Planning a trip to the Adirondacks? Add Lake Placid to your list! Explore here for all the top Lake Placid things to do, from skiing and snowmobiling to ice skating and beer drinking. Plus, I’ve got you covered with all the best Olympic sites to visit and Lake Placid hotels to stay at for a cozy retreat.
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Ultimate travel guide for Lake Placid, New York
Welcome to the enchanting winter wonderland of Lake Placid! Nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid is a captivating destination that truly comes alive during winter and quite honestly looks like a picturesque scene straight from a snow globe.
Lake Placid was one of the last stops on our six-month road trip (check out our other road trip destinations here) and was one of those places that really took us by surprise. We weren’t expecting to like it as much as we did, and it actually ended up being one of our favorite stops on our entire East Coast road trip!
Between our comfy hotel filled with rustic charm, its quaint downtown lined with cozy eateries, and the picturesque snow-capped peaks in the distance, I quite literally felt like I was in a Hallmark movie in Lake Placid, and I think it’s safe to say, we can’t wait to go back!
Now that I’ve convinced you to book a trip to Lake Placid (hehe) let’s talk through everything you need to know, including what to do in Lake Placid, Lake Placid hotels NY to stay at, best restaurants in Lake Placid to check out, and so much more!
Planning in a hurry? Check out these quick links!
Travel resources:
- Skyscanner (find the best rates on airplane tickets)
- Discover Cars (compare rental car prices and save $$$)
- Booking.com (find the best deals on accommodations)
Best Lake Placid hotels NY:
- Crowne Plaza Lake Placid (affordable + great location + stunning views)
- Mirror Lake Inn Lake Placid (4-star hotel + spa + on-site restaurants)
- Whiteface Lodge (family-friendly, lots of amenities, beautiful views)
DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links, so I can keep traveling! We may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Things to know before you go
Where is Lake Placid?
Lake Placid is a village located in the Adirondack Mountains in Essex County, New York, United States. It is situated in the northeastern part of the state, near the borders of Vermont and Canada, and is known for its picturesque setting, including Mirror Lake and the stunning Adirondack Mountains.
Lake Placid also gained international recognition for hosting the Winter Olympic Games in 1932 and 1980, contributing to its reputation as a popular destination for winter sports and outdoor activities.
Lake Placid map
How to get to Lake Placid NY
Depending on your location and preferences, there are various ways to get to Lake Placid. If you plan on flying from BOS or JFK, the nearest Lake Placid Airport is Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK), which is about a 20-minute drive to Lake Placid. Otherwise, the nearest major airport is Albany International Airport (ALB), about a three-hour drive, or Burlington International Airport (BTV), about a two-hour drive to Lake Placid.
Depending on where you’re departing from, Lake Placid is also easily accessible by car! We were on a six-month road trip when we visited Lake Placid and had no problem getting to upstate New York by I-87.
How to get around Lake Placid
Lake Placid is a relatively small town, so getting around is generally convenient. The downtown area of Lake Placid is really pedestrian-friendly, and you can easily access shops, restaurants, and attractions by walking. I always recommend exploring by foot as much as you can, as you never know what you’ll find!
Additionally, it’s always fun to explore the area by bike. High Peaks Cyclery offers a variety of bike rentals in Lake Placid, and they even offer ski rentals if you’re planning on visiting during winter.
If you’re planning on venturing into the surrounding Adirondack region, I always recommend renting a car. This gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own schedule and check out ALL of the best things to do in Lake Placid. If you’re interested in renting a car, click here to compare the best prices on Discover Cars.
Best time to visit Lake Placid
The best time to visit Lake Placid really depends on your preferences and the activities you plan to enjoy. Summer is a popular time to visit Lake Placid, especially for outdoor activities like hiking, boating, and fishing, and the Lake Placid NY weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from the 60’s to 80’s.
Fall is another favorite season for visitors, as the Fall foliage in the Adirondacks is stunning this time of year, and there are many beautiful places for hiking and scenic drives. Lake Placid is also a haven for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and bobsledding, but be prepared for extremely cold weather Lake Placid, ranging from 10 degrees to 30 degrees.
We visited at the beginning of November, and I’m not lying when I tell you that I was freezing my buns off. It also snowed a few days we were there, which was a nice surprise but definitely not expected. Although we were not prepared for cold weather this early, the snow made this quaint town especially magical!
