Top Activities for a Fun-Filled Guys Weekend in Saratoga Springs, NY
Are you planning the ultimate guys weekend in Saratoga Springs? Maybe you're celebrating a birthday, organizing a Saratoga bachelor party, or simply looking for some quality time away with friends. To help, our team has compiled some of the best places to visit for a fun-filled guys trip to the region!
⭐ Partner Spotlight: Make The Hotel Saratoga Your Guys Weekend Headquarters
A successful guys weekend starts with the right home base, and The Hotel Saratoga puts your group close to everything that makes Saratoga Springs a great getaway destination. From championship golf courses and local breweries to nightlife, live entertainment, and dining, you'll be well positioned to make the most of your time in town.
Whether you're planning a dedicated guys golf weekend or building an itinerary packed with a little bit of everything, the hotel's location makes it easy to get around. Some of the area's top golf destinations—including Saratoga Spa State Park Golf Course, Saratoga National Golf Club, and Saratoga Lake Golf Club—are all just a short drive away, allowing your group to spend more time on the course and less time in the car.
Even better? You can forget the hassle of coordinating rides or paying for parking. The Hotel Saratoga offers free and easy parking on-site, along with a free shuttle that can drop your crew off directly at SPAC, the Track, or downtown Saratoga (shuttle subject to availability).
After a day of golfing, brewery hopping, or exploring downtown Saratoga Springs, return to comfortable guest rooms or upgrade your stay to a spacious suite to give your group plenty of extra room to kick back and hang out. With Broadway, the Race Course, SPAC, and other popular attractions nearby, The Hotel Saratoga serves as a convenient headquarters for whatever your group has planned.
- The Vibe: A comfortable and modern home base where your group can relax between rounds of golf, nights out, and Saratoga adventures—with an outdoor pool that's perfect for unwinding on a warm afternoon.
- The Accommodations: Choose from spacious guest rooms and suites featuring plush pillow-top mattresses, 65-inch smart TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, and thoughtful extras like white noise machines and USB charging ports. Tip: Upgrade to a suite for the ultimate pre-game hangout space!
- Insider Tip: Start the day with the complimentary hot breakfast before heading to the golf course. When you return, make the Spa City Bistro your first stop—our convenient on-site bar and restaurant is the perfect spot to grab a drink and swap stories before heading out for the night (or for a relaxed nightcap when you get back).
Sports & Stakes: Championship Golf & Harness Racing
Once you've checked in and settled into your home base of choice, it's time to get the weekend started. Saratoga's combination of championship golf courses and horse racing traditions makes this an easy first stop for groups looking to experience some of the region's most iconic attractions.
Tee Off at Saratoga’s Premier Courses
For the ultimate golf outing with all the bells and whistles, you'll want to opt for Saratoga National Golf Club. They pride themselves on offering all the perks and amenities of an upscale private club, without the rules and restrictions. If you're looking to go all out for your guys weekend, this is the place to do it.
Love lake views? Saratoga Lake Golf Club offers a relaxed yet memorable round on the south side of Saratoga Lake, just minutes from downtown Saratoga Springs. The 18-hole, par-72 public course winds through wooded fairways, ponds, and wetlands, creating a scenic backdrop for your game. Afterward, head to The Hideaway for drinks, dinner, and post-round relaxation overlooking the course.
A couple of other excellent options for a great golf game in the area are Airway Meadows Golf Club or Pioneer Hills Golf Club, which are both off the beaten path in Gansevoort and Ballston Spa, respectively.
Head Indoors for a Round of Indoor Golf
For an alternative indoor option, PSG Golf in Saratoga Springs is a modern facility featuring high-tech simulators, expert instruction, and flexible booking options for both members and the public. Golfers can play year-round, book lessons with PGA-certified instructors, or reserve the space for group events and fun social gatherings.
Experience the Thrill of Live Harness Racing
Saratoga is known for horses, but here's a sport you might not have thought of: harness racing. Harness racing is a form of horse racing, wherein the horse is pulling a two-wheeled cart occupied by a driver.
Live harness racing is scheduled at the Saratoga Casino Hotel for 11 months out of the year. You and the guys can watch live races outside at the rail, in the lower Clubhouse, in the Grandstand, or even while dining at Lucky Joe's.
Casino Nights: High-Stakes Gaming & High-Energy Clubs
Looking to add some excitement to your itinerary? From gaming and live entertainment to nightlife that keeps the energy going after dark, Saratoga offers plenty of ways to turn an ordinary night into a memorable one.
Win Big at Saratoga Casino Hotel
With over 1,700 slot machines and electronic table games that await your group at the Saratoga Casino Hotel, you're sure to find something for everyone!
This casino is even the first in the state to offer electronic roulette, and it has electronic craps as well. These games offer the excitement of traditional casino games with the comfort of separate terminals.
