Saratoga Springs has been a leading spa and horseracing centre since the late 1800s and the streets are lined with regal Victorian mansions. Walking tours of the city's historic districts are available from the Saratoga Urban Cultural Park Visitors Center . Popular attractions include the Saratoga Raceway and the Saratoga Race Course . The raceway is known as the world's most beautiful harness track and features races nine months a year. The race course hosts the country's most prestigious thoroughbred racing during late July and August.
Spectators are welcome at the polo matches held during the summer.
Racing fans will appreciate the National Museum of Racing , which features hands-on exhibits, while the Saratoga Harness Hall of Fame houses a varied collection of harness racing memorabilia. The New York City Opera and Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra perform here in the summer at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center , which is also the venue for the Newport Jazz Festival . In winter, the park offers cross-country skiing and snow shoeing. Also located in the park is the National Museum of Dance , the only one of its kind in the country. The Saratoga National Historic Park is the site of two important battles which proved to be a turning point in the American Revolution.