Get a glimpse of the past while visiting the Saratoga History Museum, a 1904 building nestled against the hillside. The museum is a turn-of-the-century former drugstore with displays of artifacts and photographs from early Saratoga. Exhibits trace Saratoga’s colorful history from the Muwekma Ohlone Indians, early lumbermills, fertile prune orchards, dancing champagne fountains of Paul Masson to the present day stately charm of the area. Saratoga takes pride in its legendary residents– Senator Phelan who created the famed Villa Montalvo center of arts; Theodore Wores, a famous plein air artist; Isabel Stine who built the lovely Hakone gardens; Kathleen Norris, prolific write or novels; vintner Paul Masson; actresses Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine and more.

Included in the historic compound is the McWilliams House, built in 1852, which offers a snapshot of how the family lived. Also, be sure to visit the one-room schoolhouse and, coming in 2022, there will be a new blacksmith exhibit!