Lake George, New York is one of my favorite places in the world. It’s at the southern end of the Adirondack Mountains and is the gateway to endless outdoor activities like camping, hiking, boating and more! It’s equally beautiful in every season. This guide will go over where to stay, what to do and a few extra things to know before you go.

Where to Stay

Camping in Lake George
Our favorite campground is the Adirondack Camping Village. It’s located just north of the village so you never have to worry about being stuck in the traffic entering the village from the south. We have camped all around the Lake George area and this one is definitely the best location, best pricing and the campsites are so spacious and private. We love it there!

Save Money With a Home Exchange
We’ve used GuestToGuest and Home Exchange previously and they are both great options for saving money while traveling. You can read about our previous experience using these sites here.

There are also plenty of hotels in the area ranging from luxury to budget. If you’re a rewards traveler like me you’ll have no issue finding a hotel right near the lake.

Things to Do in Lake George

Lake George Steamboat Ride
Get to know the lake via a peaceful 1 hour steamboat ride or choose longer or themed cruises on their other boats. We’ve gone on the Minne Ha Ha several times and it’s always a favorite activity in our family.

Walk Around Lake George Village
Lake George Village is essentially one main road with touristy shops on either side of it right next to the lake. You’ll find a variety of shops filled with typical tourist items like t-shirts, postcards and more. While you’re strolling through the streets don’t forget to stop into Adirondack Winery, I can honestly say I love every wine they make there!  Shepherds park is located on this main strip, right on the lake and they have entertainment every night of the week.  If you’re in town on a Thursday during the summer be sure to hang out for the fireworks show.

Tip: Parking is mostly metered or paid lots, but if you park just a few streets up from the main road it’s free.

Walk Around Bolton Landing
Smaller than Lake George Village but only 20 minutes away this is definitely worth a trip to. While you are in Bolton Landing be sure to cross the bridge and visit the Sagamore Resort. It’s a well known luxury resort on its own private island and the grounds are beautiful to walk.

Visit the Lake George Beaches
Million Dollar Beach– This is the iconic Lake George Beach located right in the village. Named million dollar beach because the town had $1 million worth of sand brought in to make it. It has a great view and location at the southern end of the lake but it does get crowded. Head north to our favorite, less crowded beaches if you prefer a quieter experience.

Rogers Memorial Beach & Veterans Memorial Beach These are both located in Bolton Landing, on either side of the Sagamore. We prefer Veterans because it has an amazing view and is generally less crowded. Parking is $5 per day in each lot.

Hague Beach– Located about 40 minutes from the Village, Hague beach is absolutely stunning and by far the least crowded of all of the beaches on Lake George. It is definitely worth the drive up. If you have time after spending the day at the beach consider driving up to Ticonderoga and seeing the whole length of Lake George.

Lake Luzerne– Although this beach is located on a different lake it is only about 15 minutes from Lake George Village and definitely worth a visit. The beaches are much smaller here but there are almost no tourists and only locals at these beaches. Parking is mostly free too!

Natural Stone Bridge and Caves
Located about 30 minutes from Lake George this is a privately owned property with the largest cave opening on the East. It is open in every season and definitely worth a trip! We have visited in the winter and snowshoed the trails which were absolutely stunning and peaceful, but visiting in the warm weather and hiking in and around the cave was even more beautiful. Besides hiking they also offer adventure tours, gemstone mining, a dino dig, picnic pavilion and many other amenities. You can spend an entire day here if you choose.

Prospect Mountain
Hike or drive up ($10 fee) for a gorgeous view of Lake George and the surrounding mountains. The entrance is located just outside of the village to the south and clearly marked.

Those are our absolute favorite places to visit and as you know if you follow this blog, we tend to stick to outdoor activities, but if you’re looking for some more touristy attractions check out these places located in and around Lake George Village.

The Magic Forest– an outdoor amusement park made specifically for young children.

Six Flags Great Escape Indoor and Outdoor Park– perfect for a rainy day!

World Awareness Children’s MuseumWe have yet to visit this museum but have heard such amazing things about it. It’s on our list for a rainy day for sure.

Be sure to read this post about things to do in the Adirondacks to learn more about the region beyond Lake George.  There is just so much to do!

If you have enough time to take a day trip from Lake George I highly recommend you head 1.5 hours up north and visit Lake Placid. Lake Placid is very similar to Lake George, but it is located in the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks and is a really amazing area to base yourself in for endless hiking and adventuring.  Lake Placid has also hosted the winter Olympics twice. Read more about Lake Placid in our travel guide here.

Parts of our trip were sponsored by Visit Adirondacks.  We have visited Lake George countless times before this trip and all reviews, opinions and photos are my own.