The 10 best things to do on Saratoga Lake

Saratoga Lake is about 4.5 miles long and sits just southeast of downtown Saratoga Springs. It is shared by the city, Malta, Stillwater and the Town of Saratoga.

This list is for anyone who wants a day on or near the water without owning a boat. Many lake businesses are seasonal, so call ahead from September through May.

How we chose

We chose publicly accessible spots and businesses around the lake that are in our directory or run by the state. Many are seasonal, and the list is unranked.

Hours and dates below come from each business, event organizer or official source and change without notice. Call ahead if you are making a special trip.

Lago by Druthers

Lago by Druthers is a lakeside restaurant from Druthers Brewing Company that took over the former 550 Waterfront space on the north shore. Druthers reworked the room, concept and menu for a family-friendly feel, WNYT reported, with calamari, beer cheese, wings, specialty pizzas, sandwiches, milkshakes and Key lime pie. The bar pours Druthers beer and frozen drinks. A sunset table with a lake view is the reason to go.

Hours: Check current hours before you go.

Address: 550 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Why they made the list

• It has lake views from the north shore.
• The menu is family-friendly.
• Sunset is the time to go.

See the full directory listing

The state boat launch

New York State runs a hard-surface boat launch off Union Avenue on the north shore of Saratoga Lake. It is the public way onto the lake for anyone trailering a boat, whether for fishing, waterskiing or a sunset cruise. The north end, around Fish Creek, is also where most of the marinas cluster. Summer weekends fill the lot early, so plan to launch in the morning.

Hours: Open seasonally.

Address: Off Union Avenue, north shore of Saratoga Lake

Why they made the list

• It is the main public access point.
• It is run by the state.
• Summer weekends fill up early.

See the full directory listing

Paddling Fish Creek

Fish Creek, the lake’s outlet at the north end, is calmer than the open water and has been the home of rowing on Saratoga Lake since college crews raced here in 1874. That makes it the best stretch for kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. Powerboat traffic is lightest early in the morning and in the evening. Launch from the north end and paddle with the rowers’ right of way in mind.

Hours: Best mornings and evenings.

Address: North end of Saratoga Lake

Why they made the list

• It is sheltered from open-lake chop.
• Rowing on Fish Creek dates to college races in 1874.
• Powerboat traffic is lightest early and late.

See the full directory listing

The Head of the Fish

The Head of the Fish regatta brings rowing crews from across the Northeast to Fish Creek each fall, hosted by the Saratoga Rowing Association. It revived racing on the creek in 1986 and has grown into one of the largest regattas in the country by boats entered. Crews race against the clock over roughly 3,200 meters, and the creek banks make free grandstands for spectators.

Hours: Fall.

Address: Fish Creek, north end of Saratoga Lake

Why they made the list

• The regatta dates to 1986.
• It is among the largest regattas in the country by boats entered.
• The creek banks make free grandstands.

See the full directory listing

Saratoga National Golf Club

Saratoga National Golf Club is a public course at 458 Union Avenue, between the Northway and the north end of the lake and a few minutes from the racetrack. It is one of the area’s best-known courses, and tee times in summer, especially during the racing meet, book up well ahead. Its clubhouse restaurant makes it a popular stop for dinner after a round.

Hours: Check current hours before you go.

Address: 458 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Why they made the list

• It is a public course.
• Summer tee times book well ahead.
• It is a few minutes from the track.

See the full directory listing

Saratoga Lake Golf Club

Saratoga Lake Golf Club is a par-72 public course set in a forest off the south side of the lake, between Northway exits 12 and 13 and about ten minutes from downtown. It calls itself the locals’ favorite. The club has simulator bays for rent, personalized lessons and a clubhouse that hosts golf outings. The Hideaway restaurant shares the same address, so dinner is steps from the 18th green.

Hours: Check current hours before you go.

Address: 35 Grace Moore Road, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Why they made the list

• Dinner is next door at The Hideaway.
• It is close to the lake’s east side.
• It makes an easy lake-day pairing.

See the full directory listing

The Hideaway at Saratoga Lake

The Hideaway is a restaurant at Saratoga Lake Golf Club that opened in early 2019 and looks out toward the Adirondacks. It serves lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, with a menu that runs from wings to surf and turf and lobster ravioli. Seating is indoors and out, Sunday afternoons show NFL games, and a loyalty program rewards regulars. It is about ten minutes from downtown Saratoga Springs.

Hours: Check current hours before you go.

Address: 35 Grace Moore Road, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Why they made the list

• It pairs with a round at Saratoga Lake Golf Club.
• It is a lake-area dinner option away from downtown crowds.
• Seasonal hours change, so call ahead.

See the full directory listing

Ugly Ice Cream at Brown’s Beach

Ugly Ice Cream at Brown’s Beach is a summer stop on the east shore along Route 9P. It lists a Saratoga Springs address, though Brown’s Beach sits in the Town of Stillwater. A scoop here is a traditional way to end a drive around the lake. Because the stand is seasonal, check that it is open before you make the trip, especially in spring and early fall.

Hours: Seasonal.

Address: 511 Route 9P, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Why they made the list

• It is a summer favorite after a lake drive.
• It is on the east shore along Route 9P.
• Seasonal hours change, so check first.

See the full directory listing

A boat tour

Daley’s Adventure Boat Tours lists Point Breeze Marina at 1459 Route 9P as one of its departure points on Saratoga Lake, with a second base on Lake George. A guided tour is the easiest way onto the water for visitors without a boat or a friend with one. Tours run seasonally and depend on weather, so call ahead to confirm the schedule and book a spot.

Hours: Seasonal.

Address: Point Breeze Marina, 1459 Route 9P, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Why they made the list

• You do not need your own boat.
• It departs from the north end of the lake.
• Tours are seasonal, so call ahead.

See the full directory listing

Fishing

Saratoga Lake holds walleye, smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, tiger muskie, black crappie, yellow perch and several kinds of sunfish. A New York State fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. Boat anglers use the state launch on the north shore, and ice fishing is common in winter when conditions allow. Ice thickness varies widely, so check local conditions before stepping out.

Hours: Year-round, with ice fishing in winter when safe.

Address: Saratoga Lake

Why they made the list

• A state license is required for anglers 16 and older.
• The public launch gives boat anglers access.
• Ice conditions vary widely, so know them before going out.

See the full directory listing

Frequently asked questions

Is there public access to Saratoga Lake?

Yes. New York State runs a hard-surface boat launch off Union Avenue on the north shore.

Where can you eat on Saratoga Lake?

Lago by Druthers at 550 Union Avenue and The Hideaway at 35 Grace Moore Road are two lakeside options.

Which towns border Saratoga Lake?

The City of Saratoga Springs, the Town of Malta, the Town of Stillwater and the Town of Saratoga.

See a place we missed or a detail that has changed? Send us a correction.