8 Coolest Adirondack Mountains Towns For A Summer Vacation In 2026
Small towns in the Adirondacks with their historical walkable downtowns and surrounding natural beauty, make ideal summer getaways. In Lake Placid, visitors will find a variety of walking and mountain biking trails, ranging from easy to extreme levels. The town is also home to the Mirror Lake, where travelers can enjoy activities like swimming and boating. Lake George is another gorgeous summer destination offering summer concerts by the lakeside, sunset and dinner cruises on the lake, and several lakeside beaches perfect for relaxing in the sun. These eight towns listed below promise an unforgettable summer experience.
Lake Placid
Surrounded by mountain views and with Mirror Lake at its center, the town of Lake Placid is an ideal spot for outdoor activities. The area features tons of trails at a variety of difficulties like beginner-friendly Cobble Hill or the more intensive Hurricane Mountain trail. For those seeking a little more of a thrill, there are extensive mountain biking trails at Lussi and Logger Trails or the Craig Wood Trails. Lake Placid Beach on Mirror Lake is a favorite spot for swimming and relaxing on the wide sandy beach. Gas-powered motors are not allowed at Mirror Lake so it is a guaranteed quiet, relaxing atmosphere. In addition to all the nature-based activities, there is plenty to enjoy in the town’s walkable downtown. The wide variety of dining options include fine dining at Marcy at the Grand Adirondack Hotel, casual fare at NOON MARK Burger & Pie Joint, and brews with a view at Lake Placid Pub & Brewery.
Saranac Lake
With so much nearby waterfront, it is no wonder Saranac Lake is a major destination for swimming and paddling. Lake Clear Beach has 2,000 feet of sandy beach that is prime for swimming. Lake Colby Beach is great for families with a sandy beach, swimming area, play area, public restrooms, and lifeguards on duty during the summer season. At Lake Flower, enjoy paddling around a relaxing waterfront. For a bigger paddling adventure, there is no better place than St. Regis Canoe Area, the only designated canoe area in the state. It encompasses a network of 50 ponds over 1,600 acres with multiple access points to drop in. In addition to all the outdoor fun, the downtown has a charming atmosphere with local businesses like the Adirondack Artists Guild Gallery, featuring works from local artists, or Bear Stump Antiques, full of eclectic treasures.
Lake George
Hugging the shoreline of Lake George, the village of Lake George is known for its waterfront activities. Million Dollar Beach in Downtown Lake George is a favorite spot for swimming with 51 acres of sandy beach. Amenities like on-duty lifeguards and a concessions building make it a great family-friendly swimming destination. Shepard Park Beach is another top swimming location with lifeguards and public restrooms. The park also has an amphitheater for summer concerts and is centrally located near several shops and restaurants. For an even more unique way to enjoy the water, hop on the Lake George Steamboats which have been operating for over 200 years. They give sightseeing tours, themed dinner cruises with live entertainment, and sunset rides. For a little time away from the water, get immersed in history at the Fort William Henry Museum, a reconstructed fort from the time of the French and Indian War. They offer guided tours and living history demonstrations.
Tupper Lake
Across the Adirondacks there are challenges for completing certain hikes or paddling routes with special patches and other official merchandise available as the reward. Among them, the Tupper Lake Hiking Triad is the most family-friendly challenge. These three hikes at Mount Arab, Coney Mountain, and Goodman Mountain have stunning views and easy to traverse trails. If that is not enough of a challenge, there is also a Tupper Lake Paddling Triad, which is also beginner friendly. For a more relaxed time in the water, head to Little Wolf Beach, one of the longest beaches in the Adirondacks. It is a family-friendly spot with lifeguards on duty, a toddler swimming dock, a large floating dock with a rope swing and trampoline, public restrooms, and more. Another way to appreciate the outdoors in Tupper Lake is The Wild Center. This award-winning natural history museum includes elevated walkways among the treetops, giant outdoor troll sculptures, and more interactive exhibits.
