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.

Hillcrest

Though Hillcrest may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Main Street and Mirror Lake.

Grandview Lake Placid

Grandview Lake Placid

3.5 out of 5
101 Olympic Dr Lake Placid NY
The price is AU$203 per night from 9 Sept to 10 Sept
AU$203
9 Sept - 10 Sept
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! (1,560 reviews)
"Great view, and the outdoor seating area was perfect for a relaxing family stay. The hotel provided a comfortable experience, and we really enjoyed the family-friendly atmosphere."

Reviewed on 8 Sept 2026

Grandview Lake Placid
Laurel Lake Placid

Laurel Lake Placid

3.5 out of 5
2375 Saranac Avenue Lake Placid NY
The price is AU$163 per night from 15 Sept to 16 Sept
AU$163
15 Sept - 16 Sept
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! (1,020 reviews)
"Well organized. Hope next time I will choose it again."

Reviewed on 8 Sept 2026

Laurel Lake Placid
Cambria Hotel Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Cambria Hotel Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

3 out of 5
2127 Saranac Avenue Lake Placid NY
The price is AU$202 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
AU$202
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lake Placid. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,006 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 8 Sept 2026

Cambria Hotel Lake Placid - Lakeside 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 Olympic ...
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 Olympic Center and Mirror Lake are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (192 reviews)
"The place is clean, cozy, and spacious. I really like how it feels like home, especially with the amenities like the refrigerator, dining table, and dishwasher. The mattress was a little too soft for my preference, but that’s just personal preference since I usually prefer a medium-firm or firm mattress. ..."

Reviewed on 6 Sept 2026

Lake Placid Inn Main Street
Double Queen Room - 2QD

Double Queen Room - 2QD

Lake Placid NY
Stay at this holiday home in Lake Placid. Enjoy cable/satellite TV service, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Mirror Lake and ...
Double Queen Room - 2QD
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.

Stay near popular Lake Placid attractions