Best things to do for a perfect summer weekend in Lake Placid, NY

When summer arrives in New York, there’s no better escape than the Adirondack Mountains, and at the heart of it lies Lake Placid, a charming mountain town surrounded by lakes, hiking trails, and Olympic history. Famous for hosting the Winter Olympics twice, Lake Placid transforms into a haven for outdoor adventures, scenic drives, and relaxing lakeside strolls in the summer.

I spent a weekend in Lake Placid during the summer, and it instantly became one of my favorite getaways from New York City. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to plan the perfect summer weekend in Lake Placid, including how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do. I’ll also include tips from my trip to help you make the most of your time in this mountain paradise.

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How to Get to Lake Placid, NY

One of the best things about planning a summer weekend in Lake Placid is how easy it is to get there, especially if you’re coming from New York City or anywhere in the Northeast.

By Car:

• From New York City: About 5 hours
• From Albany: 2.5 hours
• From Boston: 5.5 hours
• From Montreal: 2 hours (if you’re visiting from Canada!)

By Bus:
You can take a bus to Lake Placid, NY (via Albany, NY). It takes longer than driving but is a beautiful route if you don’t want to rent a car.

By Air:
Lake Placid doesn’t have its own airport, but Plattsburgh International Airport (about 1.5 hours away) and Albany International Airport (2.5 hours away) are your best options.

I started my trip by picking up a rental car. Driving gives you the flexibility to explore nearby trails, scenic viewpoints, and lakes at your own pace. The road trip itself is part of the adventure. As soon as you leave the city, you’re treated to mountain views, quiet forests, and winding roads through the Adirondack Park.

Parking & Getting Around : Lake Placid is small, and downtown is easy to explore on foot or bike. Parking lots are available but can fill up during weekends — try to arrive early or park at your hotel. Renting a car is best if you want to explore beyond town or visit nearby hiking trails.

Getting Around Lake Placid

Best Time to Visit Lake Placid in Summer

Summer in Lake Placid runs from June through early September, with warm days perfect for hiking, kayaking, and swimming. July and August are the busiest months, so expect larger crowds — but also lively vibes, outdoor concerts, and numerous events. Days are warm (70s-80s °F), but evenings can get chilly in the mountains, so pack a light jacket.

Early June or early September is quieter than July and August but still has great weather. If you visit on a weekend, try weekdays for less busy hiking trails.

Where to stay

Lake Placid has stays for every kind of traveler — from cozy budget inns to upscale resorts with incredible lake and mountain views. Here’s what I found during my trip:

Budget: Cozy Inns and Motels

Mid-Range: Boutique Hotels

Splurge: Luxury Resorts

I usually don’t spend much on accommodation and prefer camping when we’re out in the woods. But this time, we decided to try something different and booked a cabin. It was actually our first cabin stay — and we absolutely loved it! If you’re looking for a relaxed summer weekend surrounded by nature, staying in a cozy wooden cabin is a must-try experience.

There are plenty of cabins to choose from in the Lake Placid and Wilmington. We stayed in a beautiful wooden one that felt warm and rustic, perfect for the setting. Just make sure to book ahead — cabins fill up quickly in summer, especially on weekends.

Where to eat

What to Pack

• Comfortable hiking shoes (trails can be rocky or steep)
• Lightweight layers for changing weather (mornings/evenings get cool)
• Sunscreen and bug spray (the Adirondacks have lots of sunshine but also bugs!)
• Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated on hikes)
• Swimwear for lakes and waterfalls

Top Things to Do in a Summer Weekend in Lake Placid, NY

Lake Placid is packed with outdoor adventures, stunning mountain views, and cozy local spots that make it such a fun summer getaway. In this ‘Summer Weekend in Lake Placid’ guide, I’m sharing my favorite things to do in the area so you can plan your own trip. Mix and match them based on what excites you most and how much time you have in Lake Placid area.

Stroll Around Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake is the heart of Lake Placid. In case I haven’t mentioned it yet, the town itself sits right on its shores, making it the perfect spot to relax and soak in the scenery. One of the best ways to enjoy it is with a peaceful stroll around the lake, especially in the morning with a coffee in hand.

Lake Placid is a charming little village filled with cozy shops and inviting restaurants. Strolling through the streets, browsing vintage stores, and enjoying a meal at a lake-view café is one of the best ways to spend a summer afternoon. The whole town has such a warm, laid-back vibe that makes you want to slow down and enjoy the moment.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can rent a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe to explore the calm waters and take in the mountain views from the middle of the lake. There’s also a small sandy beach where you can cool off with a quick swim.

Lake Placid famously hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and again in 1980, and many of the venues are still open year-round — even in summer, they’re worth exploring. You can ride a gondola and elevator to the top of the Olympic Jumping Complex for sweeping mountain views, go inside the Lake Placid Olympic Museum to learn about the town’s Olympic legacy and the iconic “Miracle on Ice,” or head to Mt. Van Hoevenberg to experience summer bobsledding for a unique adrenaline rush.

