Explore History, Parks, and More: The Best Guided Tours in Saratoga Springs, NY
There is always something new to uncover in the Spa City. If you are looking for the best guided tours in Saratoga Springs, NY, exploring with a local expert is the perfect way to connect with the region's rich history, beautiful parks, and unique landmarks.
From historic battlefields and culinary tasting treks to scenic lake cruises and guided goat walks, these memorable excursions are both educational and fun. Let an experienced guide show you a whole new side of Saratoga, whether you are a first-time visitor or a longtime resident.
Get Close With Nature on These Park Tours
Spend a fun day under the sun with one of Saratoga's guided park tours. These excursions allow you to explore gorgeous gardens and marvel at the natural beauty of the Spa City.
Congress Park
Learn all about the history of Saratoga on this guided walking tour through Congress Park. Digest how Saratoga became the "Queen of Spas" in the 19th century and the history behind the Saratoga Springs History Museum (Canfield Casino), once known as the highest rolling gambling casino in the U.S. Private and group tours are available by appointment only.
Saratoga Spa State Park
Saratoga Spa State Park is a fantastic place to wander and explore on your own, but for a real insider's look, a guided tour will ensure that you see and experience all the unique sites and natural wonders, especially Saratoga's world-famous mineral springs and geysers.
See the State Park's website for upcoming events and tours.
Yaddo
Explore this 400-acre estate, a "home-away-from-home" for artists and writers through the ages, including Edgar Allen Poe, Langston Hughes, and Sylvia Plath. When you take a self-guided tour of Yaddo's breathtaking gardens, you'll see why many creatives spent so much time here.
Find more Saratoga parks and landmarks »
Take Your Taste Buds on a Tour
For foodies and beer lovers, Saratoga’s culinary scene comes alive with guided tastings that offer more than just great bites—they tell the story behind the food.
Saratoga Springs Food Tours
On a Saratoga Springs Food Tour, you'll walk through downtown and sample signature dishes at beloved local spots. The tour blends food, history, and culture in a fun, approachable way. It's held every Saturday from May through October, with Private tours available year-round.
Saratoga Craft Beer Tours
Sample your way through 'Toga's craft beer history with Saratoga Craft Beer Tours! Come with a group that wants to learn about the city’s brewing culture while enjoying generous tastings at some of Saratoga’s favorite bars and breweries. These tours are casual, social, and come with snacks—because beer always tastes better with good company.
Go Wild With a Guided Goat Walk
Discover a completely unique outdoor experience with animal-led treks, which offer a peaceful escape into the local landscape.
Into the Woods Farm
Want something totally unexpected and surprisingly peaceful? Head to Into the Woods Farm for a guided “wild walk” through the woods—joined by a herd of friendly goats. These walks are more than a novelty. They’re designed to connect you with nature, calm your mind, and introduce you to the healing energy of the outdoors. It’s a great experience for families, small groups, or anyone craving something truly different.
Step Back in Time on a Scenic Train Ride
For those who want to experience the region's beauty at a more leisurely pace, historic rail journeys offer a nostalgic look at the surrounding landscape.
Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway
Take a ride through the southern Adirondacks aboard the Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway. Their beautifully restored vintage trains take you on a scenic journey filled with local history, wildlife sightings, and panoramic views.
From themed rides like the “Caboose Experience” to seasonal events and private charters, it’s a leisurely way to enjoy the landscape and hear stories from onboard guides who love what they do. For many, it’s a nostalgic and fun return to simpler times.
Cast a Line on a Guided Fishing & Boat Tour
Water lovers can take to the local lakes to experience Saratoga's beautiful aquatic scenery alongside experienced captains.
Saratoga Fishing Charters & Boat Tours
Conveniently docked at South Shore Marina, Saratoga Fishing Charters & Boat Tours provides easy access to some of the best freshwater fishing in the Capital Region. Within minutes of leaving the dock, guests can begin fishing for largemouth bass, walleye, and panfish on scenic Saratoga Lake.