Places to stay in Lake Placid
Crowne Plaza Lake Placid
Since my husband and I visited back in 2021, we are still talking about how much we loved the Crowne Plaza Lake Placid NY, to this day. I can’t even tell you how many times we said, “I want to live in this hotel” while we stayed there, haha. I don’t know how to explain it, but there’s just a coziness factor at the Crowne Plaza that gives you a sense of “home,” which is probably why we loved it so much.
And if I haven’t already convinced you to hit “book,” let’s talk through some amenities. First, Crowne Plaza spans over 1000 acres of land in the Adirondacks, offering STUNNING lake and mountain views. I mean, did you see the picture above? It’s also within walking distance of downtown, filled with many shops, restaurants, and attractions, and adjacent to the Olympic Center, which is a huge bonus.
Additionally, Crowne Plaza has an indoor pool with a hot tub, a cozy hotel bar with a fireplace, a beautiful fitness center with a view, a delicious on-site restaurant, an outdoor fire pit, a 45-hole scenic golf course, and so much more, making it one of the best hotels in Lake Placid NY (in my opinion)! Do you see why we want to live there (haha)? You basically never have to leave!
This hotel is also pet-friendly! We stayed here with our French bulldog, Melvin, and he absolutely loved running around in the courtyard and playing fetch in the vacant hallways of the hotel (shhh, lol).
I should also probably mention that this post is NOT sponsored. We genuinely loved staying here, and I cannot recommend it enough. If you’re interested in staying at Crowne Plaza Lake Placid, click here to book!
Other Lake Placid NY hotels
Prefer to stay in an Airbnb Lake Placid or VRBO Lake Placid Click here to browse vacation rentals in Lake Placid for every budget!
- Step into a world of luxury at the Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa. This award-winning hotel boasts a prime location on the shores of Mirror Lake, offering stunning views and easy access to the village. Indulge in well-appointed rooms, spa services, and exquisite dining at The View, all while surrounded by the beauty of the Adirondacks. Click here to book your stay!
- Situated on the shores of Mirror Lake, High Peaks Resort is a gem in the heart of Lake Placid. The resort offers a variety of accommodations, from classic rooms to spacious suites, ensuring a perfect fit for every traveler. Unwind at the waterfront restaurant, Dancing Bears, or take a dip in the indoor pool with panoramic views. Click here to book your stay!
- For a taste of rustic elegance, the Whiteface Lodge is a top pick. This all-suite resort exudes Adirondack charm with its timbered architecture and upscale amenities. Cozy up by the fireplace in your suite, enjoy the outdoor hot tubs, savor the culinary delights at KANU, the lodge’s on-site restaurant, or enjoy a game of bowling. This Lake Placid resort has it all! Click here to book your stay!
- Situated in close proximity to Lake Placid’s most iconic attractions, Hampton Inn Lake Placid offers a welcoming retreat in the heart of the Adirondacks. From cozy guest rooms to spacious suites, this hotel has a range of accommodations with modern amenities AND a complimentary breakfast. Click here to book your stay!
Best things to do in Lake Placid NY
Lake Placid Olympic museum
Museums aren’t typically my thing, but this is one you don’t want to miss! The Olympic Museum Lake Placid is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of the Winter Olympic Games, particularly the 1932 and 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympics.
The museum features a variety of exhibits that highlight the history, athletes, and memorable moments of the Winter Games. Exhibits may include artifacts, interactive displays, and memorabilia, including equipment used by famous athletes, Olympic torches, and medals.
If you’re planning on visiting, tickets are $15 for adults and are free for kids six and under, and they’re open every day of the week from 10 am to 5 pm (excluding major holidays). Click here for more info.
Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex
If I had to choose only one of the Olympic-related things to do in Lake Placid New York, this would be it! The Olympic Ski Jumping Complex has been a part of the Olympic legacy since the 1980 Winter Olympics and features various ski jumps of different sizes, standing as high as 240 feet, to accommodate all skill levels.
To reach the top of the ski jump, you’ll take a gondola to the base and then a glass-enclosed elevator to the Sky Deck, where you can enjoy stunning views of Lake Placid and the surrounding Adirondack Mountains. Depending on when you visit, you can even witness ski jumpers training!
