Nestled in upstate New York, the Adirondacks are a breathtaking expanse of wilderness where tranquility and adventure coexist in perfect harmony. This region, home to some of the finest Adirondack Mountains vacation spots, invites travelers to immerse themselves in natural beauty and rich heritage. With a mix of scenic hamlets, pristine lakes, and mountain vistas, the Adirondacks provide an idyllic setting for every kind of traveler.
Covering over six million acres, Adirondack Park is the largest protected area in the continental U.S.—larger than Yellowstone, Everglades, and Glacier National Parks combined. It is laced with hundreds of Adirondack hiking trails, leading through ancient forests, around sparkling lakes, and up into the legendary High Peaks. From gentle nature walks to summit treks, each trail offers a unique and soul-stirring experience.
The Adirondack Mountains New York region is one of the few places where unspoiled nature is so accessible. There are no entry fees, just open land and endless skies. Peaceful mornings on quiet trails, afternoons paddling across clear lakes, and evenings under starry skies create the perfect escape from the pace of modern life. In the Adirondacks, every moment is an invitation to slow down, explore deeply, and reconnect with what matters.
Recommended Read: 10 Best Things To Do In The Adirondacks
1. Lake Placid: A Year-Round Gem in the Adirondacks
Lake Placid is one of the most iconic destinations in the Adirondack Mountains New York region, renowned for hosting the Winter Olympics twice—in 1932 and 1980. While its Olympic legacy draws history buffs and sports enthusiasts alike, the village continues to shine with luxurious accommodations, vibrant local shops, and four-season adventure. During summer, visitors can enjoy boating, paddleboarding, and leisurely walks along the sparkling shores of Mirror Lake. In winter, the area transforms into a snowy playground with skiing, dog sledding, fat-tire biking, and skating on the magical Olympic Oval.
Interestingly, the village of Lake Placid is located on Mirror Lake—not Lake Placid itself, which lies just a few miles north. Still, this charming alpine town remains a highlight for those exploring the region. From serene mornings by the lake to thrilling afternoons on the slopes, Lake Placid offers some of the best things to do in the Adirondacks for both first-time visitors and returning adventurers.
Where to Eat and Drink in Lake Placid?
Dining in Lake Placid is an experience not to miss. Salt of the Earth, a cozy, women-run bistro, serves up refined comfort food like venison Brunswick stew and Faroe Islands salmon, earning its place on many best-of lists. For lakeside barbecue, Smoke Signals offers savory meats and stunning views of Mirror Lake.
Beer lovers will enjoy Big Slide Brewery & Public House, known for its award-winning ales, customizable flights, and farm-to-table pub fare sourced from local Adirondacks producers. Exploring these eateries is one of the most flavorful things to do in the Adirondacks, perfectly blending local taste with warm hospitality. Each venue adds its own unique flavor to Lake Placid’s vibrant culinary scene.
Where to Stay in Lake Placid?
Lake Placid boasts some of the most inviting stays among Adirondack Mountains vacation spots. The Mirror Lake Inn, a beloved family-owned gem, features 131 lakeview rooms and cozy après-ski amenities like a hot tub, sauna, and grand stone fireplace. High Peaks Resort and the retro-chic Lake House also offer stunning waterfront views. For a modern twist, Eastwind Lake Placid transforms a 1950s motor inn into a boutique mountain retreat. Styled with Scandinavian flair, it includes 26 rooms and cabins, a pool, spa, sauna, rentals, and events like yoga and live music.
Meanwhile, the Grand Adirondack Hotel returns to Main Street after a full renovation. First opened in 1897 as the Northwoods Inn, it now evokes the opulence of historic Great Camps with a fresh, contemporary edge. With diverse lodging options and timeless mountain charm, Lake Placid remains a crown jewel of the Adirondack Mountains New York region.
2. Whiteface and the High Peaks Region
Just a short 20- to 30-minute drive from Lake Placid lies the stunning Whiteface region, home to one of the most iconic summits in the Adirondacks. Whiteface Mountain, famous for its dramatic vertical drop—the tallest east of the Rockies—is a legendary destination for winter sports and year-round adventure. In warmer months, the mountain transforms into a hiker’s paradise. Visitors can ascend via scenic Adirondack hiking trails or take the picturesque Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway to near the summit.
Standing at 4,867 feet, Whiteface offers breathtaking panoramic views that stretch all the way to Canada on clear days. As one of the revered High Peaks—mountains in the Adirondacks that range between 3,820 and 5,344 feet—Whiteface provides both challenge and reward. This region captures the essence of the wild, rugged beauty the Adirondacks are known for and is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Where to Eat and Drink in the Whiteface and High Peaks Regions?