All trips are tailored to meet the needs of the group, with options including:
- Full-Day Fishing Charters (8 hours)
- Half-Day Fishing Charters (4 hours)
Guests fish aboard an 18-foot Alumacraft Trophy powered by a 115 Yamaha motor. The boat is designed for both comfort and performance, making it ideal for navigating Saratoga Lake efficiently while maintaining a smooth and enjoyable ride.
Let the Past Come to Life During These Historic Tours
The Saratoga Springs region is rich with history, and even local residents are surprised at what new things they can learn while touring some of the area's historic sites and museums.
Ulysses S. Grant Cottage
From May through October, you can get a glimpse into history at Grant Cottage. With breathtaking mountain views to the north, east, and south, this beautiful site was General Ulysses S. Grant's final home and has been carefully preserved with original artifacts, such as his bed, which is still intact today!
The entrance to the cottage is available by guided tour only, but visitors are invited to self-explore other areas of the landmark, like the walking trails, the visitor center, and the mountain views.
The site also offers a free audio ground tour and specialty tours. Guided tours are daily May-October and occur every 30 minutes, with the last tour of the day starting at 3:30 PM.
Saratoga Automobile Museum
Calling all car lovers, this museum is for you! Browse the Saratoga Automobile Museum's ongoing exhibits for a history lesson on cars dating back to the 1800s.
The museum also features special exhibits for a certain amount of time, such as the Enzo Ferrari: An Obsession with Speed. Enjoy an hour-long guided tour that can be organized for groups of 10 or more by reservation. Tours are led by trained volunteers or museum staff.
Haunted Saratoga Ghost Tours
On Fridays and Saturdays at 7 PM, walk through some of Saratoga's most haunted sites. Stroll through parts of Congress Park and downtown Saratoga Springs and possibly meet a few of the city's most famous ghoulish residents, like Old Smoke, who haunts the old Canfield Casino.
Haunted Saratoga Ghost Tours are available May through Mid-November, last 90 minutes, and cover less than a mile of leisurely walking.
Saratoga National Historical Park (Bonus Self-Guided Tour)
Take a tour through Saratoga Battlefield, the site of Revolutionary War battles that led to American victory. Stop by the park's visitor center to pick up a map and brochure and watch an orientation film before embarking on your tour. While tours of this park are self-guided, there are plenty of exhibits in the visitor center and interpretive stations to provide you with more information.
After your tour, head over to the Schuyler House and learn about General Philip Schuyler, whose country estate in Saratoga once hosted George Washington, son-in-law Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and the Marquis de Lafayette.
Find more historical Saratoga sites »
Learn About Saratoga's Extensive History With Horse Racing
Many know Saratoga for its incredible and historic race course, but did you know that you can experience the track up close? Take a guided tour and learn about Saratoga's important role in horse racing history.
Saratoga Race Course
Go on a guided tour of Saratoga Race Course during the summer racing season. You can learn about the exciting story of thoroughbred racing in Saratoga while exploring behind the scenes.
Guided walking tours are typically available during most racing days.
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame offers knowledgeable guides walk you through captivating exhibits and exclusive collections. Tours like the Oklahoma Training Track and Tom Durkin’s personal museum walk are popular for anyone who loves racing culture.
Pedal Your Way Through Saratoga
Combine fresh air and exercise with a deep dive into local history. Saratoga bike tours offer the perfect way to explore the city's past from the saddle of a bicycle.
Saratoga Bike Tours
Saratoga Bike Tours offers an incredible opportunity to experience the region's picturesque landscapes, charming streets, and hidden gems from the saddle of a bicycle. Participants can expect a 10 to 12 mile leisurely bike ride with stops at some of Saratoga's most beautiful spots, like the Yaddo Gardens, Congress Park, the Roosevelt Baths, and more.
Tours are offered by appointment, May through October. Tours are usually 2.5 to 3 hours and typically start at either 9am or 1pm.
Ready to Explore?
Whether you’re tasting your way through downtown, cruising across Saratoga Lake, or exploring historic trails with a guide, these tours offer a new way to see the Spa City. Let a local lead the way—and experience Saratoga from a whole new perspective.
Fuel up for your next tour at one of these Saratoga restaurants >>