If you’re interested in visiting, click here for availability and to book tickets in advance. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for kids ages 7-12, and free for children under six.
Ice skating at the Olympic center Lake Placid
If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in Lake Placid in winter, The Olympic Center is the place to go! Not only does The Olympic Center host a variety of fun events throughout the year, like ice hockey and figure skating (see event calendar here), BUT it also has both indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks with incredible views of the Adirondacks open to the public.
Did I also mention that this is where the iconic hockey game “Miracle on Ice” of the 1980 Winter Olympics took place? Now, if that’s not enough reason to visit, I don’t know what is! If you’re interested in gliding through a frozen piece of sports history, tickets are $15 and under, and I recommend checking out their website in advance here for hours of operation.
TIP: Purchase the Lake Placid Legacy Sites Passport here for one-time admission to the Whiteface Cloudsplitter Gondola, The Olympic Jumping Complex Skyride, Skating on the James C Sheffield Speed Skating Oval, and entry to the Lake Placid Olympic Museum at the Olympic Center.
Stroll Main Street Lake Placid
It doesn’t get more charming than Main Street, you guys! Main Street, situated in the heart of Lake Placid, is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and a rich Olympic history. It’s lined with a diverse range of boutiques carrying everything from outdoor gear and apparel to unique gifts and local crafts.
You’ll also find numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries offering every kind of cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cafe to grab a coffee, a casual diner for a comfort meal, or a fine dining experience to celebrate a special occasion, there’s something for everyone!
Additionally, Main Street offers STUNNING views of the surrounding Adirondack Mountains, and it’s conveniently located near Mirror Lake, where you can enjoy beautiful lakeside walks. It’s also often a hub for events and festivals throughout the year and even a backdrop for the Christmas movie “A Jar Full of Christmas,” being released this Christmas 2024. I can’t wait to see it!
Enjoy winter activities at Mt Van Hoevenberg
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Lake Placid besides skiing (well, they also offer skiing, too), Mt Van Hoevenberg is the place to go. During the colder months, there’s a variety of winter activities available, like cross country skiing or snowshoeing, and depending on when you visit, you can even try their Lake Placid bobsled or skeleton experiences.
During the warmer months, they also have many trails for hiking, biking, and running, and they have a cliffside coaster that looks like so much fun. It’s apparently the longest coaster in North America! Mt Van Hoevenberg is also home to a variety of events throughout the year, from winter sports to mountain biking, running races, and more.
Click here to explore their site and browse events and attractions in Lake Placid offered any time of year!
Explore Mirror Lake
No trip to Lake Placid is complete without a stroll around Mirror Lake! With the combination of the surrounding Adirondack Mountains and the clear, reflective surface of the lake, Mirror Lake creates a breathtaking backdrop unlike anything you’ve ever seen. In other words, it’s one of the ultimate Instagram photo spots in Lake Placid.
Mirror Lake also provides a variety of recreational things to do Lake Placid throughout the year, like kayaking and paddle boarding in the warmer months to ice skating, hockey, and dog sledding in the winter. There’s even a 30-foot-high ice-covered toboggan chute that descends onto Mirror Lake! Explore here for all of the fun winter activities on Mirror Lake available.
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Grab a beer at Lake Placid Pub & Brewery
If you’ve been following me for a while now, you know that I ALWAYS try to find a local brewery to check out everywhere we go, and I was happy to add Lake Placid Pub & Brewery to the list! What I loved most about this brewery was its cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and the beer wasn’t too bad either (hehe). I especially loved their seasonal beers, and you also have to try their famous Ubu Ale.
If you’re interested in visiting, there are three stories of fun to choose from! The first floor is their main bar area, with a rotating selection of beers on tap and a variety of house cocktails. The second floor is a cozy brewpub, a great spot to enjoy some delicious pub fare. On the third floor, you’ll find an outdoor deck with amazing views of the Lake, making it the perfect place to grab a drink with a view!
If you have time, I also recommend visiting their second location, Big Slide Brewery & Public House. If you’re visiting the Ski Jumping Complex, this is a great place to stop for a refreshing beverage on your way back into town.
