Where to Beat the Heat and Enjoy Refreshing Escapes in Saratoga County
As temperatures soar in summer, finding a refreshing escape becomes essential. Fortunately, Saratoga County offers a variety of fantastic spots to beat the heat and enjoy a much-needed cooldown. From pristine pools and scenic lakes to charming ice cream parlors and more, join us as we explore the best places to cool off this summer in Saratoga.
Splash Around in Saratoga Spa State Park
Nestled on over 2,000 acres, Saratoga Spa State Park is a beautiful oasis boasting natural mineral springs and a multitude of recreational activities. Take a dip in the refreshing waters at the Victoria and Peerless Pools, where visitors are invited to cool off and also lounge on the surrounding chairs. Or, explore the park's picturesque trails leading to the popular springs and shady picnic spots.
Take a Dip in Saratoga Lake
Saratoga Lake is a true local gem. Relax on the sandy shores and go for a swim at Brown’s Beach, the main public swimming spot on the lake. Consider renting a kayak or paddleboard from one of the nearby outfitters, like Kayak Shak or Lake Lonely Watersports, and discover the lake's hidden coves and peaceful inlets.
Or, look into renting or chartering a boat where you can feel the cooling breeze on your face and enjoy the views. Original Tiki Tours offers a safe and unique boating experience where you can cruise around the water, mingle with friends, and escape reality! If you’d rather explore the lake yourself, Salvi Aquatic Boat Rentals offers a variety of pontoon boat rentals. With public access points and convenient amenities nearby, Saratoga Lake is a must-visit destination for water enthusiasts.
Experience a Thrilling Adventure on the River
Want to be IN the water instead of ON it? Check out Sacandaga Outdoor Center in Hadley, where you can experience the thrill of navigating through rushing rapids and feeling the spray of cool water against your skin. SOC offers guided whitewater rafting trips that friends and family will love. They also provide whitewater tubing for even more excitement in the water.
Hit the Saratoga Ice Cream Trail
One of the best ways to cool off in the summer is, of course, with ice cream! Saratoga boasts a ton of charming parlors that offer a wide array of flavors and frosty treats. Whether you're in the mood for classic favorites or adventurous combinations, these ice cream destinations have something to satisfy every craving.
From beloved local shops, like Stewart's Shops and King Brothers Dairy, where you can savor old-fashioned scoops of creamy goodness, to Kilwins, which tempts visitors with handmade chocolates and delectable fudge, there's no shortage of options to please your sweet tooth.
For double the fun, check out The Wind-Chill Factory & Mini-Golf in Ballston Spa. Play a round of mini-golf and then cool off with some of the finest soft serve and hard ice cream in the region. As if delicious ice cream and putt-putt wasn’t enough, The Wind Chill offers incredible food, including fresh, hand-packed burgers, wings, shrimp baskets, and more. They even have boozy milkshakes for adults and a sundae for pups!
Check out our Saratoga Area Ice Cream Trail guide for an irresistible path of goodness >>
Raise a Chilled Glass
Another great way to stay cool is to visit the many wineries and breweries scattered throughout the region. Un-wine in tasting rooms where you can sample a variety of handcrafted wines, from crisp whites to bold reds, and indulge in a chilled glass while enjoying the beautiful views. Galway Rock Vineyard and Winery in Ballston Lake features an airy tasting room, a patio, and they offer tours and tastings.
If beer is more your style, the Saratoga region offers a wide selection of craft brews that are sure to quench your thirst on a hot summer day, from refreshing IPAs to tangy sour ales. Speckled Pig Brewing in Ballston Spa brews their beer with locally grown malts and hops and has an amazing rooftop patio to enjoy one of their wood fired pizzas and a cold one on. Farther north, Dancing Grain Farm Brewery in Gansevoort focuses on a ‘ground-to-your-glass’ concept, as their recipes are built from the crops harvested in their own fields.
Explore Saratoga’s Arts & Culture Scene
When the heat is truly too hot to beat, Saratoga is full of incredible museums, like The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery (pictured above), art galleries, and more where you can indulge in some air conditioning while still being out on the town! The county's museums and art galleries offer a cooling escape from the sun.
All over Saratoga County, find local and regional artists' works showcased in art galleries. In Schuylerville, The Laffer Gallery features rotating exhibits of contemporary fine art. From traditional paintings to avant-garde sculptures, galleries offer a diverse range of artistic expressions.
Bonus Chilling Activity: Ice Skating
We all know ice skating comes to mind when trying to find activities to do in the cold months, but did you think of doing this in the summer? When it comes to finding a unique way to cool off, look no further than ice skating at the Capital Arena in Clifton Park. This arena offers year-round public indoor ice skating sessions and skate rentals.
Get Ready to Cool Off in Saratoga
When the summer heat becomes too much to bear, Saratoga offers plenty of activities that can keep you cool and rejuvenated. Plan your journey through Saratoga's top cool-off spots today!
This article is sponsored by Saratoga County Tourism. Note: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or view of Saratoga County Tourism or its members.