Lake Placid Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A lakeside town with autumn-colored trees, a variety of buildings including a church, and a dock with boats.
A historic stone building with a pointed roof and a steeple, surrounded by autumn foliage and a lake.
A forest with autumn foliage, including red, orange, and green trees.
A person kayaking on a calm lake with mist-covered mountains in the background.
A lakeside town with multi-story buildings, autumn foliage, and a dock.

Visit this scenic district of mountains and lakes before reviving the spirit of the Winter Olympics at the bobsled and ski complexes.

Lake Placid attracts travelers with its picturesque terrain comprising mountains, rolling green hills, lakes and ski slopes. It is also well known in the U.S. as the two-time host of the Winter Olympics. The village is nestled between the Adirondack Mountains and the lake after which it was named.

The village was initially established in the 1800s as an iron-mining town. Over time, it attracted the rich and famous to its lakes and luscious green hills in summer months.

Hike to the top of 2,876-foot (877-meter) Mount Jo to enjoy the unforgettable view of Heart Lake. This popular trekking path is relatively easy and offers a panoramic vista of the surrounding woodland and mountains from the summit.

Discover a maze of picturesque hiking paths in the High Peak district, just a short journey from Lake Placid. There, you will encounter the likes of Algonquin Peak and Mount Marcy. There are thousands of lakes, ponds and trails in the area.

Take a canoe or kayak out on Lake Placid. Practice your swing at a golf course with an extraordinary backdrop of mountains. In the city center, select from an eclectic range of upscale restaurants for casual or fine dining.

Snow-covered ski trails made Lake Placid the ideal location to host the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980. Recall those famous sports events at the Bobsled and Luge Complex. Enjoy a bobsled ride at thrilling speeds with a professional driver.

Resume the Olympics-themed fun with a stop at the Olympics Ski Jump Complex. Watch fearless ski jumpers launch themselves into the air. Cross the Chubb River to reach the Lake Placid Winter Olympics Museum. See the 1980 hockey arena where the underdog U.S. team defeated the much-favored USSR.

The Canadian metropolis of Montreal is a 2-hour drive north of the village and has an international airport.

Lake Placid is in the heart of vast expanses of stunning mountains and lakes, so you have plenty of outdoor activities to try after visiting the Olympic-themed center.

Our guide on where to stay in Lake Placid

Find the best Lake Placid areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Lake Placid
Learn more about Lake Placid

Hillcrest

Though Hillcrest may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Mirror Lake and Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum.

Grandview Lake Placid

Grandview Lake Placid

3.5 out of 5
101 Olympic Dr Lake Placid NY
The price is NZ$281 per night from 22 July to 23 July
NZ$281
22 July - 23 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Lake Placid. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,269 reviews)
"Property is under construction so torn up outside, trucks, workers all over. Walking through room area dirty carpets etc. great rooms are lively and the views are amazing!"

Reviewed on 2 July 2026

Grandview Lake Placid
Laurel Lake Placid

Laurel Lake Placid

3.5 out of 5
2375 Saranac Avenue Lake Placid NY
The price is NZ$305 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$305
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Lake Placid. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (857 reviews)
"I love the lobby spaces and the bar. So many spots to just relax. The beds were like sleeping on a cloud"

Reviewed on 3 July 2026

Laurel Lake Placid
High Peaks Resort

High Peaks Resort

4 out of 5
2384 Saranac Ave Lake Placid NY
The price is NZ$477 per night from 21 July to 22 July
NZ$477
21 July - 22 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Lake Placid. Enjoy 2 indoor pools, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
"Had a room on the first floor with a door directly outside so that was great. Disappointed they didn’t have more paddleboards so there was always a waitlist and you could only take it out for 30 minutes. Both pools were very nice."

Reviewed on 2 July 2026

High Peaks Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lake Placid Inn: Residences

Lake Placid Inn: Residences

3 out of 5
2050 Saranac Ave Lake Placid NY
Stay at this business-friendly apartment in Lake Placid. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Mirror Lake and Lake Placid ...
9/10 Wonderful! (316 reviews)
"The sofabed was different from anything we used before and took a bit of figuring out. Instructions (preferably with images) would have been helpful. Nice and quiet. Conveniently located to the market, the town, and everything we needed."

Reviewed on 25 June 2026

Lake Placid Inn: Residences
Lake Placid Inn Main Street

Lake Placid Inn Main Street

2 out of 5
2617 Main St Lake Placid NY
Stay at this apartment in Lake Placid. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Mirror Lake and Lake Placid Winter Olympic ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (181 reviews)
"Great location and very clean!"

Reviewed on 29 June 2026

Lake Placid Inn Main Street
Heart of the Village: Steps to Mirror Lake & Main St

Heart of the Village: Steps to Mirror Lake & Main St

Lake Placid NY
Stay at this apartment in Lake Placid. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Mirror Lake and Mid's Park are located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
"Very nice, clean, great experience."

Reviewed on 4 May 2026

Heart of the Village: Steps to Mirror Lake & Main St
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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