Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Lake Placid, NY Travel Guides
17
items Lake Placid is one of our favorite getaways because there is so much good food to eat and you're only minutes away from fantastic hiking. Explore the tallest point in New York or take some easy exploring to a new waterfall. Then, grab a bite to eat at a restaurant with a view of Mirror Lake or a local hidden gem.
Sections
5
Travel Guides & Inspiration
Hikes & Outdoor Adventures
Where to Stay
Where to Eat
Olympic Related Activities
Travel Guides & Inspiration
Use this guide as inspiration and initial help with planning your first trip to Lake Placid.
Lake Placid is a great summer getaway destination with a street full of shops and restaurants, great access to hiking, and lots of places to find seclusion.
The Best Things to Do in Lake Placid in Summer
Hikes & Outdoor Adventures
Lake Placid has easy access to the High Peaks and some of the best trails in the Adirondacks. Whether you're looking for a day hike or a multi-day adventure, Lake Placid is a good starting point.
This was my favorite hike the first time we visited the Adirondacks. It's not easy to do in a day and it can be a busy trail, but it is so worth the views!
Hiking Mount Marcy: Day Hiking New York's Tallest Peak
This is a great spot for all ages to explore. This is private land so you'll have to pay the entrance fee, but it's a great introduction to the Adirondacks.
Exploring the High Falls Gorge near Lake Placid
You can either hike the entire mountain or drive the Whiteface Memorial Highway and hike the last few tenths of a mile. Either way, the views of Mirror Lake below are stunning.
Hiking Whiteface Mountain in Summer
This is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Adirondacks, often photographed. It looks like a fjord! Check the restrictions for hiking on AMR land.
Hiking Indian Head (+ Fish Hawk Cliffs and Waterfalls)
This is also an outdoor area with an entry fee, but you can also go rafting or tubing here, which is a little more unique.
Ausable Chasm
Where to Stay
There is variety for places to stay in and around Lake Placid, and these are our favorites.
This is a fantastic KOA location, between the town of Lake Placid and Whiteface Mountain.
Lake Placid / Whiteface Mtn. KOA Holiday
Fantastic condo within walking distance of Lake Placid's main street, with easy access to shops and restaurants.
2 Bedroom Lake Placid Condo - Walking Distance to Main Street
The views from the lakefront balconies are stunning. This is a top-notch Hampton Inn.
Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Placid
This place is stunning, right on the lake, and has tons of amenities.
Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort
Where to Eat
You can definitely get good food in and around Lake Placid. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced and farm-to-table.
The space is beautiful, and if you get a chance to eat on the back deck, do it! We enjoyed the roast beef french dip and the lemon-basil chicken.
Lisa G's Restaurant
Lots of good BBQ options and a variety of craft beers, right on Mirror Lake. The smoked pepper and the burnt ends bowl were mouthwatering!
Smoke Signals
We had a great pizza here after hiking Mount Marcy, but the service was on the slow side, even on a weekday when they weren't super busy.
Big Slide Brewery & Public House
Must visit for pastries, croissonts, and coffees!
Bluesberry Bakery
Olympic Related Activities
Lake Placid has hosted the Winter Olympics twice! Some training still happens here year-round, and we got to watch some young ski jumpers practice their tricks into a pool during a summer visit. You'll also want to see the Miracle memorabilia!
There is lots of memorabilia here. Keep this on your list of things to do on a rainy day in Lake Placid.
Lake Placid Olympic Museum
Take the tour where you can go up to the top of the ski jump. It's absolutely crazy to imagine heading down that thing covered in ice, on skis! We were mind boggled, and the view is awesome.
Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex
You can ride down the track and experience what it's like to be an Olympic bobsledder. It's wild!
Bobsled Experience - Mt Van Hoevenberg