One of the things we love most about Saratoga Springs is its location! Go three hours south and you’re in New York City. Head East for an hour and you’ll be in Manchester Vermont. Want to enjoy some hiking? The Adirondack mountains are only an hour north.
If you’ve just moved to Saratoga or are looking to plan an exciting day, we recommend a day trip to one of these amazing locations! Don’t forget to enjoy the drive as well, as there are some beautiful routes as you travel to Vermont or up north.
Five Day Trips from Saratoga Springs
Gore Mountain
First on our list is Gore Mountain. An hour north of Saratoga Springs, the mountain features 14 lifts and 110 trails. There are also six dining options across the mountain so you can rest and refuel before hitting the trails again.
You can purchase a season pass for unlimited access to the mountain, or you can pay per visit. Gore also offers equipment rentals and lessons if you’re just learning how to ski. Have your own skis? The Grove offers additional storage perfect for keeping your skis and winter gear safe and out of the way.
Manchester Vermont
If skiing is not your idea of fun, take a day and visit Manchester Vermont. The drive is just over an hour from downtown Saratoga and features some stunning views. Once you arrive, stop into some locally-owned boutiques or browse through the designer outlets. When it’s time for lunch there is no shortage of delicious restaurants. Some of our favorites include:
Before you leave, don’t miss a visit to Hildene, the historic Lincoln estate. The destination offers beautiful grounds and gardens, informative tours, historical exhibits, and a museum store. You can also explore the farm’s cheesemaking facility and a completely restored 1903 Pullman car.
Lake George
Lake George is the perfect place to spend a day, no matter the season.
Relax at Million Dollar Beach during the summer and enjoy swimming, building sandcastles, or throwing a frisbee with a friend. The beach is free but there is a $10 parking fee.
During the fall we recommend completing a hike to experience some of the greatest views of the foliage in New York. There’s a trail for every level of ability, from beginner to difficult. The Pinnacle and Prospect Mountain are both excellent trails to kick off your Adirondack hiking adventure.
In addition to visiting the beach and hiking, Lake George offers visitors designer shopping outlets, the Great Escape amusement park, camping, ice skating, golf, fishing, museums and so much more. You’ll want to plan a few day trips to Lake George to truly enjoy everything there is to see and do.
Lake Placid
2 hours north is Lake Placid, home to the 1980 winter Olympics and the historic “Miracle on Ice”. Visit the Lake Placid Olympic Center and learn about the history, current role, and future plans for the site. Afterward, stop at the Olympic Jumping Complex and get up close to the ramp that ski jumpers launch from before flying over the length of a football field!
Mt. Van Hoevenberg is open year-round for cross-country mountain biking and cross-country skiing. Rent skis or bring your own and explore over 50 kilometers of world-class trails. In the winter you can also ski at Whiteface Mountain or shoot down a toboggan on to Mirror Lake.
Lake Placid isn’t just meant to be visited in the winter, though. Go for a hike, enjoy tubing or water skiing, rent a kayak, or experience rock climbing at Tilman’s Arete. The possibilities are endless!
New York City
Last on our list is the Big Apple! While you can spend a month in the city and still have new places to explore, you can drive to and from the city and still see the sites all in one day!
This time of year, our number one recommendation is to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. The tree has been a symbol of Christmas in the city for over 8 decades and is a must-see for New Yorkers and tourists alike.
While you’re in Rockefeller center rent some skates and spend time at The Rink. If skating doesn’t interest you, purchase tickets to go to the Top of the Rock and take in the city like never before. You can also tour NBC Studios and enjoy access to the studios of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Saturday Night Live, and Late Night with Seth Myers.
Some activities and sites that can be enjoyed year-round include a stroll through Central Park, seeing a Broadway play, viewing the exhibits at MoMA, visiting the Statue of Liberty, and walking across the Brooklyn Bridge.
Moving to Saratoga Springs
Want to live close to some of the best that New York and Vermont have to offer? Explore our apartments in Saratoga Springs, NY, and lease your new home today. We can’t wait for you to be part of our community!