Prior to European settlement, the area now known as Saratoga was inhabited by the Ohlone Native Americans, specifically the Tamien nation, who thrived on the abundant resources of the local creeks and oak woodlands. During the Spanish and Mexican eras, the land became part of vast land grants, including Rancho Quito and Rancho Salsipuedes.
The modern settlement was founded in 1851 by William Campbell, who established a sawmill along what is now Saratoga Creek. Initially, the community was known as Toll Gate, later renamed McCartysville after an early settler, Martin McCarty, who built a toll road into the Santa Cruz Mountains. In 1865, the town was officially renamed Saratoga after the discovery of a local mineral spring, named Congress Springs, which drew comparisons to the famous resort town of Saratoga Springs, New York.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Saratoga was a prominent agricultural and resort community. It became a cornerstone of the "Valley of Heart's Delight," blanketed with flourishing vineyards and fruit orchards—particularly French prunes and apricots. The post-World War II boom brought rapid suburbanization to the Santa Clara Valley. To avoid being annexed by the rapidly expanding city of San Jose, Saratoga incorporated as an independent city in 1956. Since then, it has transitioned from an agricultural town to a highly sought-after residential community for Silicon Valley professionals, carefully maintaining its historic charm and low-density zoning.