Dining in the Whiteface and High Peaks area is a true pleasure. Start your day at Adirondack Mountain Coffee, where hearty breakfasts like the “woodcutters” platter hit the spot. The Rivermede Farm Market, with fresh produce and baked goods from a 115-year-old farm, is another local gem. For trail snacks, Cedar Run Bakery & Market offers tasty sandwiches and pastries. Whitebrook Dairy Bar serves nostalgic roadside fare, from burgers to ice cream. For a relaxing meal, The Hungry Trout delivers rustic charm near Whiteface, while Forty Six offers elevated dining with a local twist. Sampling these flavors is among the most enjoyable things to do in the Adirondacks, especially in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains New York region.
Where to Stay in the Whiteface and High Peaks Regions?
For a truly immersive experience, the Whiteface and High Peaks area offers some of the most authentic Adirondack Mountains vacation spots. Asgaard Farm & Dairy’s 1930s Emerson House, available on Airbnb or Vrbo, sleeps four and features a screened-in porch and outdoor dining area—perfect for enjoying their artisanal cheeses.
Nearby, Sugar House Creamery offers cozy accommodations in a private suite or lofted carriage barn with views of the Sentinel Range Wilderness and grazing Brown Swiss cows. Guests can indulge in cave-aged cheese and wood-fired bread from the farm store. The Hungry Trout Resort, located along the Ausable River, combines comfortable motor lodge stays with immediate access to fishing and hiking. Dartbrook Lodge adds rustic luxury with mountain cabins featuring slate showers, gas stoves, and Great Camp-style décor.
3. Saranac Lake
Just nine miles from Lake Placid and under an hour from the Whiteface region, Saranac Lake offers a quieter, more affordable alternative to its bustling neighbor. Unlike Lake Placid’s Olympic fame, Saranac is known for its rich literary, artistic, and medical heritage. Hungarian composer Béla Bartók wrote two concertos here, Sylvia Plath honored the town in her poetry and novel The Bell Jar, and Albert Einstein spent leisurely days around the lake in the 1930s and 40s.
Thanks to its crisp alpine air and low humidity—comparable to European mountain climates—Saranac gained fame in the late 19th century as a world-renowned tuberculosis health resort. The Saranac Laboratory Museum, the first U.S. lab dedicated to TB research, offers a compelling indoor experience. Adventurer and novelist Robert Louis Stevenson spent a famously cold winter in the 1880s here; his preserved cottage is open for visits.
For outdoor lovers, this gem among Adirondack Mountains vacation spots delivers in every season. Explore the Saint Regis Canoe Area’s 18,400-acre wilderness via kayak, ski down Mount Pisgah, or ride the Jackrabbit Trail. Experienced trekkers can attempt the Saranac 6er Challenge, conquering six surrounding peaks along well-loved Adirondack hiking trails.
Where to Eat and Drink in Saranac Lake?
Begin your day at Origin Coffee Co., known for hearty breakfast burritos, fresh pastries, and expertly brewed coffee. After an active day, unwind at Left Bank Cafe, a French-inspired favorite serving elegant dishes like beef bourguignon and pan-seared salmon. For a locally sourced, ever-changing menu, The Fiddlehead Bistro delights with dishes like homemade gnocchi and pepper-crusted sirloin from Donahue’s Livestock Farms—if you’re lucky enough to catch them on the night’s offerings.
Where to Stay in Saranac Lake?
Accommodation in Saranac Lake ranges from wilderness camping to luxurious lakeside lodges. Adventurers can pitch tents on the islands of Saranac Lake—accessible only by boat and bookable through ReserveAmerica.com. For comfort with sustainability, the LEED-certified Saranac Waterfront Lodge blends eco-consciousness with modern style. Meanwhile, the historic Hotel Saranac, a beautifully restored 1920s landmark, features a cozy Great Hall bar beneath a palazzo-style ceiling. For a truly grand experience, stay at The Point—a Relais & Châteaux property built in the 1930s as William Rockefeller Jr.’s Camp Wonundra, offering a refined taste of the Adirondack Great Camp tradition.
Saranac Lake may be modest in size, but it is rich in culture, history, and outdoor adventure—making it one of the most underrated treasures in the Adirondack Mountains New York.
4. Lake George
Lake George has long been a summer magnet for nature lovers, artists, and history-makers. Business tycoon John D. Rockefeller and famed painter Georgia O’Keeffe once found inspiration in this serene corner of the Adirondack Mountains New York. Surrounded by forested peaks and crystal-clear waters, the town continues to draw visitors with its fresh air, lakeside charm, and a never-ending list of outdoor pursuits.
In warmer months, guests can enjoy kayaking, scenic steamboat cruises, and farm or distillery tours. The region is also home to spectacular Adirondack hiking trails. For those seeking elevation and excitement, a 30-minute drive northwest leads to Gore Mountain—New York’s largest ski area. Here, summer and fall bring hiking, mountain biking, and sky rides, while winter transforms the mountain into a snow-sports paradise with thrilling trails and glades.
Where to Eat and Drink in Lake George?
