The word vacation was invented in the Adirondacks; this came about as the wealthy vacated the cities for the fresh mountain air of the Adirondacks. Once you visit you will understand why. Maybe it is the feeling you get as soon as you enter the Adirondacks and breathe in the mountain air. Whatever it is that creates that feeling of peace, it is evident here.
Nestled in the mountains is the village of Lake Placid. Travelers have vacationed here for generations. Families take to the beaches for the day, adventurers hike and mountain bike, and health gurus visit the spas and natural surroundings for a cross-fit kind of day under the blue skies.
1. You are on your way to a perfect day
Wake up to the sound of loons. Go for a walk or a paddle on one of Lake Placid's pristine lakes. Mirror Lake sits right in the center of town. There is a loop around the lake for a great morning walk. If there isn't too much action on the water you will understand how it got its name.
2. Breathe in the air, it is good for your soul
Wellness in Lake Placid will lift your spirits. Head to one of the many spas in town for treatments, or simply find your peace in Mother Nature's glory. However you achieve your balance, you will find it here.
3. Enjoy a day at the sandy beach on the edge of Mirror Lake
The sandy beach on Mirror Lake is a great way to spend an afternoon. The long dock has benches to sit on so you can watch the kids run around, or join the fun and take a dip to cool off.
4. Lake Placid is perfect for water skiing
Lake Placid's namesake lake is motor-friendly. Fresh water springs and mountain streams feed Lake Placid, making it one of the cleanest fresh water lakes in the world. Some of the properties, camps, and great camps, on Lake Placid are reached by boat access only. Water skiing, tubing, and wake boarding are great on this lake.
There are boat and equipment rentals services that will get you suited up and out on the water for the day. History buffs will love cruising the pristine waters of Lake Placid and taking in the views of historic camps, and everyone will love the scenery.
5. Take a stroll through Main Street for all the necessities
Shopping! Most stores on Main Street are independently owned and there's a fun variety of everything from antique stores and high end clothing to Adirondack decor, and much more. Take the trolley for a unique view of the village and to hit the outlying shops — it's free!
6. Dinner with a view? Yes, please!
On and off of Main Street there are many restaurants with gorgeous views. From fine dining to casual taverns, you can find great food, service, and views all over Lake Placid. There are also many restaurants off of the beaten path worth visiting. Lake Placid has some of the best variety of restaurants in the Adirondacks, and after a day of exploring you can find the meal and view of your choice here.
7. Music in the mountains
Restaurants, bars, night clubs, the Lake Placid Center for the Arts ... there's music everywhere.
The Songs at Mirror Lake Music Series offers Tuesday night concerts in the summer for free! We think this is truly one of the most perfect Lake Placid summer activities. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and enjoy the evening. While the 2021 season might look a little different, concerts are being planned!
8. Wind down with friends new and old
Let the night take you where it will. Grab a beer at one of the many local pubs, go dancing, or simply sit back and watch the people as they walk down Main Street on their next adventure. End the day near a fire with s'mores or a drink, or both. Look up at the stars and breathe in the mountain air. The feeling of relaxation and a clear head is just what the doctor ordered for a good night of rest.
9. Perfect days deserve a perfect night
Rest in luxury or simple comfort. Whatever your style, Lake Placid has many options in town or on the lake. The Mirror Lake Inn, pictured above, is walking distance to the town and lakes. As you relax here and take in the view, you will think you are looking at a picture, but that is a window — to your perfect day.
The reason you may see media of people not wearing masks on our website is because all footage is from prior years. More than ever we all need to be vigilant about maintaining social distance of 6 feet or more and wearing masks when we cannot social distance.