Schroon Lake
The nine-mile-long Schroon Lake is one of the main draws to the town of Schroon Lake. Visitors flock to the water to enjoy swimming, paddling, boating, and fishing. With sandy beaches, a large grass lawn, and scenic mountain views, Schroon Lake Town Beach is a perfect spot to spend an afternoon. It has a large designated swimming area, lifeguards on duty, a floating dock, and a nearby playground. In the summer months, the Schroon Lake Farmers Market operates every Saturday right next to the beach. Local farmers and artisans sell produce and homemade goods like maple syrup, butter, cheese, and baked goods. The market also regularly puts on live music, kids activities, yoga, and other events. A short walk from the beach, the downtown area is just as enticing. Visitors will find plenty of local shops and restaurants, including favorites like Pine Cone Mercantile, 9-Mile Coffee, Paradox Brewery, and Schroon Sandwich Shop.
Glens Falls
Seated along the Hudson River, Glen Falls has been voted “one of the 10 coolest small towns in America.” In the heart of downtown, Glens Falls City Park is a popular spot to catch some live music at the Glens Falls City Bandstand or one of the many local festivals in town. In June, catch The LARAC June Arts Festival, the largest juried art show in the Adirondack Region. Over 100 artists from around the country come to participate in the two-day event. Attendees can shop jewelry, home decor, food, fine art, textiles, and more from featured artisans. The event also includes kids activities, live music, and food vendors. For an outdoor adventure, hop on the Glens Falls Feeder Canal Trail. This nine-mile-long path for walkers, runners, and bikers travels alongside a 19th century canal system, adjacent to the Hudson River. The canal itself is also available to paddle via canoe or kayak.
Ticonderoga
Ticonderoga sits between Lake George and Lake Champlain and is a major destination for history lovers with lots to learn at Fort Ticonderoga. The 2,000-acre historic site from the 18th century houses immersive exhibits, weapons demonstrations, battle reenactments, and hands-on activities. Take to the waters off the shore of the fort with a boat tour on the Carillon. The guided tour digs into the site’s maritime history, displays spectacular views, and captures sonar readings of underwater shipwrecks. Since 2026 is the 250th anniversary of US independence, there are even more commemorative events at the fort as part of their REAL TIME REVOLUTION™ programming. Cap off this immersive history lesson at the town’s “Best 4th in the North” Independence Day celebration. This is a weekend-long family-friendly event at the town’s Bicentennial Park. There are carnival rides, games, food, and live entertainment each night. On July 4th, the night ends with a massive fireworks display.
Plattsburgh
With several historic sites throughout the town, exploring Plattsburgh’s Downtown Historic Trail is a great way to view the city. The walking route provides views of several historic buildings, like Hayes Homestead, the Old Court House, and Trinity Episcopal Church. Plattsburgh City Beach, just a few miles north of downtown, is one of the largest freshwater beaches in the US. On the shores of Lake Champlain, it encompasses more than a mile of sandy beach, a swimming area with lifeguards on duty, and beautiful views of the landscape. With everything you need to spend an afternoon, there are picnic tables, outdoor grills, a concession stand, Cabana Beach Bar, kayak rentals, and bathrooms with showers. For more fun on the water, visit during July to catch the Mayor's Cup Regatta & Festival. This event includes beach activities, a poker run, paddle boat parade, corn hole tournament, and a free concert.
A Well-rounded Trip
At each of these Adirondack mountain towns, visitors will find a combination of outdoor adventure, laid-back downtowns, educational experiences, and relaxing scenery. In Tupper Lake, visitors can hike to the top of Mount Arab, explore natural history at the Wild Center, or unwind at Little Wolf Beach. For a day at Lake George, learn about the French and Indian War at Fort William Henry Museum and then hop on a steamboat dinner cruise. Head to Lake Saranac for a paddling expedition in the St. Regis Canoe Area and an artistic tour around the Adirondack Artists Guild Gallery.
