A Perfect Summer Weekend Getaway in Lake George NY

In the southern Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York, Lake George is a fun destination that offers the perfect setting for a memorable summer weekend getaway. From its beautiful lake to its little village, Lake George has something for everyone. This itinerary is great for a perfect summer weekend getaway in Lake George, New York.

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Getting to Lake George for your Summer Weekend Getaway

Lake George is easily accessible by car, making it a convenient destination for a weekend trip from major cities in the Northeastern United States. If you’re driving:

From New York City: Take I-87 North for approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic.
From Albany: It’s just a scenic one-hour drive north on I-87.

Most accommodations offer parking for guests, and there are several public parking lots available in the village or street parking.

If you prefer to fly, the nearest airport is Albany International Airport, which is about 60 miles away from Lake George. It is best to rent a car so you can venture outside of the village, but arranging for transportation is also an option since Lake George offers trolley shuttles and is a very walkable town.

Once you’re in the village, you likely can walk to most locations if you’re planning on just staying close to relax, I personally would recommend a car to experience everything!

Summer in Lake George Weekend Itinerary

Shelving Rock Summit Hike Photo Lake George NY — Shelving Rock Mountain Summit Overlooking the Lake

Friday:

Start off your Lake George weekend with a relaxing evening after your travels. Check-in to your chosen accommodation and take a stroll along the scenic Lake George Beach. For dinner, head to one of the many great restaurants along the Lake, or visit the “Adirondack Pub & Brewery” for craft beer and hearty pub fare right on the main street. You can sit either inside or outside to enjoy the weather.

Up for the best Ice Cream in the area? Skip the lines in the village and head over to Martha’s Dande e across from the Great Escape. I promise, the lines move quicker than any other place I’ve ever seen and the GIANT ice cream servings and home made flavors are WELL worth the few minute drive.

Saturday:

Morning: Start your day with breakfast at a local café for your morning coffee and either a small pastry or full hearty breakfast. Afterward, head on an unforgettable boat tour with Lake George Steamboat Company to explore the lake waters and take in the breathtaking views. Keep an eye out for local wildlife from the boat!

Lunch: Grab a lakeside lunch for fresh seafood and scenic seating. There are SO many options in Lake George Village, so you don’t have to go far if you prefer to stay within town.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon hiking one of the nearby trails, such as Prospect Mountain or Shelving Rock Falls. The Adirondacks offer numerous hiking options suitable for all skill levels right in the area, showing all the beauty the area has to offer without going too far.
Not into hiking, take the drive up Prospect Mountain for the views without the physical labor. To drive up, there is a fee and the road is only opened seasonally. Check that out h ere.

Dinner: Satisfy your appetite at “The Barnsider Smokehouse BBQ” for mouthwatering barbecue dishes or head on over to “The Boathouse” to enjoy your drink lakeside and a yummy dinner to end the day. They are both favorites within the area, so be mindful of wait times, or call to see if they’re accepting reservations. If you prefer earlier dinners, end the evening by heading over to Adirondack Winery to grab a bottle to enjoy at your hotel/rental or do a quick wine tasting right there. Don’t miss the Amethyst Sunset wine, it’s my personal favorite if you enjoy some sweetness.

Prospect Mountain Cable Railway on Summit — *Prospect Mountain Old Cable Railway*

Afternoon Lake George Hike Options:

Shelving Rock Falls: 1 mile roundtrip, it is a bit steep to access the bottom of the falls but only if you choose to go that far.
Add in Log Bay for calm clear water and a spot to swim in the lake the locals can’t get enough of. Just follow the trail after the falls to the lake. If you’re on boat, you can dock at Log bay and reverse the hike to go visit the falls. They do get crowded on hot summer days, since they’re both local favorites to cool off in.
Shelving Rock Mountain: Across the road from the falls you’ll find a trail to the top of the mountain for views of the lake.
3 miles roundtrip with 718 ft. elevation gain. I have taken my beginner hiking friends up here, and all have thanked me saying the view is worth the climb. Make sure to follow the trail slightly to the right when you have reached the summit, this will provide for better views and a place to sit overlooking the lake.
Prospect Mountain: Hike or drive up this mountain to access great 360-degree views of the lake from the West side. The hike is 5.2 miles with a 1430 ft. elevation gain. To drive, a toll road is open during the warmer season (May to November typically) with a small access fee. If you’re up to it, take the hike right across the Northway and head up!
Sleeping Beauty Mountain: A longer hike for the nature lover and part of the Lake George 12ster challenge, this hike is one most of us in the area have come to love. It provides great views of the surrounding area at the summit. 7.7 miles with 1437 elevation gain.

There are SO many local hiking options, but these are a few easy favorites you can fit into an afternoon depending on your hiking speed plus they’re a quick drive from the Village.

Sunday:

Morning: Before heading home, take a peaceful morning walk around Shepard Park, where you can enjoy the gardens and waterfront views. Grab a must-have breakfast after you checkout of your accommodation at “The Silo” in Queensbury for their famous pancakes and then visit the shop for souvenirs. Don’t forget to grab a box of the fresh apple cider donuts to snack on while driving home, they’re SO good especially when warm.

Lake George Clear Water at Log Bay Hike — *Log Bay at Lake George*

Tips for Visiting Lake George in the Summer

Bring sunscreen and insect repellent, as you’ll be spending time outdoors.
Make reservations for popular restaurants, especially on weekends during peak Summer season.
Pack comfortable clothing, including swimwear and hiking attire if you plan on doing those activities. Comfortable sturdy hiking shoes are recommended on our rocky trails.
Don’t forget your camera to capture the views of the mountains surrounding the lake, they’re one you’ll never want to forget.
Stay hydrated while exploring the area, it can get hot in the summer. If you bring your pets make sure to be mindful of pavement heat and bring water for them as well.

Where to Stay for Your Weekend Getaway

Lake George offers a range of accommodation options to accommodate different preferences and budgets.

Here are a few highly-rated accommodations:

The Sagamore Resort: An iconic lakeside resort with amazing views.
The Lodges at Cresthaven: Lakeside cabins with private decks, ideal for a romantic weekend getaway.
Holiday Inn Resort Lake George: A family-friendly option with a water park and great lake views.
Courtyard by Marriot Lake George: A more updated option to stay in, with mountain and lake views plus an indoor pool.
Six Flags Great Escape Lodge: Out of the main village but still close to town, features an indoor waterpark for additional family fun.
Lake George RV Park: Perfect for RVers which includes plenty of amenities and a family-friendly camping atmosphere.

Shelving Rock Log Bay Hike Photo Lake George NY — *Log Bay from the Shelving Rock Waterfall Trail*

Best Time to Visit Lake George NY other than Summer

Lake George is a year-round destination, but summer is undoubtedly the most popular time to visit. The months of June through August offer the warmest weather. This is the ideal time to enjoy water activities, explore the outdoors, and savor the local cuisine, because sitting lakeside makes every meal just a little bit better. The lake is chilly due to our location, but in the shallow sections it becomes a refreshing way to cool off.

However, each season brings its own charm. Spring offers blooming flowers and a quieter atmosphere, while autumn boasts stunning foliage. Winter, on the other hand, is perfect for snow sports. We are surrounded by popular ski areas, Vermont is a short drive and we boast great snowmobiling trails in the winter. Our Summer season is short, so it’s worth visiting during other seasons too!

For the best summer experience, I recommend you plan your Lake George weekend between June and August while most restaurants and activities are fully open.