Lake George Travel Guide

Lake George is a major vacation destination in New York’s Adirondacks, known for its scenic mountain landscapes, 109 miles of shoreline and more than 300 islands. The lake and surrounding communities offer beaches, boating, fishing, hiking, family attractions, historic sites, dining and accommodations for different types of travelers.

Three Lake George Experiences Not to Miss

Cruising Lake George

Visitors can explore the lake aboard historic steamboats and shoreline cruisers operated by the Lake George Steamboat Company. Cruises offer views of the surrounding mountains, beaches, inlets and islands, with options including brunch, lunch, dinner and themed cruises.

Island Camping

Lake George features 44 state-owned islands with 387 campsites accessible by canoe or boat. The island campsites provide visitors with opportunities for secluded overnight stays surrounded by the Adirondack landscape.

Lake George’s History

The area played an important role during the French and Indian War, with historic battles taking place along the lake. Visitors can explore sites including Battlefield Park and Fort William Henry, which preserve and interpret the region’s military history.

Family Attractions

Lake George offers a variety of attractions for families, including Six Flags Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor, featuring amusement rides, water attractions and seasonal events.

Lake George Expedition Park combines the Dino Roar Valley dinosaur trail with Magic Forest, a family amusement park that has operated since 1963. Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course offers treetop ropes courses and activities for children and adults.

Outdoor Adventures

Visitors can experience Lake George from the water through parasailing, boating, paddleboarding, kayaking and other activities. Shelving Rock Falls offers an accessible hiking route leading to waterfalls and scenic surroundings.

Prospect Mountain provides panoramic views of Lake George and the Adirondacks. Visitors can reach the summit by hiking or biking, or take the Prospect Shuttle tram.

Weekend in Lake George

A weekend itinerary can begin with a day at Million Dollar Beach, followed by boating or water activities on the lake.

The following day can include a hike or shuttle ride to Prospect Mountain, followed by a visit to Adirondack Winery and exploration of the Lake George area.

Extended Adirondack Getaway

A longer stay can include visits to Fort William Henry, whitewater rafting on the Hudson and Sacandaga rivers, the Hyde Collection Art Museum and Historic House, Fort Ticonderoga and nearby Glens Falls.

Additional attractions include Ausable Chasm, described as the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” and Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course.

Hotels and Dining

Lake George offers accommodations ranging from budget hotels and lakeside properties to luxury resorts, cabins and waterfront lodging. Options listed by I LOVE NY include The Sagamore Resort, Lodges at Cresthaven, Boathouse Waterfront Lodging and The Erlowest.

The dining scene includes casual restaurants, breweries, waterfront restaurants and fine-dining establishments, with options such as Adirondack Pub & Brewery, Lake George Steamboat Company, Boardwalk Restaurant and The Inn at Erlowest.

Getting to Lake George

Lake George is approximately 50 miles from Albany International Airport. Amtrak service is available to Fort Edward, about a 20-minute drive from Lake George.

By car, Lake George is approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes from New York City, 1 hour from Albany, 3 hours and 30 minutes from Boston and 2 hours and 40 minutes from Montreal. Bus service is also available through Adirondack Trailways and Greyhound.