Known as the Queen of American Lakes, Lake George itself is the main draw to the Lake George NY region. While Lake George Village and the surrounding areas have so much to offer, there’s no shortage of things to do and places to explore on and around the lake.
Here, we’ll highlight some of the quintessential Lake George experiences that will give you the opportunity to be on or near the water during your stay in the beautiful southern Adirondack region.
Experience Lake George On The Water
Lake George Beaches
There are a number of public beaches in Lake George. The most famous of the area’s beaches is Million Dollar Beach, located at the southern end of the lake near Lake George Village. This beach has lifeguards on duty, volleyball courts, picnic areas, and changing facilities, as well as a boat launch.
Another popular beach is the Shepard Park Beach, in the heart of Lake George Village. Featuring a playground and nearby public restrooms, and convenient to the restaurants and shops along Canada Street, this beach is popular with families. It also puts you close to the live entertainment going on at the Shepard Park Amphitheater.
If you’re looking for a quieter beach that’s still family-friendly, check out Usher’s Park Beach, located just east of the village on Route 9L, or Rogers Memorial Park Beach in Bolton Landing.
Bringing your dog for a swim? Be sure to visit the Lake George dog beach! Situated between Million Dollar Beach and the steamboat docks, this unofficial Lake George beach is the perfect place to let your dog take a dip.
Learn more about these, and other, Lake George beaches here.
Lake George Boat Rentals
Looking to get out on the water? There are a handful of boat rental companies in the Lake George area that operate directly on the lake. Adirondack Boat Rental offers mobile boat rentals, delivering well-maintained rental pontoons and wave runners to vacationers throughout the Adirondacks. Chic’s Marina is another great boat rental option, based in Bolton Landing. They are pet-friendly and offer sport and pontoon boats, jet skis, waverunners, and more.
For kayak and paddleboard rentals, check out Adirondack Kayak Company. They offer great equipment at affordable prices to help you get out on the water.
You can find more details about Lake George boat rentals here.
Lake George Boat Launches
Bringing your own boat to Lake George? There are a few convenient public boat launches that give you easy access to the lake. The Million Dollar Beach boat launch is the most popular southern access point. At the northern end of the lake, Mossy Point Boat Launch in Ticonderoga is a popular place to get out on the water. Another northern launch point is located within Rogers Rock State Campground.
Some fees for parking and access may apply, so be sure to check ahead of time when choosing where to launch your boat.
Fishing on Lake George
Fishing on Lake George is a favorite pastime for locals and vacationers alike. The lake is filled with lake trout, bass, pike, pickerel, salmon, perch, and more. Popular places to fish include:
- Lake George Village: shoreline access and dock fishing, without the need for a boat.
- The Narrows: a mid-lake area filled with rocky islands. Requires a boat to access.
- The Northwest Bay: a deep water habitat, ideal for catching trout, salmon, and bass. Requires a boat.
- Dunham Bay, Kattskill Bay, and Warner Bay: bays in the southern basin of the lake ideal for warm-water fishing.
If you’re staying at a vacation rental with lake access, you can often fish right from your dock! Chartered fishing excursions on Lake George are also available through companies like Justy-Joe Charters and Hooker Charters.
It’s important to note that all anglers 16 and older need a valid New York State fishing license. These can be purchased through the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
Steamboat Rides in Lake George
Taking a steamboat tour on Lake George is a truly unique experience and a fun way to get out on the lake. The Lake George Steamboat Company’s Minne-Ha-Ha is one of only 5 remaining paddlewheel steamships in the United States – and she’s docked right here in Lake George! There are many tour options and vessels to choose from – and many tours are family-friendly.
For another scenic boat tour option, check out Lake George Waterfront Cruises.
You can learn more about getting out on the lake via steamboat, boat, or kayak here.
Lakeside Restaurants
Waterfront dining is incredibly popular in Lake George – but luckily, it’s also very plentiful! There are many restaurants with lake views, and even some restaurants accessible by boat!
Popular lakefront restaurants in the Lake George Village include The Lighthouse Grill, Christie’s on the Lake and the Lake George Beach Club. Further north in Bolton Landing, lakeside dining options include The Boathouse Restaurant, Chateau on the Lake, and the Algonquin Restaurant.
You can learn more about these, and other, fabulous lakeside Lake George restaurants, here.
Enjoy Lake George & Everything It Has To Offer
If you’re vacationing in the Lake George region, don’t miss out on the opportunity to get out on the lake. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the Queen of American Lakes – and if you’re staying with us at a Northern Living Property, we’ll make it even easier for you to do so with our concierge services.
Interested in learning more about the Lake George area? You can find more details about everything the lake and its surrounding area have to offer here.
Ready to book a waterfront vacation rental on the shore of Lake George? We can help with that, too! Contact us online or give us a call at 518-685-6569 to reserve your stay at one of our properties today!
