10 Easy Road Trips Near Saratoga Springs, NY (All Outside Saratoga County)
If you’re based in
Saratoga Springs, New York and feel like you’ve “done it all” close to home, you’re in luck. Within an hour or so by car, you can hit mountains, rivers, museums, and small towns that feel a world away—without ever leaving upstate New York.
In this guide, we’ll look at
10 short out‑of‑county road trips from Saratoga Springs. All of these spots are in nearby counties like
Albany, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Warren, and Washington—so nothing in Saratoga County itself.
Think of this as your go‑to list for:
“What can we do this weekend that’s not too far, but still feels like a getaway?”
1. Albany, NY – History, Food, and Hudson River Views
About a 35–45 minute drive south,
Albany makes an easy day trip from Saratoga Springs. It’s the state capital, but it has more than just government buildings.
Top things to do in Albany County:
- New York State Museum – Free admission, great for families. Exhibits on New York history, Indigenous cultures, and even the Adirondacks.
- Empire State Plaza – Take a walk around the reflecting pools and public art. The plaza has that “retro future” vibe you’ve probably never seen anywhere else.
- Corning Preserve & Hudson Riverfront – Stroll the paved paths along the Hudson. On summer weekends, you might catch live music or festivals.
- Lark Street – Coffee shops, bars, and funky boutiques. A nice stop if you want to grab lunch or a drink before heading back to Saratoga Springs.
If you like mixing
city energy with easy walks and good food, Albany is one of the best quick road trips near Saratoga Springs.
2. Lake George, Warren County – Classic Adirondack Escape
Drive about 30–40 minutes north and you’ll hit
Lake George in
Warren County, a classic Upstate New York vacation spot.
Why go: It’s close, it’s beautiful, and it works for just about everyone—families, couples, or friends on a day trip.
Don’t miss:
- Lake George Village – Arcades, ice cream, mini‑golf, and lake views. Yes, it’s touristy—but in a fun way.
- Boat tours – Take a scenic cruise to see the islands and mountains from the water. In fall, the foliage here is stunning.
- Million Dollar Beach – A big, sandy public beach with lifeguards in season. Great if it’s hot and you just want to float.
- Prospect Mountain Veteran’s Memorial Highway – Drive up the mountain (small fee), then enjoy the overlook. On a clear day you can see for miles.
If you only have one free afternoon and want something that feels “vacation‑y,” Lake George is hard to beat.
3. Johnstown & Gloversville – Fulton County’s Small‑Town Charm
Head west about 45–60 minutes and you’ll reach
Fulton County, home to
Johnstown and
Gloversville. It’s quieter than Lake George, but that’s part of the appeal.
Things to check out:
- Johnson Hall State Historic Site (Johnstown) – The 18th‑century home of Sir William Johnson. A nice stop if you’re into history and colonial architecture.
- Downtown Johnstown – Grab coffee, walk around the historic streets, and pop into local shops.
- Nearby lakes – You’re on the edge of the southern Adirondacks, so small lakes and boat launches aren’t far away.
This is a good road trip when you want a calm day with a little history, some fresh air, and a slower pace.
4. Speculator & Piseco – Hamilton County’s Wild Side
If you’re craving real
Adirondack wilderness, drive about 1.5 hours northwest into
Hamilton County. Towns like
Speculator and
Piseco feel remote in the best way.
What to do there:
- Speculator – Kayak or canoe on the lake, grab an ice cream, and enjoy those mountain views.
- Piseco Lake – Quiet beaches, camping areas, and trailheads. Perfect if you want to unplug.
- Hiking & Wildlife – Look for easy trails or just take a slow drive. It’s not unusual to see deer along the roadside near dusk.
This is less “attractions” and more about the
experience—pine trees, calm water, and that deep, peaceful Adirondack air.
5. Little Falls & the Erie Canal – Montgomery County
About an hour west of Saratoga Springs,
Montgomery County offers views of the
Mohawk River and the historic
Erie Canal.
One of the best stops:
Little Falls (right next door in Herkimer County, but commonly paired with Montgomery County canal drives).
Ideas for your day:
- Canal-side walking paths – Watch boats pass through the locks and learn how the canal system worked.
- Scenic drives – Follow the river and canal for rolling farm views, old bridges, and historic markers.
- Small-town diners – This is a great area to find that “everybody knows everybody” diner with big portions and friendly staff.
