Lake Placid, NY

Travel Guide

A calm lake with a kayaker, autumn-colored trees, and a mountain in the background.
A lakeside community with multi-story buildings surrounded by autumn-colored trees.
A snow-covered mountain with ski slopes and a ski lift.
A snow-covered town with a large stadium and surrounding buildings.
A lakeside town with autumn-colored trees, a variety of buildings including a church, and a dock with boats.

Discover Mirror Lake, the Olympic heritage, and nearby towns that enhance your exploration of the Adirondack region.

Lake Placid is an ideal destination for outdoor and scenery travelers. You can explore Mirror Lake, which provides a picturesque setting for relaxation and recreation. For those interested in sports history, the Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum offers insights into the area's Olympic heritage. Additionally, the Olympic Jumping Complex provides a unique venue to witness ski jumping and take in stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Outdoor activities abound, with options like skiing on the Jackrabbit Trail or hiking the Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails, along with opportunities for fun at Boots and Birdies, an arcade adventure zone.

Take time to wander Lake Placid's nearby areas, each offering its own experiences. Whiteface is renowned for its adventure and ski experiences, attracting outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Keene, a nearby town, is known for its outdoor adventures and includes spots like Rock and River Lodge for lodging, Hulls Falls for scenic views, and Dartbrook Rustic Goods for unique shopping. Likewise, nearby Saranac Lake is recognized for its outdoor and scenic experiences, featuring Lake Flower and Mount Pisgah Ski Area for recreation, as well as the Adirondack Carousel for a family-friendly outing.

The best time to visit Lake Placid is during the months of July to September, when the weather is mild, mostly dry, and often sunny. During this period, the temperatures range from 57 to 66°F, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities and exploring the natural beauty of the area. While summer can be busier due to the pleasant conditions, it also offers a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of events and activities to enjoy.

Where to stay in Lake Placid

Find the best Lake Placid areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Lake Placid
Learn more about Lake Placid
A calm lake with autumn-colored trees reflecting on the water, a small cabin on the left, and a mountain in the background.

Hillcrest

Hillcrest might not have many top sights, but Main Street and Mirror Lake are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Grandview Lake Placid

Grandview Lake Placid

3.5 out of 5
101 Olympic Dr Lake Placid NY
$103 nightly
The price is $117 total per night from Nov 23 to Nov 24
$117 total
Nov 23 - Nov 24
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Lake Placid. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
Grandview Lake Placid
High Peaks Resort

High Peaks Resort

4 out of 5
2384 Saranac Ave Lake Placid NY
$151 nightly
The price is $170 total per night from Dec 14 to Dec 15
$170 total
Dec 14 - Dec 15
Total with taxes and fees
Book a 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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"We visited during the off-season so we expected that some of the amenities may be closed and areas under repair and updates. As such the room was spacious and comfortable, while the parking area was under construction there was ample parking which was a short walk from the front entrance. Prices ..."

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2026

High Peaks Resort
Laurel Lake Placid

Laurel Lake Placid

3.5 out of 5
2375 Saranac Avenue Lake Placid NY
$83 nightly
The price is $94 total per night from Dec 9 to Dec 10
$94 total
Dec 9 - Dec 10
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Lake Placid. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,083 reviews)
"Only thing I was happy with was that the King Suite room, which was very nice, had a view of a cliff/hillside from both windows. Absolutely nothing to see except dirt and rocks. Though from the photos we would have a view of the Lake. Other than this one thing, the stay was excellent. Kudos to Luke ..."

Reviewed on Nov 12, 2026

Laurel Lake Placid
See all 1,022 properties in Lake Placid
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
Book a stay at this business-friendly apartment in Lake Placid. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Mirror Lake and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (352 reviews)
"Exceeded expectations"

Reviewed on Nov 10, 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 WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Olympic Center and Mirror Lake are located ...
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 Olympic Center are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (41 reviews)
"The unit was clean and nicely decorated. The beds are very comfortable. All the essentials are included in the kitchen. The owner was very responsive to questions that I sent. Overall, it was a lovely unit with a beautiful view. However, The parking was quite confusing. It truly depends on the month ..."

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2026

Heart of the Village: Steps to Mirror Lake & Main St
See all properties in Lake Placid
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

A calm lake reflecting a sunset with mountains in the background and a town with buildings along the shore.

Mirror Lake

9.6/10 (2,021 reviews)
Explore the great outdoors at Mirror Lake and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Lake Placid. Amble around the area's lakeside or seek out the ski slopes.
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Frequently asked questions

Is Lake Placid worth visiting?
Lake Placid is worth visiting for its standout attractions like Mirror Lake and the Olympic Center, offering unique experiences. Travelers also enjoy diverse dining options, with North American and Italian cuisine readily available, from classic burgers to delicious pasta dishes.
When is the best time to visit Lake Placid?
The best time to visit Lake Placid is from May through September, when the weather is generally mild and pleasant. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of November through February are a good bet, offering cooler temperatures and snowy conditions often enjoyed by travelers.
What is Lake Placid known for?
Lake Placid is known for its iconic Mirror Lake and the Olympic Center, which hosted the Winter Olympics. Travelers can also explore the Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum, celebrating its rich history. The area also offers a strong North American food culture.
What is a good itinerary length for Lake Placid?
A good itinerary length for Lake Placid is two to three days to experience key attractions like Mirror Lake, the Olympic Center, and the Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum. For a more relaxed trip, or to enjoy the area's dining and bus transport options, consider an extended stay of four to five days.
What are the top things to do in and around Lake Placid?
Lake Placid offers a mix of natural beauty and historic Olympic sites for travelers to explore:


How do I plan a trip to Lake Placid?
When planning your Lake Placid trip, book flights, hotels, and activities like visiting Mirror Lake or the Olympic Center in advance. Consider a rental car for flexibility, or use local bus services to get around. Always have indoor backups for outdoor plans to account for weather changes, ensuring you can still enjoy attractions such as the Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum.
What cuisines can you find in Lake Placid?
In Lake Placid, you can find New American cuisine, featuring dishes like gourmet burgers, seasonal salads, craft sandwiches, and farm-to-table entrees. Travelers also have options for Italian, Mexican, and Chinese dishes, alongside local coffee shops and pubs.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Lake Placid?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Lake Placid by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Lake Placid with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Lake Placid trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Lake Placid?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Lake Placid can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Lake Placid trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Lake Placid trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Lake Placid trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Lake Placid trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Lake Placid?
If it's your first trip to Lake Placid, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Lake Placid hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Lake Placid hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Lake Placid

A wooden dock with Adirondack chairs and a red Adirondack chair, overlooking a calm lake with forest reflections.

Saranac Lake

A river flanked by forested hills with autumn foliage.

Keene

A sign indicating 4867 feet above sea level at Whiteface Mountain.

Wilmington

A mountainous landscape with autumn foliage, a river, and scattered houses.

Keene Valley

Other places like Lake Placid

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