Navigate the Charm of the Adirondacks in Lake Placid
Discovering Tranquility: A Guide to Visiting Lake Placid, NY
Nestled within the majestic Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York lies the picturesque village of Lake Placid. Renowned for its natural beauty, charming atmosphere, and rich history, Lake Placid offers an unforgettable escape for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and everything in between. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or simply in search of a peaceful retreat, this quaint village has something to offer for everyone. Join us as we explore the wonders of Lake Placid and how to visit using travel reward points.
Embrace the Great Outdoors
One of the biggest draws of Lake Placid is its stunning natural surroundings. From towering mountain peaks to pristine lakes and lush forests, outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of outdoor adventures. There is something for everyone, with plenty of options to plan your perfect day.
Lake Placid Summer Activities:
Adirondack Hiking Trails: Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Adirondack Mountains. With trails ranging from strolls to challenging ascents, there's a hike for every skill level.
If hiking isn’t your thing Whiteface Mountain offers the Cloudsplitter Gondola Ride in the summertime. Our first visit to Lake Placid was in the summer and we enjoyed the views of the mountains on this 15-minute ride. Some of the prettiest views I have ever seen.
Mirror Lake: Situated in the heart of Lake Placid, Mirror Lake offers a tranquil setting for kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing on its shores. Take a stroll along the scenic walking path that encircles the lake and soak in the serene atmosphere. There is also a beach area with sand and a dock where the kids enjoy jumping into the lake.
Lake Placid is a dog-friendly town- and our dog enjoyed dipping her paws into the lake.
Lake Placid Year-Round Activities
Olympic History: Lake Placid gained international fame when it hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1932 and 1980, and remnants of the old Olympic venues can still be found throughout the village. Visit the Olympic Center to explore the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, take a guided tour of the Olympic Jumping Complex, or even try your hand at bobsledding on the historic Olympic track.
The main road in downtown Lake Placid is filled with quaint shops and wonderful restaurants. There are plenty of breweries, wineries, and restaurants with locally sourced We were very impressed with the quality of the restaurants and the options for healthier food choices. For instance, several restaurants offered fruit or a vegetable as a side for kids as opposed to just french fries (which were also an option).
Lake Placid Winter Activities
Whiteface Mountain: For adrenaline junkies, a visit to Whiteface Mountain is a must. Home to the greatest vertical drop in the east, this iconic peak offers world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter months.
You can use the lake when it is frozen over. When we went to Lake Placid in December, the lake was frozen over and it was gorgeous. People were ice skating on the lake, playing hockey, and just enjoying. Dog sledding is offered at certain times over the winter.
Ice skating- you have the chance to ice skate on the same rink used in the 1980 Olympics, which is pretty neat.
Lake Placid is the quintessential town to embrace the cold, it is picturesque in the winter.
Find Your Perfect Retreat
Hotel accommodations in Lake Placid are where the travel hacking and credit card travel points come into play. To learn how to start using travel reward points check out "Travel Hacking 101: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Getting Started." For those seeking more luxurious retreats, Lake Placid is home to several lakeside resorts that offer upscale accommodations, gourmet dining, and a range of amenities including full-service spas, fitness centers, and outdoor pools many of which are a part of a hotel chain or offered on Amex/ Chase travel such as Crowne Plaza and High Peaks Resort.
Our go-to hotel using travel reward credit card points in Lake Placid is Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Placid. We have stayed here every time we go to Lake Placid, including our very first travel hack trip. To learn more about our first travel reward redemptions check out "Travel Hacking- How I Started: My Journey to Memorable Family Vacations on a Budget (Part 1)" and "Travel Hacking- How I Started: My Journey to Memorable Family Vacations on a Budget (Part 2)". Hampton Inn is part of the Hilton chain of hotels. It usually runs between 60,000-80,000 points per night. It is a nice hotel that offers free breakfast and wonderful lake views from the lobby. They have a decent pool for a Hampton Inn which made the kids happy. Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Placid also allows dogs, which is a nice perk for us. It is also within walking distance of Main Street, so there is no need to drive to restaurants and shops. To learn more about the Hilton Honors program check out "Overview of the Hilton Honors Program."
Final Thoughts
Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure, cultural enrichment, or simply a peaceful retreat from the chaos of everyday life, Lake Placid offers an idyllic escape that is sure to be an unforgettable experience. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality, it's no wonder that visitors return to this charming village time and time again. Plan your visit to Lake Placid today and discover the magic of this hidden gem in the Adirondacks.