If you like American history, especially transportation and trade history, this area is fascinating—and surprisingly pretty.
6. Troy, NY – Rensselaer County’s Artsy River City
Just across the Hudson River from Albany, about 40 minutes from Saratoga Springs, you’ll find
Troy in
Rensselaer County.
It has a cool, slightly gritty charm with lots of brick buildings and creative energy.
Things to do in Troy:
- Downtown riverfront – Walk along the Hudson, sit on a bench, and watch the boats and bridges.
- Boutiques & coffee shops – The side streets are full of independent shops, record stores, and cafés.
- Architecture – Look up as you walk. You’ll see beautiful old facades, ironwork, and restored buildings.
On weekends, Troy often hosts events and markets. If you like a mix of history and modern creative culture, this might become your new favorite quick trip from Saratoga Springs.
7. Schenectady, NY – Electric City Energy and History
Only about 30 minutes from Saratoga Springs,
Schenectady in
Schenectady County is an easy, low‑stress drive when you don’t want to be in the car too long.
Highlights:
- Historic Stockade District – One of the oldest residential neighborhoods in the country. Narrow streets, old homes, and riverfront paths.
- Mohawk River waterfront – Enjoy a walk along the water, grab a bite, or just sit and take in the view.
- Downtown restaurants – From pizza to more upscale spots, there are plenty of choices for dinner or lunch.
Schenectady works well as a last‑minute idea: close by, manageable, and with a good mix of history and modern life.
8. Glens Falls, NY – Art, Parks, and a Walkable Downtown
About 25–35 minutes north of Saratoga Springs, just beyond the Saratoga County line, you’ll find
Glens Falls in
Warren County.
It’s smaller than Albany or Schenectady, but it packs a lot into a walkable area.
Things to enjoy:
- Downtown Glens Falls – Coffee shops, breweries, bakeries, and local stores. Easy to park once and wander.
- City parks and river views – Walk over the bridge for a look at the falls and the Hudson River.
- Nearby trails – Short hikes and walking paths are scattered around the region if you want to stretch your legs afterward.
Glens Falls is one of those places where you plan a quick lunch stop and end up staying all afternoon.
9. Fort Edward & Hudson Falls – Washington County’s Quiet Corners
Northeast of Saratoga Springs, in under 40 minutes, you can reach
Fort Edward and
Hudson Falls in
Washington County.
This area is quieter than Lake George, but it still offers river views and a sense of history.
Ideas for your visit:
- Hudson River scenery – Take a slow drive or short walk along the river to enjoy peaceful views.
- Village main streets – Small shops, bakeries, and local restaurants give you that true “small town” feeling.
- Country roads – Washington County has classic rolling farmland. If you like fall drives, this is a great area for foliage.
This is a relaxing road trip when you don’t need attractions—just a change of scenery and some fresh country air.
10. Greenwich & Salem – Farm Country in Washington County
Another great option in
Washington County is the area around
Greenwich and
Salem, about 30–50 minutes from Saratoga Springs depending on where you go.
What to look for:
- Farm stands and roadside markets – In season, you’ll find fresh produce, baked goods, and sometimes homemade jams or maple products.
- Covered bridges & back roads – Keep your eyes open for scenic bridges and photo‑worthy landscapes.
- Local cafés – Pop into a village café for coffee and pie after exploring.
If you enjoy simple pleasures—drives, fields, barns, and quiet back roads—this is one of the best nearby escapes from Saratoga Springs.
Tips for Planning Your Saratoga Springs Road Trips
- Keep it flexible: Many of these spots are close enough that you can change plans if the weather shifts.
- Think in layers: Pair a town walk with a short hike or a riverfront stop to round out your day.
- Travel light: A small cooler, water bottles, and walking shoes go a long way.
- Check seasonal hours: Museums, boats, and some attractions may have limited hours in winter or early spring.
The best part? Almost all of these destinations are within about an hour or so of
Saratoga Springs, so you don’t need to burn a whole weekend—or a full tank of gas—to feel like you’ve gone somewhere new.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip from Saratoga Springs?
Have you tried any of these
short road trips near Saratoga Springs? Do you have a favorite small town in Albany, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Warren, or Washington County that deserves a shout‑out?
- Drop a comment with your go‑to day trip spot.
- Share this post with friends or family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.”
Your ideas and experiences help other travelers discover new places to explore just beyond Saratoga Springs—so don’t be shy, join the conversation!
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