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Exploring the beauty of the Adirondacks in the summer
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items The Adirondacks in NY are truly special. While they are known for their winter sports, the summer is an amazing time to explore all of its beauty. This focuses on the areas of Long Lake, Tupper Lake, the Saranac Lakes, and Lake Placid.
Sections
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Where to stay
What to do
Where to eat
Where to stay
There are options for all types of travelers from high end hotels, vacation rentals, or retro motels.
If luxury is your vibe, this hotel is perfect right in the center of town in Lake Placid and on the water
Grand Adirondack Hotel
Awesome rental for a large family, great location, and so many amenities
Lake Placid Club Boat House Residences 4 Bedroom
We loved our stay here at this retro motel. They also offer beautiful cabins on the lake but we opted to stay low key in a motel room. There is a beach, small dock to jump off and even pontoon rentals. They also have a play area with a ping pong tabl... So fun!
Motel Long Lake & Cottages
What to do
Endless options for hiking, sightseeing, and immersing yourself in the mountain/lake towns. The Adirondacks are one of my favorite areas of NY (Fingers Lakes is the other).
In Tupper Lake, this is a paid attraction fabulous for kids. Need the entire day to enjoy everything and beginning in June 2026, they have a Trolls exhibit outside.
The Wild Center
Winter or summer, it's a must see with an elevation of 4,876 feet.
Whiteface Mountain
There is a $25 charge per vehicle to drive this, but the view at the top is well worth it. Please note it's now closed until Summer 2026
Whiteface Memorial Highway - Lake Placid, NY
We loved hiking up this mountain until we heard thunder and then we had to run down in the rain!
Bald Mountain
This place was pretty busy, but we found a quiet spot and let the kids wade in the water at the bottom.
Buttermilk Falls - Long Lake
We had this place all to ourselves.
Bog River Falls
While it's not officially in the Adirondacks, we stopped here on our way there. It's in between Syracuse and Utica. WOW, it was amazing. The water and trail going around the entire lake was gorgeous.
Green Lakes State Park
Such a FUN place. This KOA is awesome. We mined for diamonds across the road. My husband went here as a child so it was so cool to experience it with our children.
Herkimer, New York Campground | Herkimer Diamond KOA Resort
In Lake Placid, we walked up to check this place out. The Olympic Winter games were here during 19080
The Olympic Center
Very close to Lake Placid, we drove by this place. It was closed, but would be so cool during Christmas in July or even for the holidays
Santa's Workshop, North Pole, NY
Where to eat
The below recommendations are classic Americana options. Our young kids loved all of it.
Retro vibe and loved all of the flavors. It's seasonal and gets busy so plan accordingly.
Custard’s Last Stand
Small menu, but so delicious. You walk up to the counter and order. Can also eat under the pavilion. The black bean burgers were amazing.
The Park
We ordered carry-out and took it back to eat on the beach my our motel room.
Long Lake Diner & Owl’s Head Pub
Delicious stop for a sweet treat
The Washboard Donut Shoppe
We stopped in on our way up to the Adirondacks and Utica. Kids loved it outside at the picnic tables.
Kookie's Q & Creamery