Introduction
I remember the first time I rolled into Lake George, New York—a spontaneous road‑trip kicking off just after work, with no solid plans except “get away.” I found myself winding through the Adirondack foothills, the air turning cooler, the landscape rising, the lake shimmering ahead like a hidden gem. What I discovered over the next few days was a place where adventure and chill co‑exist: mountain peaks and quiet trails, lively village pubs and sunset boat cruises, family‑friendly fun and solo‑wanderer moments. After multiple visits and more than one ice‑cream cone at the village boardwalk, I’ve gathered 12 of the best and most fun things to do in Lake George—with something in here for nature lovers, thrill seekers, families, couples, and those who just want a slower pace. So pack your sneakers, maybe a swimsuit, and let’s dive in.
12 Best & Fun Things To Do In Lake George, NY (2026)
1. Cruise the Lake on a Classic Steamboat
There’s something timeless about boarding a steamboat and gliding across the water as the sun begins its descent. With Lake George Steamboat Company, you can choose from sightseeing cruises, dinner cruises, or even fireworks‑viewing cruises. The ship Lac du Saint Sacrement is especially notable.
On one memorable evening, I drifted past wooded bays, saw the mountains darken behind me, and sipped a drink on the deck while gentle waves slapped the hull.
Tip: Book a sunset or dinner cruise for a more atmospheric experience—arrive early for the best seats.
See Also: 27 Best & Fun Things To Do In Jackson Hole, WY
2. Hike a Mountain—Try Prospect Mountain or Shelving Rock
If you’re craving a view, hiking is the way to go in Lake George. The Lake George Wild Forest spans much of the region. One favorite is Prospect Mountain (with its auto road for an easier climb), and another is the trail to Shelving Rock Falls in the north.
On a crisp morning I set off before breakfast, reached a lookout with the lake stretched below like a ribbon, and felt that rush of “yes, I made it.”
Tip: Wear layered clothing (mountain winds can surprise you) and bring water and snacks.
3. Visit the Village & Boardwalk for Shop, Eats & People‑Watching
For a more relaxed pace, stroll through Lake George Village—charming shops, casual cafés, mini‑golf, arcades, and boardwalk views. Guides note that this is a fun place for family‑friendly activities and evening vibes.
My go‑to? Stopping for ice cream (yes, multiple cones), watching kids play mini golf, and then grabbing a lakeside dinner with the sun dipping behind the Adirondacks.
Tip: Evening is great for a slow stroll, and consider stopping by an arcade or game hall for a fun break.
4. Spend Time on the Water—Kayak, SUP, or Swim
“Get on the lake” is a frequent refrain for good reason: everything feels just better from the water. Whether you rent a kayak, paddle‑board, or simply bring your swimsuit to one of the beaches, Lake George has you covered. The official site encourages fishing, boating, paddling, and more.
One afternoon I launched a kayak, paddled past little islands, and paused for a quiet moment on the lake surface.
Tip: If you’re less experienced, stick to sheltered bays and keep an eye on changing weather conditions.
5. Ride a Zipline or Try Adventure Parks
For those who want a thrill, Lake George offers adventure‑style fun: zip‑lining, treetop rope courses, and more. One source mentions the “Eagle Flyer Zipline” atop French Mountain. I visited a course one morning—orange harness on, cable zooming above pine trees—and wrapped up with a picnic under the trees.
Tip: Check age/weight restrictions, book ahead, and bring closed‑toe shoes.
6. Explore the Natural Stone Bridge & Caves or Visit a Waterfall
If you’re looking for something a bit different, the nearby Natural Stone Bridge & Caves offers boardwalks, cave entrances, waterfalls and a sense of discovery. One travel site lists it among Top Things to Do in Lake George.
On a rainy afternoon I slipped on boots, walked into the moss‑y cave entrance, heard the drip of water, and emerged onto a little scenic trail that felt like “secret nature.”
Tip: Closed‑toe, non‑slip shoes are a must; caves may be wet and slippery.
