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Writer's pictureAmy Leggett

An Insider's Guide to the Top 10 Instagrammable Photo Spots in Saratoga Springs That You Just Can't Miss!


Saratoga Springs Downtown Cantina
Photo from the Rooftop Bar at Cantina in Downtown Saratoga Springs (A Bonus Spot!)

Welcome to the vibrant and picturesque city of Saratoga Springs! I have no doubt that after you visit, you will love this charming city as much as I do. While you are exploring Saratoga Springs, you will definitely want to take some photos that capture the essence of this magical spot to show your friends and to remember your wonderful experience. While there are beautiful things to snap pictures of around every corner, there are a few quintessential Saratoga locations that you won't want to miss. So, get ready to explore my picks for the top 10 Insta-worthy Saratoga spots that will elevate your vacation (and your Instagram account!) and showcase the beauty of your new favorite destination.


1. Saratoga Springs Welcome Statue


Saratoga Springs Horse Racing
Welcome to Saratoga Springs!

Start your Saratoga Springs visit with a selfie at the Welcome statue near the Saratoga Race Course. The statue features a jockey on a race horse, set against the backdrop of Congress Park. Visit day or night for a memorable photo op! You can find the Welcome statue at the end of Union Avenue (the street that the Saratoga Race Course is on).


2. Historic Congress Park


Saratoga Springs Congress Park
Entrance to Historic Congress Park from Broadway

Just past the Welcome statue, you will find the Historic Congress Park. You can also enter the Park through a pictureque entrance gate off of Broadway (the main street through Downtown Saratoga). You will want to spend some time wandering around the Historic Congress Park because there are lots of great photo ops throughout the Park. A few of the sights you will definitely want to capture are:

Saratoga Springs Congress Park
Catch yourself taking a sip of Saratoga's healing waters!
Saratoga Springs Congress Park
You have to get a pic of the iconic Spirit of Life statue

Can't leave the park without a photo or video of the infamous Spit and Spat!


3. Saratoga Race Course

Saratoga Springs Horse Racing
Jockey Circle Fountain at Entrance off Nelson Ave.

If you are visiting in the summer, you will probably go to the Saratoga Race Course to experience the excitement live horseracing. There are so many opportunities for amazing photos at the track. Whether you are capturing the elegant architecture of the historic track buildings or the thrill of horse racing action, you will have an abundance of Insta-worthy photos.


Saratoga Springs Horse Racing
Trackside is a great place for a photo (and if you are lucky you can catch racing action in the background!)

Saratoga Springs Horse Racing
Catch the whole track vibe with pics of hats and horses

4. Saratoga Spa State Park

Saratoga Springs Spa State Park
Entrance to the Saratoga Spa State Park off of Broadway

The Saratoga Spa State Park is an amazing place where lush green hiking trails and serene streams combine with beautiful historic architecture. You will definitely want to make time in your vacation schedule to visit. The whole Park is a perfect background for unforgettable photos.


Saratoga Springs Spa State Park
There are beautiful historical buildings throughout the Park.
Saratoga Springs Spa State Park
Architectural elements provide visual interest.
Saratoga Springs Spa State Park
Hiking trails provide breathtaking natural settings.
Saratoga Springs Spa State Park
Seasonal displays at the Park entrance provide amazing backdrops for portraits or group photos!

5. The Adelphi Hotel


Saratoga Springs Adelphi Hotel
The Magic of The Adelphi Hotel at Christmastime.

The Adelphi Hotel is a quintessential Saratoga landmark. It is located in downtown Saratoga right on Broadway (if you are on the main drag it is pretty hard to miss!). With its timeless architecture and sophisticated interiors, this historical hotel is a perfect setting for a photo to capture the classic elegance of Saratoga. The Adelphi is beautiful all year long, but as you can see from the photo above, there is a special magic during the holidays.


6. Downtown Saratoga Springs


Saratoga Springs
Summertime View Down Broadway

The vibrant streets of downtown Saratoga Springs are filled with colorful storefronts and bustling cafes creating a lively backdrop for your vacation photos. If you are here during the summer, you will feel the bustling energy of horse racing fans as you stroll past storefronts decorated to celebrate the current racing season. If you are here during the holidays, you will feel like you stepped into a Hallmark Christmas movie with all of the Christmas decorations and small town holiday celebrations. Either way, you will capture some of your favorite photos in the downtown area.

Saratoga Springs
Christmastime in Downtown Saratoga Springs

7. Lucy's Bar on Caroline Street


Saratoga Springs
Springtime Entrance to Lucy's Bar

Lucy's Bar is one of my favorite places on Caroline Street. Not only do they serve up unique and delicious cocktails (and the cocktail menu changes seasonally), but they have the most amazing decorations (that also change with the seasons). I love the spring/summer decor shown in the above photo, but my favorite has to be the holiday decor. It is the perfect place for that great Instagram photo highlighting the creative cocktails and the festive surroundings.


Saratoga Springs
Indoor Holiday Decor at Lucy's Bar
Saratoga Springs
Holiday Entrance to Lucy's Bar

Saratoga Springs
Artistic Cocktail Display

8. The Saratoga Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame


Saratoga Springs Museum of Racing
Parade of Lawn Jockeys in Front of the Saratoga Museum of Racing

Outside of the Saratoga Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (which is across the street from the Race Course), you will find a colorful row of painted jockeys that symbolizes the importance of horse racing to the city of Saratoga and also recognizes the accomplishments of special horses, jockeys and trainers who have reached the pinnacle of their sport. In addition to taking a selfie with the jockeys, you can also snap of picture with a statue of Seabiscuit or a lifesize statue of a horse and jockey racing to the finish line. I suggest you take photos with all three!


Saratoga Springs Horse Racing
Seabiscuit Statue
Saratoga Springs Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
Racing Horses Statue Outside the Museum of Racing

9. Adirondack Trust Zodiac Globe


Saratoga Springs Adirondack Trust
Adirondack Trust Zodiac Globe

Located behind the Adirondack Trust Building on Broadway, the Zodiac Globe is a hidden gem for photographers searching for that unique focal point. During the spring and summer, this spot is adorned with numerous bright red flowers.


10. High Rock Park


Saratoga Springs High Rock Park
The Springs at High Rock Park

High Rock Park is home to two of the many active springs still dispensing water today. Taste at your own risk as the various mineral content can make the water taste a little funky. Make sure to capture the taste test on film to catch your natural reaction! In addition to the springs, there is also a 9/11 Memorial crafted with steel beams actually taken from the World Trade Center. They were gifted to Saratoga Springs after the city generously provided much needed respite to NYC firefighters and others who were impacted by the terrorist attacks. It is a moving monument tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main downtown area. This is a true insider tip as most visitors are probably not aware of the location or the significance of the statue.


Saratoga Springs High Rock Park
Unsuspecting tourists about to taste the funky spring water!
Saratoga Springs High Rock Park
Saratoga's 9/11 Memorial


Conclusion


As you can see, Saratoga Springs is a treasure trove of Instagrammable spots just waiting to be explored. Whether you're drawn to the beauty of nature, the allure of history, or the vibrancy of the bustling downtown area, this city has something for every photography enthusiast. So grab your camera or phone, head out to these top 10 photo spots, and start snapping away to create an Insta feed that truly shines!





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