One of our favorite stops was Emma’s Lake Placid Creamery — their signature maple soft-serve ice cream is a must-try! It’s the perfect treat on a warm day and a great way to taste a local flavor unique to the Adirondacks

Drive Up Whiteface Mountain Veterans’ Memorial Highway

Whiteface Mountain is famous for skiing in winter, but in summer, you can drive nearly to the summit via the scenic Veterans’ Memorial Highway. The 5-mile road winds up the mountain with incredible overlooks. At the end of the road, you can climb a short stone staircase (or take the elevator!) to the summit for breathtaking 360° views of the Adirondacks. On a clear day, you might even spot Canada and Vermont in the distance!

If you like hiking, there’s a 9.3-mile round-trip trail that takes you to the very top of the summit. Or, if you want an easy ride, the Cloudsplitter Gondola takes you from the Main Base Lodge up to the top of Whiteface Mountain.

We drove up the highway and enjoyed the stunning views from different overlooks. On clear days, you can even see Canada from the summit — it’s pretty amazing! To drive on the Veterans’ Memorial Highway, you need to buy a ticket. You can get it at the entrance or buy it online before you go.

Don’t forget a jacket — even in July, it can be windy and chilly at the top.

Go for a hike

There are plenty of hiking trails in and around Lake Placid, perfect for both beginners and experienced hikers. If you’re serious about hiking, check out the Adirondack 46ers list — a collection of the region’s highest peaks

We decided to hike Cascade Mountain, one of the famous 46 Adirondack High Peaks, a 5.6-mile (about 8 km) out-and-back trail with roughly 2,000 feet of elevation gain. The climb was challenging, but the views from the summit were absolutely worth it — photos can’t do it justice. Start early — we hit the trail around 6 a.m., and I recommend the same since parking fills up fast and the trail gets busy later in the day.

Another incredible hike to consider is Indian Head and Rainbow Falls. It’s about an 11-mile round trip, but the views from the top are some of the most breathtaking in the Adirondacks.

If you’re short on time but still want epic views, Mount Jo is a great option. This 2-mile round-trip trail is quick and easy, yet rewards you with panoramic views of Heart Lake and the surrounding High Peaks.

Visit High fall gorge

High Falls Gorge is one of the easiest — and most rewarding — stops in the Adirondacks. A short walk along wooden bridges and walkways takes you up close to four stunning waterfalls on the Ausable River. From the viewpoints along the trail, you can watch the water cascade dramatically over the rocks.

We visited in summer and loved the lush greenery surrounding the falls. I can only imagine how magical it must look in autumn with vibrant fall colors, or in winter when the waterfalls freeze into sparkling ice formations — that’s definitely on my list for next time!

Visit Ausable Chasm

Less than an hour’s drive from Lake Placid, Ausable Chasm is one of the Adirondacks’ oldest and most stunning natural attractions. Often called the “Grand Canyon of the East,” this dramatic gorge is carved by the Ausable River and offers plenty of ways to explore.

There are several tours to choose from. We opted for the River Walk, a 5-mile trail that winds along the gorge with incredible river views. If you’re looking for more adventure, you can also try rafting or tubing through the chasm — just make sure to check in advance, as these activities are seasonal.

Watch sunset at Mirror lake

The town of Lake Placid sits right beside Mirror Lake, and one of the best ways to spend an evening here is to walk the Mirror Lake loop road. Find a quiet spot along the shore and watch the sky change colors as the sun sets over the water. We chose to end our day with dinner at a lake-view restaurant, sipping cocktails while the sunset painted the sky — it was the perfect way to wrap up the evening.

FAQs

How many days do I need to see the best of Lake Placid?

A weekend (2-3 days) is perfect to hit the highlights — Mirror Lake, Whiteface Mountain, a couple of hikes, and exploring town. If you want to slow down and add more hikes or day trips to your itinerary, plan for 4–5 days to soak it all in

Is Lake Placid family-friendly?

Absolutely! There are easy hikes, waterfalls, and lakeside activities that kids will love. The Olympic Jumping Complex and High Falls Gorge are also fun for all ages.

Can I do a day trip to Lake Placid from NYC?

It’s a long day (about 5 hours each way), so I recommend an overnight stay to fully enjoy the area without rushing.

Final thoughts

Lake Placid in summer feels like a cozy mountain town waiting to be explored. Whether you’re craving stunning mountain hikes, peaceful lake days, or simply slow-paced small-town charm, this Adirondack town has it all.

I came for the outdoor adventures but stayed for the peaceful lakeside sunsets, friendly locals, and that fresh mountain air. A summer weekend here recharges your soul and fills your camera roll with unforgettable memories.

If you’re planning your next summer escape from the city, Lake Placid should be at the top of your list. Bookmark this guide, pack your bags, and get ready for an Adirondack adventure you won’t forget.

I really hope that this post inspires you to plan your next trip to this beautiful town in Adirondacks region. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments—I’m happy to help! And if you found this blog helpful, I’d love to hear that too!

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