideon Putnam Resort located in the beautiful Saratoga Spa State Park. They boast 42 original treatment rooms and specialize in mineral baths, body treatment, massage therapy, facials, and more.
Congress Park: A Downtown Escape
Speaking of parks, explore the walking paths at Congress Park in the center of downtown Saratoga Springs. Check out gardens, fountains, art displays, and the classic carousel. The Saratoga Springs History Museum is also in this park, located inside the famed Canfield Casino, which once housed the gambling-loving movers and shakers of Saratoga.
This is a lovely park to get in your steps, enjoy the sights, or just relax with that book you picked up at Northshire Bookstore. And, those mineral springs mentioned before? Congress Park has three of them, plus Hathorn No. 1 Spring just outside the park, so give them a taste while you're here!
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
If you have the chance, catch a show or festival at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) in Saratoga Spa State Park. This renowned outdoor amphitheater hosts major concerts, ballet, orchestral performances, and festivals throughout the year.
In addition to the enclosed amphitheater, the popular lawn area allows you to bring your own low-backed chair or a picnic blanket to relax during the show.
An evening at SPAC makes for a memorable experience that will be well worth your time, and a great way to get a taste of Saratoga’s arts and culture scene.
The Saratoga Automobile Museum: Not Just for Car Enthusiasts
The Saratoga Automobile Museum, also located in Saratoga Spa State Park, is one of those places that's great for a business group or a family with kids. Everyone can enjoy the incredible exhibits and fascinating vehicles, plus they often do car shows if you're able to catch one while you're in town.
Make sure you check out the Amphicar - part boat, part car - which is part of their permanent collection you'll be able to find on the second floor.
Bars & Pubs: For Networking & Unwinding
Maybe it's a drink you're seeking after a day of business meetings and negotiations. Or, you need to connect with a client or coworker in a refined but casual space, where you can relax and converse together without the commitment of an entire meal.
The Saratoga bar scene is buzzing with delicious cocktails and mocktails, and we suggest the following for a business drink:
Bocage Champagne Bar: for a stylish setting and globally sourced champagnes - this would be great for a celebratory occasion, like landing a promotion or landing a big client!
Kindred: for small-batch produced wine, creative cocktails, and a wide selection of snacks and shareable plates
Wheatfields: for a great happy hour deal (50% off bar beverages Mon-Fri, 3pm-7pm, all day Sunday) - this would also be an excellent business dinner spot
Walking Tours: A Local Experience
Show your group what makes Saratoga Springs special with a guided walking tour. (There are also self-guided walking tours.) From history to craft beer to food to haunted tours, there's something for everyone. The Saratoga Springs History Museum also does a guided tour.
Having trouble deciding? For a company outing or team-building event, we suggest the Saratoga Springs Food Tours. Food appeals to everyone and can naturally encourage conversation and networking as you're moving from stop to stop.
Museums: History, Art & More
Saratoga is brimming with museums and art galleries. Consider taking your group to one of the following:
The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum & Art Gallery: Located at Skidmore College, the Tang focuses on art that sparks conversation, collaboration, and engagement.
The National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame: To dive deeper into the Saratoga horse racing scene, this museum is a must-visit.
The aforementioned Saratoga History Museum would also make a great choice for a business outing.
Enjoy networking with peers or showing clients around Saratoga Springs!
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