What to do in Saratoga Springs when you visit Skidmore College
A campus visit will tell you a lot about Skidmore College. The city around it tells you something, too. We asked families what they wish they had known before visiting Skidmore. One answer came up often: make time for Saratoga Springs.
Our hometown has earned several recent national accolades: USA Today 10Best ranked Saratoga Springs No. 7 among the Best Small College Towns in 2025, nominated it again for Best Small College Town in 2026, and placed it No. 8 for Best Small Town Arts Scene — making it the only New York state destination in the top 10.
The city also ranked No. 6 on USA Today’s 2025 Best Summer Travel Destination list, reinforcing its year-round draw for families who want any combination of walkability, arts, history, dining, parks, racing season energy, and a true college-town feel around Skidmore College.
Real family recommendations
These are parent and student suggestions, not Skidmore endorsements.
One of the highlights of Saratoga Springs is its abundance of patio and porch dining options, including Three Daughters at Saratoga Arms, pictured here in a photo by Beth Campbell.
Where visiting families stay
If your schedule and budget allow, staying downtown makes the visit easier. Broadway is walkable and brimming with restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, parks, art galleries, and bookstores. Being able to park once and walk to dinner can take pressure off a college-tour weekend.
For a simple overnight, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Saratoga Springs, Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs, The Saratoga Hilton, and similar properties can work well.
For a stay with more local character, parents often mention Saratoga Arms, Anne’s Washington Inn, and Union Gables. Brookmere Saratoga may appeal to families looking for a quieter resort-style stay with spa amenities outside the downtown bustle.
For a more polished getaway, The Adelphi Hotel comes up often for its central location, historic feel, and luxury amenities. Image by Skidmore College.
For a Skidmore-centric night, there's also the Surrey-Williamson Inn on campus. The historic building is steps away from Admissions and offers a quaint, private inn-style stay.
Families who want more of an outdoor retreat could also look beyond town for cabin, glamping, or lakeside stays. Saratoga also has a robust short-term rental market if you prefer to stay in a residential space.
One practical note:
Prices can rise during racing season, major event weekends, and peak summer travel. If downtown rates are high, look 15 to 20 minutes away in Malta, Clifton Park, or nearby communities. You can stay close enough to enjoy Saratoga Springs while keeping the trip more cost-effective.
For more ideas and recommendations, Discover Saratoga's website and app are great planning tools.
Where families eat
For breakfast, brunch, coffee, or a low-pressure lunch, Sweet Mimi’s and Mrs. London’s are frequent favorites. Putnam Market is another easy downtown choice for sandwiches, salads, prepared foods, and a quick but local lunch.
For a relaxed family dinner, parents often mention Cantina for Mexican food downtown, Druthers Brewing Company for a lively pub-style meal, and Olde Bryan Inn for a classic Saratoga Springs setting. Hattie’s is another local institution, known for Southern-inspired comfort food.
Says Vivian O., "Putnam is one of my favorite sandwich places in the whole world. My family holds regular debates over whether the Gunpowder or the Adelphi sandwich is better." Image by Skidmore College.
If you want one dinner that feels a little more special, make a reservation. Families often mention The Brook Tavern, Salt & Char Steakhouse, and 15 Church for a celebratory meal. Solevo, Osteria Danny, Forno Bistro, and Seneca are popular choices for Italian food, wood-fired cooking, or a warmer, more elevated dinner. Morrissey’s Lounge & Bistro can be convenient for cocktails or dinner, especially for families staying downtown. The Merc is another downtown option for families who want a comfortable bistro-style meal.
Image by Ironglass Production.
Then there are the places that feel more like student life. Uncommon Grounds is a longtime favorite for bagels, coffee, and people-watching. Taquero is an easy stop for tacos. Wasabi works well for sushi or a quick, student-friendly meal.
What families do
For a short visit, walk along Broadway, stop into Northshire Bookstore or Lyrical Ballad Bookstore, visit Congress Park, or get coffee or ice cream downtown. Saratoga Marketplace and the Beekman Street Arts District are good additions if your family likes small shops, galleries, home goods, vintage finds, or a more local shopping route.
USA Today ranked Saratoga Springs No. 8 for Best Small Town Arts Scene — the only New York state destination in the top 10. Image of the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery by Skidmore College.
Keen on continuing to explore campus? Visit the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery. The Tang gives families a strong sense of how Skidmore connects art, ideas, teaching, and student life. If you'd like to check out a concert, lecture, or performance, check the schedule at Arthur Zankel Music Center.
For a classic Saratoga Springs weekend, choose one or two local stops. Saratoga Spa State Park offers green space, mineral springs, trails, historic architecture, and cultural venues in one place. Yaddo can provide a peaceful break if your family likes gardens, literary history, or a quiet place to walk.
History-minded families may want to visit Saratoga National Historical Park, the site of the American Revolution Battles of Saratoga. Image by Miles Partnership.
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame offers a look at the city’s connection to horse racing, even outside the summer season. If your timing lines up, see what’s happening at Saratoga Performing Arts Center or Universal Preservation Hall.
And because this is Saratoga Springs, consider trying the springs themselves. Bring a water bottle or cup and sample a few public mineral springs around town or in Saratoga Spa State Park. It is free, very local, and a little quirky in the best way.
Where families unwind
For a spa experience, Roosevelt Baths & Spa is one of the most Saratoga Springs options that families mention. A mineral bath, massage, or quiet hour at Saratoga Spa State Park can turn a practical trip into something more restorative.
Nicknamed "The Spa City," Saratoga Springs is world-famous for its historic mineral springs and vibrant wellness culture. Image by Ironglass Productions.
For movement, families can look into a drop-in class at The Hot Yoga Spot, Pure Barre Saratoga Springs, or Yoga Mandali. If your family would rather be outside, Skidmore’s North Woods, Spring Run Trail, Saratoga Spa State Park, and Saratoga Lake all offer ways to walk, run, bike, paddle, or get a little air between appointments. With more time, the Lake George region and the Adirondacks are close enough for a hike or scenic drive.
Final parent advice
“There is just so much to do. We enjoy hiking, so Saratoga Spa State Park and Lake George are great areas for that. There are local wineries, breweries, many different museums, Yaddo Gardens, Malta Drive-In. There are options for every season, and we love that our student is in such a resourced region.” – Jessi R.
“Whether it's for a tour or at move-in, take time together as a family to build some memories. We enjoyed making it a weekend, staying in both Saratoga and nearby Lake Placid. It was probably more for me, but I’ll never forget those days together.” – Liz A.
“The only way you can go wrong is to not plan enough time. Or, if you’re short on time, try to plan a second trip at some point. There’s history, museums, the absolute best pancakes I’ve ever had at Sweet Mimi’s, Karavalli for Indian Food, and my daughter and I even went over to a free yoga class at Pitney Meadows Farm!” – Jenny L.
“You know your family best. Keep it simple or make it a memory. Let your kid go off on their own while you picture where you’ll have graduation dinner in four years. Don’t stress it being perfect, but know there are options and it’s such a great college town.” – Eric R.
“Don’t forget to cheers yourself for getting this far, too. I recommend a martini at 9 Maple.” – Stewart G.
See Skidmore's visit schedule to get your trip planning started.
