Spend 3 Days in Lake George, New York: Vacation Bliss Lies a Few Hours North of NYC

Lake George, New York, may be only a few hours north of the Big Apple, but it feels like a world away from the hustle of urban life. Come here to unplug, unwind and find a little waterside bliss.

At the lake, travelers can opt for a relaxing stand-up paddle or kayak session, hop aboard a rental boat or just lounge by the shore. Those looking for land-based activities can find plenty of fun on the vast network of hiking and biking trails.

But don’t overlook the quaint and welcoming Lake George Village community in the midst of your outdoor adventures — the boutiques and log cabin architecture really set the scene for a cozy getaway.

As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.

Friday: Relax at the Lake

Visiting Lake George gives you a chance to be in, on and around one of the most spectacular lakes in the Northeast. Start by heading directly to the lake’s shoreline to dig your toes into its soft sandy banks.

The best way to do that is by paying a visit to Million Dollar Beach. This area comprises more than 51 acres, making it possible to find your own little patch of paradise, even on its busiest days. During the summer months, the beach has a full staff of lifeguards on duty, as well as a roped-off swimming area, making it an ideal place for families with small children to come and splash around.

There are other places to lay out your towel and pop up your umbrella, including Shepard Park Beach, Rogers Memorial Park Beach and a dog-friendly option at Lake George Dog Beach.

Ready to voyage out onto the water? There are a number of outfitters happy to help, including the kayak, canoe and stand-up paddle rentals offered by the Lake George Kayak Company.

However, the most famous way to see the lake is by hopping aboard the Lac du Saint Sacrement Dinner Cruise operated by the Lake George Steamboat Company. The cruise lasts for a little more than two hours, so guests can get good views of the lake from all sides. And the buffet itself offers simple, crowd-pleasing fare such as prime rib, fresh fish, chicken and a salad bar.

If you’re looking for a post-cruise drink, head into the village for a cocktail at the Lookout Bar & Grill or the Tankard Taverne.

Saturday: Head to the Mountains

Now that you’ve experienced the lake, it’s time to head out and explore the surrounding region. But first: breakfast. We recommend the centrally located Charlie’s Bar & Kitchen for a hearty meal of corned beef hash, avocado toast or egg sandwiches.

After breakfast, make your way to the top of Prospect Mountain, the most iconic peak in the area. To get to the summit, which sits more than 2,000 feet above sea level, most people hike, though a few hardy souls (not to mention experienced cyclists) bike.

Ascending on foot takes an average of 90 minutes, making it a three-hour round trip. But add a little extra time, because the summit rewards visitors with 100-mile views.

Don’t worry if this feels too strenuous for you. You can still take in the view by driving along the Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway, a 5.5-mile winding road that leads to the same peak.

Want more outdoor time? Pay a visit to the Natural Stone Bridge & Caves. The (self-guided) tour takes you in and out of some 20 caves in the network, including a few that are home to cave-dwelling bats. With miles and miles of trails to roam, your visit could take the entire day, so pack a picnic and plenty of water.

Once you’ve had your fill of mountain fun, head back into town for a little carbo-loading at Mario’s, an Italian restaurant famous for its mile-high plates of pasta.

Sunday: Take a Flyer

Fit in just a little more fun before heading home. Start at Fort William Henry, a historical re-creation of the British fort that was destroyed during the French and Indian War, which now offers an interactive living museum.

Next up, get your adrenaline pumping with a visit to the Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course, a 1.5-mile treetop adventure. The aerial course allows you to race against your family and friends as you make your way from tree to tree using ropes, ladders, swings, zip lines and more. And the site has several courses available for all ages and ability levels, so anyone can join in the fun.

Finally, spend a little time at the Revolution Rail Co. The excursion brings you to one of the most remote locations in the region via a pedal-powered rail bike. Yes, this means you need to do the work to get there, but the breathtaking views along the way make it all worthwhile. The best part? You don’t have to pedal alone. The 6-mile trip can be taken in either a tandem or quad bike.

And now it’s time to head back into town for a meal. Stop in at a local favorite like Bistro LeRoux, a French spot that’s ideal for date night. Another good choice: Olde Log Inn, a pub-style restaurant that’s a bit more relaxed, serving hefty salads, burgers, wraps and more.

Finally, end the evening with a visit to the Adirondack Brewery, where you can snag a local brew or a craft beer imported from around the globe.