Turn Up the Energy at Vapor Nightclub
Hit the club - Vapor Nightclub that is, which is right on site at the Saratoga Casino Hotel. This nightclub is known for its outstanding lighting effects, luxurious VIP lounges, and the absolute best entertainment.
Local bands and regional acts have performed here, along with their in-house DJ. They also play sporting events, including horse racing, on their giant 16' HD screen.
Brews & Bourbons: Saratoga’s Best Craft Beverage Spots
A guys getaway wouldn't be complete without a few drinks shared among friends. Saratoga's bourbon bars, breweries, and craft beverage destinations provide plenty of opportunities to relax, catch up, and discover something new.
Sip Rare Whiskeys at The Bourbon Room
The Bourbon Room, located right in the heart of Saratoga Springs on Caroline Street, serves up a variety of bourbons, whiskeys, and scotches in a laid-back atmosphere. Their menu boasts dozens of varieties, allowing you to try rare selections you might not find elsewhere, including small-batch, 10-year, and 12-year pours. They also offer classic signature cocktails, such as the Bourbon Room Manhattan.
Grab a Pint at a Local Craft Brewery
In Saratoga Springs, beer enthusiasts will find an array of local craft breweries to enjoy with their buddies.
Top breweries such as Tree House Brewing Company right up the road from The Hotel Saratoga, Druthers Brewing Company and Whitman Brewing in downtown Saratoga, and Artisanal Brew Works on Maple Ave. offer relaxed atmospheres and diverse selections of handcrafted beers.
Epic Eats: From Premium Steakhouses to Legendary Burgers
All that golfing, exploring, and nightlife is bound to work up an appetite. Fortunately, Saratoga is home to everything from premium steakhouses and casual burger joints to crowd-pleasing Mexican restaurants.
Treat the Crew to a World-Class Steak Dinner
When it comes to finding a savory steak, Saratoga has some top notch options. Heritage at Saratoga National is touted as one of the best steakhouses in the area. They choose only the best hand-selected beef in the country that is cooked to perfection.
Salt & Char, located in downtown Saratoga Springs, opened in 2016 and has made quite a name for itself, particularly with its Wagyu beef. Wagyu is a high-quality, intensely marbled meat that comes from Japanese cattle.
Keep It Classic with a Juicy Gourmet Burger
A guys weekend itinerary would not be complete without a couple of burger places to hit up. Beer Wine Pizza (BWP) has seven specialty burgers to choose from, as well as other pub fare favorites like wings, sandwiches, and salads.
If you're craving a more traditional beef burger, head to Juicy Burgers & More in Ballston Spa. This is a traditional burger spot that believes in keeping it simple - they use fresh, not frozen beef, broil the burgers to order your way, and offer reasonable prices.
Fuel Up with Authentic Mexican Street Food
Can't get enough Mexican food? Cantina on Broadway in Saratoga Springs is where you'll want to head with your famished group. Here you'll find Mexican street corn, a variety of burritos, and five different kinds of enchiladas, along with options for fajitas, chimichangas, tostadas, and of course, tacos.
Nightlife & Entertainment: Live Music, Sports Bars & Comedy
Sometimes the best moments of a guys weekend happen when everyone gathers around great food, cold drinks, and a game on TV. These local hangouts combine entertainment, atmosphere, and memorable views.
Catch the Game with Waterfront Views
Enjoy some of the best scenic views in the Capital Region at Carson's Woodside Tavern. Located only 7 miles from Saratoga Springs, the restaurant's massive patio overlooks Saratoga Lake and the beautiful Vermont mountains.
Devour classic American fare with the warmth of a fire on the patio, or head inside to the cozy indoor space with TVs to get your sports fix.
Whether you prefer a view of the natural landscape or the view of the TVs from the bar, Carson's Woodside Tavern will give you good eats and entertainment, too!
Discover Hidden Gem Pubs off the Beaten Path
Another establishment that offers a wide range of things to do and enjoy would be The Mill on Round Lake. Round Lake is a quaint village located just under 20 minutes from Saratoga Springs.
The Mill is a little off the beaten path - it's pretty much the only establishment on the stretch of Route 9 just north of Clifton Park - and it's the perfect place to go if you're looking for a good time outside of Saratoga.
This Adirondack-style bar and restaurant has an outdoor patio, a cozy fireplace indoors, sports games playing on the TV, and a pool table. Pub fare is kicked up a notch here with truly exceptional burgers, quesadillas, and more. Be sure to try their pretzel and cheese dip!
See Big-Name Acts at SPAC & Caffe Lena
As you're starting to make plans for your guys weekend, check out what upcoming performances are happening at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), one of the most prominent performing arts venues in the entire region. There very well might be a concert or show that you'll want to build into your itinerary.
SPAC offers everything from mainstream music groups to classical ballets and anything in between. The Dave Mathews Band and Phish have played two- and three-night shows here for several years.
