How to Spend a Summer Weekend in Lake George, NY
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Are you exploring more of your state or nearby states as things open up again? Krista has been experiencing major travel withdrawals, and the weekend was the perfect time for a family road trip to Lake George, NY.
If you’re a New Yorker looking for a weekend getaway close to home with lots to offer, here’s a weekend guide to visiting Lake George, NY.
Where is Lake George?
Lake George, located at the Adirondack Mountains’ southeast base, is often called the “Queen of American Lakes.” This stunning area is known for its natural beauty and rich history. With over 300 islands and 109 miles of shoreline, it’s a perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City. The lake is about a 4-hour drive from NYC and serves as a gateway to the Adirondacks.
13 towns make up the Lake George area, including the City of Glens Falls, Town of Bolton, Town of Chester, Town of Hague, Town of Horicon, Town of Johnsburg, Town of Lake George, Town of Lake Luzerne, Town of Queensbury, Town of Stony Creek, Town of Thurman, Town of Warrensburg, and the Village of Lake George.
We chose to stay in the Village of Lake George since it is the hub of the resort area and offers the most activities for families.
Seasonal Highlights in the Lake George Region
Summer Months
The summer months bring a revival of weekend excitement. Enjoy free events, live music at Festival Commons, and outdoor activities like biking trails and zip lines at Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course.
Winter Season
During colder months, experience the Lake George Winter Carnival featuring ice bars, snow-covered Adirondack landscapes, and festive New Year’s-themed events. Activities like tubing at Tubby Tubes, skiing at Gore Mountain, and snowshoeing offer a great winter workout.
Holiday Season
The holiday season transforms the town into a winter wonderland with light shows and unforgettable events. Take a cozy cabin rental and enjoy the charm of Lake George during this magical time.
Travel and Transportation Options to Lake George
A benefit of visiting the Lake George Region is its closeness to major cities. As mentioned, we took a road trip from NYC, but Lake George is conveniently accessible:
- Driving: A 4-hour road trip from NYC, 3 hours south of Montreal, or 3.5 hours northwest of Boston.
- Public Transport: Adirondack Trailways, Greyhound, and Amtrak offer bus and train services.
- Flying: Albany Airport is just an hour away.
Getting Around Lake George
Once in the Village of Lake George, the Lake George Trolley is an excellent way to get around. Its routes cover key spots like Glens Falls and Charles R. Wood Park.
The trolley runs about every 30 minutes. At our visit, North and South RV Trolleys ran daily from 8:30 am through 9:30 pm. The Glens Falls to Lake George Trolley route ran weekends from 8 am (weekdays at 7 am) through 9:45 pm.
You can get more information about the trolley schedule by visiting their website.
Where to Stay in Lake George
Since Lake George Village is a popular tourist attraction, there are a variety of accommodations ranging from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly options:
Luxurious Stays
- The Sagamore Resort: This upscale resort on Green Island features a lakeside spa, fine dining, and breathtaking views.
Budget-Friendly Options
- Cabin Rentals: Perfect for families, many include amenities like private pools.
- RV Parks: The Lake George RV Park offers resort-like amenities for a fun and affordable stay.
Airbnb Options
Consider a cozy Airbnb rental with lakeside access to make your trip more personalized and relaxing.
We stayed at Lake George RV Park. The site offers resort-like camping with an RV park or RV rentals with a pool, spa, fitness center, and other amenities and activities for newbies and veteran campers. We stayed in a Cabin rental, but I did not like it. If you choose an Airbnb or Cabin rental, I highly recommend one with a private pool.
Below is a map sharing hotels in the Lake George Village area that fits any budget. If you are staying in any of these Lake George hotels or vacation rentals, research the hotel’s plan to protect guests and staff and reviews from previous guests on Trip Advisor. The same advice applies to Airbnb listings.
Booking.comHow to Spend a Weekend in Lake George
Naturally, I am an explorer, and one of my favorite things about planning a trip is finding things to do. Since I like to roam, I don’t always follow a set itinerary, but if you want to prepare, here are some fun activities and top attractions to remember for a Summer weekend in Lake George, NY.
Enjoy the Beaches
Who says you have to be on the coast to visit the beach? Lake George is known for its beautiful beaches and lakes, such as Million Dollar Beach and Shepard Park Beach, perfect for swimming and water activities.
Parking is available for a fee, and the beaches are family-friendly. If you plan to have a beach day, bring your beach essentials and have a backup plan just in case.
Take a Steamboat Cruise on the Lake
Not a fan of the beach? Experience breathtaking lake views by booking a cruise with the Lake George Steamboat Company. For more adventure, try jet skiing, kayaking, or parasailing. Boat rentals are also popular for exploring the lake at your own pace.
Hiking Trails for All Skill Levels
There are more than 20 hikes around the Lake George Region for nature lovers. There are a variety of trails for different levels of hikers.
- Prospect Mountain: Offers 100-mile views of the surrounding area.
- Shelving Rock Falls: Ideal for a scenic day hike with family.
- Tongue Mountain: Perfect for experienced hikers looking for panoramic views.
- Berry Pond Preserve: A peaceful trail with lush greenery and wildlife.
- Black Mountain: A rewarding hike with stunning lake views.
Wine Tasting at Adirondack Winery
The Finger Lakes Region isn’t the only place to get tasty wine in New York State. Take a trip to the Adirondack Winery tasting room and sample their selection of over 35 handcrafted local wines. Tasting sessions at the winery also include a free souvenir wine glass.
If you want to visit other wineries, breweries, and distilleries in the Lake George Region, visit Ledge Rock Hill Winery & Vineyard, Bolton Landing Brewing Company, or Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery. You can visit their websites and social media pages for operating hours.
Shopping on Canada Street and Beach Road
Are you looking for souvenirs for friends or want to take a piece of your trip home? Head over to Canada Street & Beach Road for some shopping. Here, you can visit The Outlets at Lake George or shop at mom-and-pop stores from local business owners.
Historical Adventures at Fort William Henry
If you’re a history lover or looking for some educational fun for the family, visit Fort William Henry. Fort William Henry was one of the key sites during the French and Indian War from 1755-1763. Here you can see the restored fort based on the building’s plans, see artifacts, and learn more about the fort.
Lake George History Tours also provides a tour sharing social, economic, ecological, and cultural stories of the region and its relevance in American history.
Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
Expand your adventure with nearby destinations:
- Glens Falls: Explore its vibrant arts scene and quaint downtown.
- Saratoga Springs: Known for its mineral springs and horse racing.
- Fort Ticonderoga: A must-visit for history enthusiasts.
- Natural Stone Bridge and Caves: A unique geological attraction.
- Lake Placid and Ausable Chasm: Perfect for adventurous day trips.
Dining and Nightlife
Lake George offers diverse dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. Don’t miss local favorites along Canada Street or enjoy a meal with lakeside views. For dessert, find the best ice cream spots scattered around the village.
As you can see, the Lake George Region has a lot to offer for travelers of all ages and budgets. Despite some restaurants and stores being closed due to COVID-19, our family summer weekend in Lake George was just what I needed for a city break, and we didn’t even have to drive far.
I hope this mini travel guide to visiting Lake George was helpful, whether planning a weekend in Lake George with family, a girl’s trip, or a romantic weekend with your partner. I want to return when the pandemic is over to get the full Lake George experience.
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