Lake George
Lake George
4.5
About
During a 1791 visit, Thomas Jefferson was moved to say, "Lake George is without comparison, the most beautiful water I ever saw." Not much has changed. Today this 32-mile long, 3-mile wide dazzling lake draws vactioners who come to enjoy a plethora of outdoor endeavors including sailing, swimming, cruising on historic steamboats, hiking and more.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
76 within 3 miles
Attractions
43 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,211 reviews
Excellent
1,550
Very good
475
Average
126
Poor
32
Terrible
28
dustythoughts
Manchester, CT1,762 contributions
Sep 2021
This beautiful lake is a wonderful place to take a rest, enjoy the gorgeous views, take a sunset cruise, or merely people-watch. The Adirondack Mountains provide a stunningly dramatic backdrop against the lake. It's a popular tourist destination in warmer weather, so there are a lot of activities around/on the lake, including touristy stores and priced-up restaurants, but it's still a calming destination no matter what you decide to do. If you're staying in the area, I'd recommend leaving your car at your hotel/motel and just walking to the lake, as it can get crowded, which makes driving more difficult.
Written July 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Raggedy
York, PA323 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Lake George is beautiful and peaceful. You can hang out at the beach or at a local park. The village has plenty of restaurants and shops. Watersports and hiking are abundant as well. The arcade in town was perfect for a rainy afternoon. It's a very walkable town.
My words of advice: 1) During the height of summer tourist season, if you plan to eat at a restaurant, go before 6 pm. They were very very busy, and several of them stopped taking carryout orders after 6:30 pm because they were so busy. 2) The Price Chopper grocery store is much smaller than I expected. We were able to purchase enough basics and essentials. However, if you are staying somewhere that you are expecting to cook a lot, you may want to shop at a bigger store in another nearby town.
We look forward to returning here for a future vacation.
My words of advice: 1) During the height of summer tourist season, if you plan to eat at a restaurant, go before 6 pm. They were very very busy, and several of them stopped taking carryout orders after 6:30 pm because they were so busy. 2) The Price Chopper grocery store is much smaller than I expected. We were able to purchase enough basics and essentials. However, if you are staying somewhere that you are expecting to cook a lot, you may want to shop at a bigger store in another nearby town.
We look forward to returning here for a future vacation.
Written July 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
EPM3
Nassau, NY74 contributions
Aug 2021
Just completed third visit to Lake George. My family always enjoys our trip to Lake George. The area is beautiful and has many activities for the family. We usually stay 5-6 days and find that there are many activities to fill the days. I would highly recommend the Mini ha ha boat ride as well as Great Escape and Revolution Railroad. For ice cream its worth the short drive to Martha's . We usually stay in the Holiday Inn on Canada Street and find it a clean affordable way to stay in the Lake George area. There are also many pretty places on the Lake which I believe we will try on our next visit to Lake George. In summary if you are looking for an affordable, interesting and fun vacation Lake George would be a good choice.
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Danielle
2 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Americade. Don’t even bother coming here for Bike Week. It is a massive waste of your money. They can’t even not charge for parking on just Bike Week. Four motorcycles took ONE parking spot and EACH got $20.00 tickets, when one car in that spot would have been $20.00 alone, it’s a complete joke and extremely greedy of Lake George, New York. As if we weren’t giving them enough spending money in their shops and restaurants. On top of that, it also cost $10.00 to get into the vendors. Come to Laconia, New Hampshire Bike Week. They don’t take your money for any of the above!
Written September 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
EPM3
Nassau, NY74 contributions
Jun 2022
This was my families fourth visit to Lake George. There is something for every age to enjoy. The Adirondack Pub & Brewery is a great place to eat and Martha's Ice Cream is a must visit. Make sure you check out the Minne-Ha-Ha, this is something every family that visits Lake George should do at least once. If you are looking for a place to spend 4-5 days I would highly recommend.
Written July 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lbouchard33
Portland, CT19 contributions
Aug 2022
We have been to LG many times over the years. It is such a friendly and welcoming vacation spot. You don't need more than 2 days to see the area... but we could just sit and look at that gorgeous lake and the surrounding mountains forever. Lots of places to sit and people watch down by the waterfront. Lots of open lawn area if you'd like to have a picnic lunch. There was a lot of pot smoking going on in LG... the smell is everywhere. Didn't bother us though. Just a wonderful, beautiful, peaceful place to relax. We will be back - often!
Written August 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NMay151
Dillsburg, PA170 contributions
Sep 2021 • Family
Just returned home from our three day trip to Lake George NY. We stayed at a nice cabin on the lake. It had been 20 years since our last visit and we’re disappointed that many restaurants were closed on Monday and Tuesday’s. Don’t know if this is normal or COVID related. During our visit we went to Bolton Landing which is a nice little town, a couple shops were open and the Frederick Restaurant. Nice day! Next day we did the Mohican boat cruise to the Island of the Narrows-loved the 2 1/2 hr cruise. Lake George is beautiful but I wouldn’t like staying in the area of all the hotels seemed junkie and could only imagine the crowds in the summer. Don’t believe I’d visit again, rather the extra drive to New England.
