Overview
Clifton Park is a city in the Hudson Valley in the Capital District region of New York. It is in Saratoga County between Albany and Saratoga Springs in upstate New York. Home of one of the largest school districts in the state, it has plenty of attractions, and close access to Albany and Saratoga.
6 sights · 3 things to do · 3 places to eat · 4 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Clifton Park
Mohawk Towpath
An official New York Scenic Bypass, you can walk or drive along the Mohawk River for some fresh air. Just follow the signs.
Visher Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve
These 41 acres of land was part of the original Erie Canal. Bring a friend or a dog and explore the trails at any time of the year by foot, ski, or snowshoe.
Stony Creek Reservoir
A prime place for fishing or relaxing by the water.
Dwaas Kill Nature Preserve
250 acres of technology free environment to explore.
Colin's Park
Located across from the main campus of Shenendehowa School District, this park is a popular place to bring the kids for a picnic in the afternoon and play on the swing set.
Longkill Park
Located in the northern part of Clifton Park, this is a popular park for high school kids to play a game of pick up, whether it be football, Frisbee, kickball, or basketball.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 16°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jul and Jun. (climate data from nearby Albany)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- ALB Albany International Airport, Albany — 8 mi away (major hub). Directions
- RUT Rutland - Southern Vermont Regional Airport, Rutland — 63 mi away. Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Clifton Common, Regal Cinemas, Mohawk Towpath
- Lunch Country Drive Inn
- Afternoon Stony Creek Reservoir, Colin's Park
- Dinner Halfmoon Diner
- Evening Klam'r Tavern and Marina
Day 2
- Morning Clifton Park Ice Arena, Visher Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve
- Lunch Mama's Pizza Oven
- Afternoon Dwaas Kill Nature Preserve, Longkill Park
- Evening Crescent Wrench Tavern
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
There is about every chain restaurant you can think of there, including over 10 Dunkin' Donuts. However, there are also many original or regional places that you should give a try.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By plane
By car
Located on I-87, it is 10 minutes north of Albany and 15 minutes south of Saratoga Springs.
By train
There are Amtrak stations are in Saratoga and Rensalear. Service runs between Montreal and New York City.
By bus
Greyhound runs through the town with a stop at Exit 8 Park and Ride.
See
The Mohawk River runs right through Clifton Park, creating many nature preserves and reservoirs.
See Visher Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve
These 41 acres of land was part of the original Erie Canal. Bring a friend or a dog and explore the trails at any time of the year by foot, ski, or snowshoe.
See Colin's Park
Located across from the main campus of Shenendehowa School District, this park is a popular place to bring the kids for a picnic in the afternoon and play on the swing set.
See Longkill Park
Located in the northern part of Clifton Park, this is a popular park for high school kids to play a game of pick up, whether it be football, Frisbee, kickball, or basketball.
Do
Do Clifton Common
This has a little bit of everything. An outdoor concert venue with free concerts every Sunday, 6 softball/baseball fields, a multitude of soccer fields, basketball courts, a full playground and extra room for whatever else you want to play. Also the home of the ice arena and tournaments for a variety of sports.
Events
- Rose Kiernan/Clifton Park International Soccer Classic Come watch teams from England, Austria, Denmark, and other countries play alongside local and national competition in this annual 3 days soccer tournament. Ages range from the U8 to U23 division.
Buy
Eat
There is about every chain restaurant you can think of there, including over 10 Dunkin' Donuts. However, there are also many original or regional places that you should give a try.
Eat Country Drive Inn
A must-have in the summer, this trailer serves summer's favorite foods as well as soft serve ice cream. Seating is outside picnic tables under umbrellas so watch the weather!
Eat Halfmoon Diner
A perfect place to grab any meal of the day. A home-style diner feel with quick service.
Eat Mama's Pizza Oven
An Italian eatery that makes you feel like you are right at home.
Drink
Drink Klam'r Tavern and Marina
Right off the Mohawk River, a relaxed place to grab a bite to eat and a cold drink while watching the game after a day out.
Drink Crescent Wrench Tavern
Serving a full dinner menu all night, an ideal place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Drink Mocha Lisa's
A quaint coffee shop to hang out with you friends and family and plan your day or talk about anything.
Drink The Rusty Nail
Want to eat some wings and have a drink or two? The Rusty Nail is the place for you.
Sleep
Go next
- Saratoga Springs Home of the famous Saratoga Race Track. There is also Saratoga State Park, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Yaddo, and the picturesque Broadway full of shops.
- Lake George The perfect summer destination with attractions such as Americade, water parks, beaches, and tons of shopping.
- Albany The state capital is full of museums, parks, night life, and other city like activities.
Nearby
Schenectady
City / town · 11 listings · 7 mi away
Cohoes
City / town · 8 listings · 9 mi away
Ballston Spa
City / town · 5 listings · 10 mi away
Troy
City / town · 37 listings · 11 mi away
Watervliet
City / town · 4 listings · 11 mi away
Saratoga Springs
City / town · 79 listings · 15 mi away
Albany
City / town · 103 listings · 15 mi away
Rensselaer
City / town · 9 listings · 16 mi away
My experience
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