Go Beyond the Grandstand: 2026 Saratoga Race Course Guided Tours
Looking to see more of Saratoga Race Course? Take a guided walking tour or a morning excursion to explore the rich history, deep-rooted traditions, and unique behind-the-scenes features of this iconic track during the 2026 racing season.
Whether you want to watch the morning workouts with a trackside buffet, walk through the exclusive stable area, or head off-site to a local horse farm, Saratoga offers an unforgettable experience for every racing fan.
Jump To: Walking Tours | Breakfast and Thoroughbred Farm Tours | Breakfast at Saratoga Tram Tours | Backstretch Golf Cart Tours | Paddock Tours | FAQs
2026 Walking Tours
For visitors looking for a comprehensive introduction to the track, the official Walking Tour is an educational journey through Saratoga’s storied past.
This guided walk reveals the hidden details, landmarks, and legends that define the venue. Fans will finally discover the answers to long-standing track mysteries, such as why a warning bell rings exactly 17 minutes before post time, and why a freshly painted canoe rests in the infield lake.
- Tour Highlights: Guided walking tour exploring track landmarks, architectural history, and the lore behind famous track traditions like the infield canoe.
- Meeting Location: Tours begin on the 1st floor of the Grandstand near the escalators.
- Schedule: Departures occur every half hour from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM on nearly every live race day.
- Blackout Dates: Tours are not offered during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival or the 4th of July holiday weekend.
- Pricing: Adults $15; Children Free (Ages 12 & under).
- Duration: 45 minutes.
2026 Breakfast and Thoroughbred Farm Tours
Presented by the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB), this tour offers an expanded look at the Thoroughbred lifecycle by pairing two longtime favorites with a pair of leading aftercare organizations. Guests enjoy a trackside buffet breakfast during morning training, a round-trip trolley ride to a local horse farm, a guided walking tour of the property, and same-day track admission.
- Tour Highlights: Trackside buffet breakfast, round-trip trolley transportation, and a guided horse farm walking tour.
- Weekly Farm Lineup: Thursdays visit Old Friends at Cabin Creek, Fridays visit Old Tavern Farm, and Saturdays visit Sugar Plum Farm. Wednesday tour partners will be announced soon.
- Inclusions: Same-day general admission to Saratoga Race Course.
- Operating Schedule: Runs Thursday through Saturday beginning Friday, July 3, and adds Wednesdays starting July 29.
- Blackout Dates: No tours on Saturday, July 4, or Saturday, August 29 (Travers Day).
- Pricing: Adults $99; Children $35 (Ages 12 & under).
- Duration: 3 hours.
Book now: https://www.gofevo.com/group/SARbrstbrdfrmG
2026 Breakfast at Saratoga Tram Tours
A beloved track tradition, Breakfast at Saratoga invites fans to enjoy a morning buffet on the Clubhouse Porch while watching elite Thoroughbreds train on the historic main track.
This casual morning excursion does not accept reservations and operates entirely on a first-come, first-served basis. Best of all, every ticket includes a weather-permitting backstretch tram tour driven by the CDTA, which gives fans an educational look at the stable area where they can get out and explore parts of the grounds on foot.
- Tour Highlights: Trackside buffet breakfast on the Clubhouse Porch and a complimentary stable-area tram tour driven by the CDTA (weather permitting).
- Schedule: Held every live racing day from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM. Stable-area trams depart every 25 to 30 minutes between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM.
- Blackout Dates: Breakfast and tram tours are not offered on Travers Day or Labor Day.
- Pricing: Adults $30; Children $12 (Ages 12 & under).
- Duration: 90 minutes.
Book now: https://www.gofevo.com/group/SARbrstbrdfrmG
2026 Backstretch Golf Cart Tours
The Backstretch Golf Cart Tour offers an exclusive, private look into the bustling world behind the scenes at Saratoga Race Course. Small groups are driven through the restricted backstretch area where they can observe the daily routines of equine athletes, trainers, riders, and grooms.
This intimate tour provides a rare glimpse into the intense care and dedication required to maintain world-class racehorses, with knowledgeable guides on hand to answer any questions about stable life.
- Tour Highlights: Exclusive private tour of the restricted Saratoga backstretch by golf cart to watch trainers, riders, grooms, and horses during morning routines.
- Capacity: Limited to small private groups of up to 5 guests.
- Blackout Dates: Tours are not offered during the 4th of July holiday weekend.
- Duration: 1 hour.
Book now: https://www.gofevo.com/group/SARracedexpG
2026 Paddock Tours
The Paddock Tour brings fans right next to the pre-race action as horses are saddled and prepared for competition. Led by expert track guides, this tour educates visitors on the intricacies of elite horse care, pre-race equipment, and the strict rituals that take place just minutes before the horses hit the track. It’s the perfect way to feel the true energy and anticipation of a live race day.
- Tour Highlights: Guided access to the historic Saratoga Paddock to watch horses being saddled and walked right before their races.
- Capacity: Up to 10 guests per tour.
- Dress Code Note: Shorts and abbreviated wear are strictly prohibited within the Paddock area.
- Duration: 30 minutes.
Book now: https://www.gofevo.com/group/SARracedexpG
For more information or to inquire about tour availability, contact NYRA’s Guest Services Department at 518-584-6200 x4433.
Book tours on NYRA's website: https://www.nyra.com/saratoga/visit/tours/
FAQs About Tours at Saratoga Race Course
Are track admission tickets included with the purchase of a tour?
Track admission is only included where specifically noted. Out of all the options, only the Breakfast and Thoroughbred Farm Tour explicitly includes same-day admission to Saratoga Race Course. For the other experiences, you will need to secure track admission separately.
Do I need to make a reservation ahead of time for Breakfast at Saratoga?
No. Reservations are not accepted for the traditional trackside Breakfast at Saratoga. It is held every live racing day from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM (excluding Travers Day and Labor Day) on a walk-up basis.
What are the specific age-based prices for children across the different tours?
Pricing for children ages 12 and under varies depending on the experience:
- Walking Tour: Free
- Breakfast at Saratoga: $12
- Breakfast and Thoroughbred Farm Tour: $35
Are there any dress code rules I need to know about before arriving?
Yes, but specifically for the Paddock Tour. If you are taking this tour, shorts and abbreviated wear are strictly prohibited inside the Paddock area. The other morning tours do not list a specific dress restriction.
Which tours are unavailable during the 4th of July weekend?
If you are visiting over the 4th of July holiday weekend, please note that the Breakfast and Thoroughbred Farm Tour, Backstretch Golf Cart Tour, and the standard Walking Tour are not offered. (The Walking Tour is also paused during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival).
Get more information about the summer meet at Saratoga >>
