*Featured Photo by Kacey O' Brien.
Lake George, part of the Lake George Area — known as the “Original Vacation Destination” — is a year-round paradise that truly has it all.
Spend time exploring the rich history of the French and Indian War, tackling challenging hikes, and lounging on beautiful beaches that will make you wish you could stay forever. It's a family-friendly place that lends itself to people of all interests who want to visit the Adirondack Park.
A Brief Overview of Lake George
The area played an important role all the way back to the days of the French and Indian War, where the English had built a fort under General William Johnson to protect many of New York’s important waterways. Today, visitors can learn more and explore the remains of this site at the Fort William Henry Museum.
For generations, people have continued to seek out Lake George for its breathtaking views - with the 32-mile-long “Queen of American Lakes” as the highlight – as well as its many recreational opportunities both on land and water.
This has resulted in Lake George becoming a popular family-friendly hub for shopping, lodging, dining, entertainment, and, of course, outdoor adventure.
Things to Do in Lake George
Lake George Water Activities
If there’s one thing Lake George is known for, it’s certainly the numerous ways to enjoy the waterfront that surrounds it. Year after year, families travel from all over to enjoy the cool, pristine waters.
The classic beach experience is certainly recommended, with three well-known sandy spots in the village to enjoy. Usher Park lies on the eastern side, Lake George Beach on the southern tip, and Shepard Park on the western side. No matter which you choose, you'll find amazing scenery and plenty of summertime fun.
A sightseeing cruise is a fantastic option to admire the lake with ease. From the many excursions hosted by the Lake George Steamboat Company and Lake George Waterfront Cruises, to other more private cruises and charters in Lake George, an unforgettable experience is guaranteed. You can even hop aboard on most Thursday nights in the summer to enjoy Lake George's famous fireworks show from the water!
Other fun activities to do on the waters of Lake George include kayaking with Kayak Lake George, parasailing with Parasail Joe’s and Parasail Nation, and renting or launching your boat at one of the dozen nearby Lake George marinas.
With so much to do in and around the lake, you’ll never want to go back on land.
Pictured: The Adirondac (Lake George Waterfront Cruises) and The Mohican (Lake George Steamboat Company).
Lake George Outdoor Recreation
Of course, Lake George is more than just the water. The surrounding area contains plenty of outdoor adventure, rewarding you with some impressive sights of the lake as well as the Adirondack Mountains.
The Prospect Mountain Hiking Trail is a challenging 3.2-mile round-trip hike with stunning views of the Adirondack High Peaks, Vermont’s Green Mountains, New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and even the Laurentian Mountains of Canada. If you're not interested in hiking but still want a gorgeous view, you can drive up the Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway for $10 per car. The drive will put you at a parking lot near the summit so that you can enjoy the magnificent mountains within a short distance.
Pictured: A View of Lake George from Prospect Mountain; Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien
If you are more interested in hiking, though, both the Lake George Recreation Park and the Berry Pond Preserve offer mixed-use trails within Lake George, with even more options in the neighboring Bolton Landing.
Looking to do some biking? Accessible via Fort George Road in the center of the village is the Warren County Bikeway, a 9.4-mile paved path that takes cyclists through rolling hills all the way to downtown Glens Falls. This bikeway is a fantastic way to explore a good portion of the surrounding area, and also has a portion of it becoming part of a designated snowmobile trail with the South Warren Snowmobile Club during the winter months. You can also learn more about the history of the bikeway and its role in the French and Indian War with the fun and interactive Letterbox the Bikeway Challenge.
Saddle up and navigate the Adirondack woodlands on horseback with Saddle Up Stables! This family-owned and operated stable has been offering scenic trail rides with stunning views of Lake George for decades. Become acquainted with the local wildlife and enjoy a calm, steady ride.
Shopping in Lake George
The main village strip provides a perfect shopping venture for both locals and visitors. Walking down the sidewalks yields various apparel, food, gifts, and other souvenirs.
Just a short drive from the village, however, you’ll find the Factory Outlets of Lake George, a must-stop shopping excursion boasting over 70 stores with top brands and iconic retailers. Whether you're looking for high-end deals or want to spend the afternoon window shopping, there's something for you!
Pictured: The Factory Outlets of Lake George; Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien
Lake George Events
There is no shortage of events around the Lake George Area happening year-round, especially in Lake George itself.
This is in no small part due to the multiple event venues and locations that are found right in the village. Setups such as Shepard Park and the Festival Commons at Charles R. Wood Park are well-known for hosting various festivals and celebrations.
From annual favorites to brand-new festivities and exhibits, events are a consistent part of the Lake George Area experience. Check out our Events page to search for a wide selection of themes and interests.
Pictured: The Adirondack Wine & Food Festival.
Below are some popular standouts happening in Lake George:
Americade Motorcycle Touring Rally - A yearly motorcycle rally and expo drawing tens of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts to Lake George. Bikers can enjoy seminars, trade shows, live concerts, and even scenic group rides.
Adirondack Wine & Food Festival - A gathering of the best food and beverages from the Adirondack region. This 2-day festival features more than 120 of New York's finest wineries, breweries, distilleries, artisan food vendors, and more offering samples and tastings to the public.
Adirondack Nationals Car Show - Hundreds of beautiful classic cars, hot rods, custom builds, and more travel to the village of Lake George each year for display, as well as to compete for various awards. There are also various vendors and festivities throughout the entire weekend show schedule.
Lake George Winter Carnival - This family-friendly tradition in Lake George features five glorious weekends of winter fun during the months of February and early March. Various events and activities take place, including cook-offs, polar plunges, poker runs, and more.
Dining in Lake George
After a long day of Lake George fun, there's a plethora of dining options to check out, filled with friendly faces, unmatched views, and, of course, delicious foods.
The restaurants and eateries in the village make sure to cater to a wide diversity of taste buds. Enjoy slices of high-quality pizza at Capri Pizza or Pizza Jerks. Savor seafood with mesmerizing lakefront views at the Boardwalk Restaurant and The Lighthouse Grill. Or sample some authentic cuisines with choices like the Tandoori Grill or Taqueria Paloma.
Lake George is also home to multiple local craft beverage producers, creating spirits with distinct aromas and flavors. Sample some premium drinks at options like the Adirondack Pub & Brewery, Adirondack Winery, and High Peaks Distilling.
And there’s more where that came from. Check out below for even more Dining Locations in Lake George.