Written October 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
R Brewer
18 contributions
Jun 2020
Very nice little town in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State. You will pay tourist prices for food, but it was good quality in all 3 restaurants we ate at. Small shops along the main street with many eateries. Of course several tourist type shops who cater to out of towners. People are extremely friendly. The lake itself has very clear water due to being spring fed. ( Cold though ). You can rent boats, parasail, etc. We were there for 3 days and enjoyed it thoroughly. Several boat trips available which are a great way to see the lake and surrounding mountains. Definitely recommend a boat sight-seeing trip. We also took an hour trip up to Ticonderoga which is at the northern end of the lake. One of the better short trips we have taken.
Written July 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Scott S
Lancaster, PA, United States206 contributions
Jul 2021
Our first trip to Lake George made us feel almost like being at the Jersey or Maryland shore with the attractions, food, and crowds. Our hotel was very close to downtown which we walked one evening. Expect to return in the fall.
Written October 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
donaldrehner
Freeport, PA47 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Lake George is a very interesting town. Canada Street is like a Boardwalk with kitschy shops and small eateries. The rest of the area is centered around outdoor activities. The biggest problem is parking. It’s expensive and hard to find. We solved that problem by getting a motel within walking distance(we are both in our 70’s but active) to most activities. In the months of July and August they have free nightly concerts. On Thursday evenings there are fireworks.
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
giamia13
Laconia, NH33 contributions
Are the docks on the Lake George Islands campgrounds long enough to accommodate a 26 ft boat?
Tim S
Wilmington, DE
First time to lake George.
Where should wife and I stay ?
We like beach and being able to walk to shopping,drink, and food ?
I'd like to park car once and be done with it.
Higher end hotel is preferred.
Thanks for the help
.
Celines
Connecticut13 contributions
Good morning a Great place to stay and your in walking distance to great Restaurant and Shops etc. Is the Courtyard Marriott On Canada St . Lake George , NY
Tim S
Wilmington, DE
First time to lake George.
Where should wife and I stay ?
We like beach and being able to walk to shopping,drink, and food ?
I'd like to park car once and be done with it.
Higher end hotel is preferred.
Thanks for the help
.
stillrockin911
Berkeley Springs, WV80 contributions
I would suggest calling a realtor. Depending on what you are looking for there are several areas of the lake. If you want to be where the action is you want to stay on the southern end of the lake. The further north you go the less crowded it is. My house was in Hague and I loved that area. Very small town and you really don't feel like you are in a tourist area.
There are a lot of homes for rent. I would recommend staying in a house directly on the lake if you can afford it. check out the places here and I have found that people on this site will get back to you quickly with any concerns you might have.
Can people BBQ at this lake ?
Cathleen L
Oshawa, Canada158 contributions
I am not sure what the town policies are on bbq at the lake
Jennifer
Pittsburgh, PA81 contributions
Hi, I will be traveling to Lake George for the 4th of July. Is there anywhere to park a boat? The motel I am staying doesn't have room in its parking lot. Any suggestions, I am a newer boat owner and have only been to Lake George once before. Thanks!!
theojkett
Brick, NJ13 contributions
You may want to ask a local marina if they would allow you to store it there during your stay. If you couldn't leave it there, I'm sure they might be able to recommend something. The other option would be to ask a local storage facility. The other option is to ask the Chamber of Commerce. They might be able to direct you.
mommajo2
Wilmington, DE14 contributions
Hi Brenda etc. we would be coming to Lake George area for the first time. We are senior and wouldn't be able to walk long distances so I was hoping you could tell us which area of the lake we should stay in for visiting the lake, shopping and dining. Thanks for your help MJ
rossbet
Beaconsfield, Canada217 contributions
Anywhere downtown on Canada Street is walkable to many restaurants but nearer to Beach Road is what we found most convenient. if you have a car, parking can be difficult and meters are not cheap. We stayed further South of exit 21, the less expensive hotel cost made up for the parking fees.
Dawn M
Saddle River, NJ88 contributions
Hi! We are camping with little kids 3-7, any suggestions on the best island to choose? Best swimming?
bluesmama11
Castleton On Hudson, NY3,468 contributions
Any place on the lake is great for swimming..we camped up near Hague many, many years ago but I don’t remember the name of the islands,,just check out the NYS Parks website and it will list those islands available or camping..they tend to book up quickly.
Jennifer
Pittsburgh, PA81 contributions
is there anywhere to park a boat? I am planning on traveling here 4th of july week 2018.
Kabulkathy
Ellicott City, MD147 contributions
I know the Boathouse Restaurant lets you park and eat at the restaurant. Contact the visitor center for actual places to park overnight.
Samantha R
5 contributions
Fun attractions and activities in October?
Amanda M
Queensbury, United States44 contributions
Ooh, saw this late. The Adirondack Pub and Brewery usually does some fun events. The Adirondack Film Festival spans a couple of days in early October and is quite fun. Six Flags Great Escape has Fright Fest on the weekends.
Lake George - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake George
- Hotels near Lake George:
- (0.45 mi) Clarion Inn & Suites at The Outlets of Lake George
- (0.89 mi) Lake George RV Park
- (0.32 mi) Samoset Cabins
- (0.92 mi) Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Lake George (Queensbury), NY
- (0.57 mi) Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Water Park
- Restaurants near Lake George:
- (0.23 mi) Olde Trading Post Saloon and Grill
- (0.24 mi) Buck`s Tavern
- (0.25 mi) Dunkin'
- (0.58 mi) Log Jam Restaurant
- (0.91 mi) Martha's Dandee Creme