Hike High Falls Gorge
If you’re in the mood for some fresh mountain air, High Falls Gorge is the place to go, even in winter! This 30-minute trail may require some snow shoes this time of year, but I promise the views alone will make it worth it. Located just a short drive from Lake Placid and one mile from Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort, High Falls Gorge offers breathtaking views of its waterfalls, as well as some spectacular ice formations along the way.
Additionally, their trails are well-maintained and suitable for visitors of various fitness levels. However, if you are planning on going during winter, snowshoes will likely be required, and the trail will only be open, weather permitting. Tickets are $18 and under, and there is a small fee to rent snowshoes if you need them! Click here for more info.
Skiing at Whiteface Mountain
In addition to the many other fun things to do in Lake Placid in winter, it also has some pretty epic skiing, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just clicking into your skis for the first time. Whiteface Mountain offers a diverse terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, AND it’s only a 30-minute drive from Lake Placid.
The mountain has 87 trails and 11 lifts, including a gondola and high-speed quads, and features a mix of groomed trails, terrain parks, and expert-level runs. Whiteface Mountain also happens to have the greatest vertical drop in the Eastern United States, providing challenging runs for advanced skiers. It’s no surprise was this was once the site for skiing events of the 1980 Winter Olympics!
If you’re interested in skiing (but you’re a little scared), Whiteface also offers ski school, whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an intermediate skier seeking improvements. Click here for more information on skiing at Whiteface Mountain.
Cloudsplitter Gondola ride at Whiteface Mtn
Even if skiing isn’t your thing, I still highly recommend taking a ride on the Cloudsplitter Gondola at Whiteface Mountain, which takes you from the Main Base Lodge to the top of Little Whiteface in 15 minutes. This is a great way to see some amazing views of the Adirondacks and Lake Placid, and you’ll even spot the ski jumps along the way. At the top, there’s also an observation deck, a picnic area, and a variety of trails for exploring.
If you plan on visiting, I recommend checking their website in advance to see if the weather conditions are okay. I would also make sure to dress warm! It’s pretty chilly at the top! Tickets are $25 and under, and the gondola is typically open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. daily.
Lake Placid spa
Sometimes, you just need to treat yo self on vacation, and there’s no better place to do it than at Lake Placid Spa in Whiteface Lodge. This intimate 5700-square-foot spa is ranked among the top 100 spas in North America, offering a relaxing and serene ambiance with a variety of luxurious treatments.
Some of the spa services offered at Lake Placid spa include massages, facials, body wraps, salon services, and much more. There’s also a cedar wood sauna, steam room, and fitness center. You might never want to leave! If you’re interested in visiting, click here for more information.
Snowmobiling Lake Placid
If you’re seeking a truly exhilarating adventure in Lake Placid, snowmobiling through the Adirondacks is it! Picture weaving along frozen lakes and mystical forests draped in snow with breathtaking views of the mountains in the distance. Sounds pretty magical, right?
If you’re interested in this winter bucket list experience, Adirondack Snowmobiles offers guided group and private tours for up to four hours through wooded trails and semi-open meadows. There are single and double seater snowmobiles available, and helmets are provided. This is one of the best things to do in Lake Placid that’s fun for the whole family, so click here to check it out!
Grab a drink with a view at Top of the Park
If you’re on the hunt for one of the best restaurants in Lake Placid to grab a drink with a view, Top of the Park is it! Located on Main Street in Downtown Lake Placid, Top of the Park offers a comfortable atmosphere with stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains from its large deck overlooking Mirror Lake.
Included on their menu are a variety of small plates and one heck of a charcuterie board (if I do say so myself), and they also offer beer, wine, and spirits. Top of the Park is open every day of the week starting at 3 pm, and I recommend getting there early, as it does get busy!
Check out Saranac Lake
If you have some extra time and you’re interested in venturing outside of Lake Placid (only about 15 minutes or so), you have to check out Saranac Lake, one of New York’s most scenic spots and charming towns in the Adirondacks. In addition to its quaint, small-town atmosphere and stunning backdrop of the Adirondacks, Saranac Lake is also home to the Winter Carnival, one of the oldest in the United States.
Typically held the first week of February, Winter Carnival has been a long-standing tradition in Saranac Lake since 1897, featuring a variety of activities from the iconic ice palace and parades to fireworks, fun competitions, and so much more! If you’re interested in attending one of the best Lake Placid events, click here for more info.
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