Outdoor lawn seating in the summer amps this musical experience up a notch.
Another iconic place to listen to exceptional live music in Saratoga Springs is Caffe Lena. This is a folk music venue, so it's a much smaller place than SPAC, and the advantage here is that you'll be just steps away from the performers, so it's an especially intimate experience.
Caffe Lena is actually the oldest continuously operating folk music venue in the entire country. Like SPAC, big name performers have appeared here, including Bob Dylan!
Catch a Live Show at The Comedy Works
In the mood for some comedy? Bring the guys to The Comedy Works, situated on Broadway in Saratoga Springs. They host nationally touring comedians, and have welcomed greats like Jerry Seinfeld and Robin Williams to the stage.
With a full bar plus coffee, soda, and food, your night can be filled with dinner and a show!
Late-Night Lounge Vibe: Cigars & Wine
Not every part of the weekend has to be high energy. If your group is looking for a more relaxed atmosphere where you can sit back, enjoy a smoke, and catch up, Saratoga has the perfect upscale hideaway.
Pair Fine Cigars with Vintage Wines at The Wine Bar
The Wine Bar in Saratoga Springs has a separate smoking lounge (where "cigars are especially welcome"). It probably goes without saying that they also have an extensive wine selection - they carry 50 wines by the glass - and you might be able to find something here you wouldn't see most other places.
If you're craving a relaxing vibe where you can sit back and chat with your friends, this would be an excellent choice. They're also able to host private parties in a lower level space; if you're in town celebrating a special occasion, this could be a nice option.
Style & Gear: Essential Shopping for the Modern Crew
It may not be the first activity that comes to mind, but a little shopping can be a fun addition to your trip. Saratoga features several unique retailers that cater to outdoor enthusiasts, craft beer fans, and guys looking to upgrade their style.
Browse Men's Fashion with Beer on Tap
You read that right - go shopping during your guys weekend! Located on Broadway in downtown Saratoga, Union Hall Supply Company offers a different kind of retail experience.
In addition to a curated inventory of clothing, shoes, and accessories for men, they have an in-store tasting bar featuring a rotating selection of craft beer. Both beer and style are on tap at this men's clothing store, so stop by with the guys and enjoy an effortless shopping trip.
Gear Up for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
Saratoga Outdoors in downtown Saratoga is the ultimate haven for guys preparing for an outdoor adventure.
Packed with rugged gear, top-of-the-line equipment, and apparel designed for the wilderness, this store caters to the outdoor enthusiast in every man. Browse through their selection and gear up!
The Great Outdoors: Trail Hikes, Battlefield History & Lake Cruises
If your group prefers fresh air and adventure, you'll find plenty of opportunities beyond downtown Saratoga. From scenic mountain hikes and lakeside camping to relaxing cruises on the water, the region offers outdoor experiences for every pace.
Climb Fire Towers and Explore State Parks
Hadley Mountain, located north of Saratoga Springs, is a 3.4-mile round trip trail, rated as moderate, that is best hiked between March and November. The summit offers scenic views of Great Sacandaga Lake, and it also has a fire tower, which is one of 34 remaining fire towers in Adirondack Park.
There is also Saratoga Spa State Park, which has many outdoor recreational activities, including hiking trails, golf, tennis, and pools. In winter, you can enjoy both cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
For even more adventures, Moreau Lake State Park is a 4,531-acre park in northern Saratoga County that features over 20 miles of hiking trails. You can also make the most of seasonal camping or birding, or visit the beach and picnic area during warmer weather.
Walk the Grounds of a Revolutionary War Turning Point
If your group includes any history buffs, you can't skip a visit to Saratoga National Historical Park in nearby Stillwater. This is the official battlefield site where the American Continental Army won a crucial victory over the British in 1777—a moment widely considered the turning point of the Revolutionary War.
It is an ideal spot for a low-key morning or afternoon with the guys. You can take the 10-mile driving tour to see the historic markers, or get out and stretch your legs on the Wilkinson Trail, a scenic 4.2-mile hiking loop that takes you right through the historic battlefield terrain.
Hit the Water on a Floating Tiki Boat Tour
Visit Original Tiki Tours at Saratoga Lake to spend time on the water with a passenger floating tiki boat. This is a new approach to boating that will leave you satisfied with great memories and a truly relaxing time.
These tours last a little over an hour, and it's recommended to bring your own drinks, snacks, and perhaps some music too. After a warm summer day, this is a fantastic way to wind down.
Lock In Your Lineup: Plan Your Perfect Weekend
Ready to get this guys weekend off the ground? Whether your group is leaning toward a high-energy golf and casino trip, a historic battlefield trek, or a relaxed weekend of craft breweries and fine cigars, Saratoga Springs delivers an unforgettable getaway.
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