☀️ Long Weekend in Lake George, New York: Hikes, Shops, and Summer Adventures

Amber in New England
Aug 18
4 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Amber in New England | Updated November 2025

Lake George is a classic Northeast vacation spot, and there are countless reasons why! Whether you’re into challenging hikes, cute village shops, iconic lake views, or delicious food, this Adirondack town has it all. If you’re planning a trip, here are ideas for how to spend a long weekend in Lake George, mixing thrilling outdoor adventures, unique shopping, and local dining.

backpacking the tongue traverse - bolton landing, new york — Backpacking the Tongue Traverse

🥾 Hiking Adventures Around Lake George

The Lake George area offers a spectacular variety of trails, from quick viewpoints to all-day backpacking epics.

Trail	Difficulty & Distance	Highlights & Pro Tips
Tongue Mountain Traverse	Challenging (14+ miles)	The full traverse can be done as a long day hike or an overnight backpacking trip. Expect a few steep climbs, but the views of the lake are unreal. Pro Tip: Pack enough water, pace yourself, and definitely don’t go on a hot day, as there are no water sources. Also, keep an eye out for rattlesnakes and bees! [Tongue Mountain Traverse Info]
Shelving Rock	Moderate (3 miles RT, $\approx$700 ft gain)	Totally worth it! The views of the lake from the top are gorgeous and perfect for sunset photos. Parking is just a short drive from the center of Lake George village. [Shelving Rock Info]
Stewart’s Ledge	Easy (1.5 miles RT)	This is an easier option with a quick payoff. It’s perfect if you want a short hike with a great view. I loved eating a small snack and taking in the lake views from the ledge. [Stewart’s Ledge Info]
Bonus: Crane Mountain	Challenging/Adventurous (3-mile loop, $\approx$1,000 ft gain)	A little more challenging but very rewarding. Features a scenic pond partway up, rocky scrambles, a wobbly ladder, and beautiful views of the Adirondacks from the summit. [Crane Mountain Info]

Pro Tip for Hikers: Parking at the trailheads fills up quickly. Go early or later in the afternoon to secure a spot!

🛶 Lake George Activities to Make Your Weekend Memorable

The true Lake George experience involves getting out on the water and exploring the classic village attractions.

Water & Views

Rent a Pontoon Boat: Explore the lake with friends, a must-do for summer.
Tiki Tours (Boat Excursions): Super fun and a great way to relax on the water.
Parasailing: Tandem rides are around $106, and the views from above the lake are incredible. (Pro Tip: Fills up fast; book ahead!)
Swimming: Enjoy the sun at Shepard Park Beach or Million Dollar Beach.

Village Fun & Quirky Stops

Wax N’ Wix: Make your own custom candles by breaking apart colored wax sheets and choosing a scent and mold. [Wax N’ Wix Website]
Concerts at Shepard Park: Check the schedule—summer evenings with live music are the best.
Arcades: A little nostalgic fun for the whole family.
House of Frankenstein Wax Museum: A quirky stop for something different. [House of Frankenstein Website]
Lake George Battlefield State Park: A perfect spot for a quiet afternoon walk or picnic. [Battlefield Park Website]
Lake George Tattoo Company: Highly-rated shop (4.6 stars)—I even got my little gecko here! [Lake George Tattoo Website]

🛍️ Lake George Shops & Local Spots Worth Visiting

Lake George village has a ton of small shops to explore. Don't forget to venture just north to Bolton Landing for more local charm!

Phases: A charming jewelry shop with unique pieces. I got myself a moon phases sterling silver ring!
Lake George Olive Oil Company: Fresh oils and balsamic vinegar perfect for taking a taste of the Adirondacks home.
The Shirt Shack: Color-changing shirts that react to sunlight!
Hair Tinsel & Feathers Stand: Fun little pop-up in the Lake George strip mall.
Bolton Landing: Just a short drive up the road with more boutiques and local charm.

🍽️ Lake George Restaurants & Cafes

Fuel your adventures with a mix of cozy cafes and hearty pub food.

🌞 Breakfast or Coffee

Cafe	Vibe & Must-Knows	Address & Website
Hellosunshine!	Great coffee and breakfast options.	10 Canada Street [Hellosunshine! Website]
Ashley’s Coffee Cafe	Cozy spot for a caffeine fix (formerly Bank Cafe).	15 Canada Street [Ashley's Coffee Cafe Website]

🍔 Lunch or Dinner

Restaurant	Cuisine & Signature Features	Address & Website
The Lagoon	Deck seating with a view of the lake; seafood, burgers, and more.	54 Beach Road [The Lagoon Website]
Duffy’s Tavern	Classic American fare with live music and great drinks.	55 Canada Street [Duffy's Tavern Website]
Monte Cristos Family Grille	Classic American food with two floors of seating.	22 Canada Street [Monte Cristos Website]
Jamo’s Pub	Irish-influenced meals and hearty options.	8 Canada Street [Jamo's Pub Website]
163 Tap Room	Plenty of options on tap, plus specialty popcorn.	163 Canada Street [163 Tap Room Website]
Taqueria Paloma	Quick tacos or burritos for a grab-and-go option.	91 Canada Street [Taqueria Paloma Website]

🗓️ My Ideal Lake George Long Weekend

If you're looking for a schedule, here's how I'd mix all these activities into a perfect three days:

Morning: I’d start with coffee at Hellosunshine! or Ashley’s Coffee Cafe, then head out for a morning hike. Tongue Mountain if we were feeling ambitious, or Shelving Rock for something more moderate.
Afternoon: After working up an appetite, we’d explore local shops like Phases and the olive oil company, and perhaps stop at Wax N’ Wix to make a custom candle.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Afternoons are for pontoon boating or checking out local attractions like the House of Frankenstein or Lake George Battlefield State Park. Evenings are always spent watching the sunset, then maybe catching a concert at Shepard Park or enjoying a delicious meal at The Lagoon or Duffy's.

Spending a long weekend in Lake George is the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, local food, and small-town charm. Whether you’re hiking, boating, or just soaking in the lake views, there’s truly something for everyone.

Have you been to Lake George in the summer? What hikes, restaurants, or activities are your must-dos? I’d love to hear your thoughts!