Food lovers will find themselves right at home. Bistro LeRoux offers French-American cuisine with seasonal flair—think braised short ribs and truffle fries, perfect after a day of trailblazing. For cheese enthusiasts, The Hitching Post at Nettle Meadow Farm serves up award-winning artisanal cheese from their own creamery. And for drinks, stroll through Lake George village’s main strip where High Peaks Distilling, Lake George Distilling Company, and Adirondack Winery serve up spirits and wines with local character—all within half a mile.
Where to Stay in Lake George?
As one of the most iconic Adirondack Mountains vacation spots, Lake George offers a wide range of accommodations, from lakeside resorts and traditional motels to yurts, cabins, and waterfront campsites. Booking early is essential in summer, especially if you’re eyeing island camping via ReserveAmerica.com or unique stays through Hipcamp and Tentrr.
Among the top places to stay is the historic Sagamore Resort, a grand property dating to the early 1880s. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it features elegant lake-view dining, a luxurious spa, and timeless grandeur. Another standout is the Stone Gate Resort, just steps from the southern gateway to Adirondack Park. With hotel rooms, suites, and private cabins, it’s perfect for families and couples alike.
5. Tupper Lake
Tupper Lake may be small in size, but it punches well above its weight as one of the most immersive Adirondack Mountains vacation spots. Surrounded by mountains, rivers, and trails, this rustic gem offers access to waterfalls, breweries, and two of the region’s most unique attractions. The Wild Center, a 115-acre outdoor natural history museum, features interactive exhibits and the only treetop walk in the Adirondacks. Nearby, the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory draws stargazers for public viewing events—you might even spot the Milky Way on a clear night.
Where to Eat and Drink in Tupper Lake?
At Raquette River Brewing, the scene is lively and laid-back, with live music, a dog-friendly vibe, and a food truck alley serving tacos and wood-fired pizzas. Their small-batch brews include mango wheat ale made with real mango purée and a maple cream porter crafted with local milk sugar and maple syrup. For a quirky and delicious stop, try the Washboard Donut Shop and Laundromat for a fresh, crispy doughnut and a strong cup of coffee.
Where to Stay in Tupper Lake?
With its roots as a classic roadside inn, Shaheen’s Adirondack Inn has been stylishly revamped by the Weekender hotel group. This updated motor lodge combines nostalgic charm with modern touches and offers direct access to year-round outdoor fun—canoeing in summer, snowmobiling in winter, and some of the most scenic Adirondack hiking trails nearby. With its warm hospitality and unspoiled setting, Tupper Lake remains one of the most authentic experiences in the Adirondack Mountains New York.
6. Lake Champlain Region and the Adirondack Coast
Framed by the long, slender Lake Champlain—the natural boundary between New York and Vermont—and the rolling eastern slopes of the Adirondack Mountains New York, this region is a haven of rural beauty and lakeside tranquility. Defined by farmland, small towns, and shimmering waters, it’s an ideal escape for those seeking a quieter pace with rich outdoor offerings. Visitors can enjoy paddling the namesake lake, rafting through Ausable Chasm, or exploring the scenic backcountry ponds. Land-based adventures include mountain biking at Otis Mountain and exploring a variety of Adirondack hiking trails or cross-country skiing paths that weave through the countryside.
History lovers will be drawn to Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point State Historic Site—both of which played key roles in the American Revolution. Lake Champlain itself once served as the main artery for trade and travel between Montreal and New York City. Towns like Essex, Peru, and Keeseville make for charming home bases while exploring this lesser-known corner of the Adirondacks.
Where to Eat and Drink in the Lake Champlain Region and Adirondack Coast?
After taking in the dramatic beauty of Ausable Chasm—often called the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks”—one of the most refreshing things to do in the Adirondacks is to unwind with a crisp pilsner at Ausable Brewing Co., a relaxed beer garden owned by two local brothers. Savor farm-to-fork meals from rotating food trucks, ideal for refueling after an active day.
Just down the road, North Country Creamery offers farm-fresh eggs and dairy delights, while Mace Chasm Farm tempts with pasture-raised meats and handcrafted charcuterie. Time your visit right, and you might catch a lively barn show with New Orleans-style music and dancing. To stock up on local provisions, don’t miss Juniper Hill Farm’s seasonal store in Wadhams or The Hub on the Hill in Essex—both beloved for their fresh, small-batch Adirondack-made goods.
Where to Stay in the Lake Champlain Region and Adirondack Coast?
For a stay steeped in history, book a room at the Essex Inn. In operation since 1810, when Essex was a bustling lake port, the inn offers 11 unique rooms featuring charming touches like gas log fireplaces and mantle-style headboards. Guests rave about the cozy tavern, where seafood stew and lobster ravioli steal the show.
Looking for something more rustic yet stylish? Mace Chasm Farm offers a solar-powered cabin with an outdoor shower, private sauna, and sweeping views of the pasture and mountains. Or enjoy even more space at Beebe Farm, a fourth-generation sawmill and working farm with a ranch home boasting vistas of Lake Champlain, the Adirondack Mountains vacation spots, and Vermont’s Green Mountains.