7. Go to the Beach – Million‑Dollar Beach & More
Sometimes you just want to lie in the sun, paddle in gentle waves, and feel vacation mode set in. The beach at Million Dollar Beach in Village is highly recommended.
I laid out a towel, listened to kids laughing nearby, and dipped in the lake’s cool, clear water—it was pure summer mood.
Tip: Bring your own towel & umbrella if you want more comfort; check for lifeguard hours in peak months.
8. Visit a Historic Fort – Fort William Henry
Dive into history with a visit to Fort William Henry—a reconstructed fort from the French & Indian War era, complete with musket demonstrations and sweeping views of the lake. One “things to do” list highlights it.
My highlight: standing on the fort’s ramparts, looking across the water, imagining soldiers in uniform and cannon fire.
Tip: Check the scheduled demonstrations and cannon‑firing times for more immersive experience.
9. Go Shopping or Visit Outlets & Boutiques
For a slower, indoor break (or rainy day plan), Lake George offers shopping options: outlet stores, villageside gift shops, and local artisan boutiques. One forum mentions the outlets near Exit 20 as a good rainy‑day stop.
I walked into an outdoor shopping centre, browsed local craft beer gear, picked up a hoodie, and enjoyed the misty mountain‑air view between stores.
Tip: Arrive mid‑morning to avoid crowds; many stores are open later in summer.
10. Enjoy Family‑Friendly Fun (Amusement Parks, Mini Golf, Arcades)
Lake George is great for families—or anyone young at heart. Amusement parks such as Six Flags Great Escape and a variety of mini‑golf courses and arcades are scattered around.
I spent an afternoon doing go‑karts, laser tag, and then grabbed cotton candy—yes, it was totally fun and felt nostalgia‑rich.
Tip: If you’re visiting in the summer, buy tickets in advance to skip lines; check for combo deals.
11. Take a Scenic Drive or Go on a Rail‑Bike Adventure
One unique experience is riding an out‑of‑service rail track with Revolution Rail Co. on a pedal‑powered rail‑bike through Adirondack wilderness. For a less active version, scenic drives around the lake or up to overlooks deliver huge rewards.
On one crisp morning I zoomed along the old tracks, forest on either side, and glimpsed historic rail ties as we pedalled into the woods. Pure fun.
Tip: Reserve ahead; bring good shoes and maybe a light jacket for the breeze.
12. Savor Local Food & Nightlife – Picnic or Dinner by the Lake
At the end of a full day, there’s nothing like sitting by the lake, glass in hand, food on the table, and the mountains behind you. Lake George’s dining and craft‑brew scene is stronger than you might expect. One guide mentions the local winery and restaurants in the village.
One evening I found a patio spot facing the water, ordered local craft beer, and weaved in conversation with the sunset as the soundtrack.
Tip: Make reservations for the busy summer months; try a local brewery or waterfront dining for something memorable.
Final Thoughts
My multiple visits to Lake George have shown me something magical: a place where mountain stillness and water freedom meet, where kids can laugh on arcades and adults can hike peaks before dinner, where a quiet breakfast by the lake is as exciting as a zip‑line ride. Whether your style is “nature immersion,” “family adventure,” or “slow lakeside escape,” Lake George has bounty.
Why this list works for you
- Versatility: From hiking and boating to shopping and arcade fun—there’s something for every pace.
- All seasons: Many experiences are great summer picks, but the trails, views and quieter times are fantastic off‑peak.
- Mix of thrill & chill: Want adrenaline? Zip‑lining, rail bikes, amusement parks. Prefer calm? Cruises, beaches, dinner by the lake.
- Local flavour: Historic forts, boutique shops, lakeside dining—they ground you in place, not just a “generic resort town.”
If I had to share one piece of advice: Give yourself at least 2‑3 nights. One day will feel like a sampler; three will let you soak in the lake, the mountains, the local rhythm. Stay somewhere with lake views if you can—it’s worth waking up to.
Safe travels—and may your Lake George getaway be unforgettable!