Lake Placid, NY

Travel 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.

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

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
$93 nightly
The price is $105 total per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
$105 total
Nov 2 - Nov 3
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
Lake House at High Peaks Resort

Lake House at High Peaks Resort

3.5 out of 5
1 Mirror Lake Dr. Lake Placid NY
$150 nightly
The price is $170 total per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
$170 total
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this resort in Lake Placid. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Mirror Lake and Olympic Center ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"When we arrived at the High peaks Lakehouse, we were confused of where to check in, we had to go across the street to the bigger hotel, and we had a little bit of a tough time finding which door to go into to our hotel room because you come in the back of the hotel but once we went in, we were pleasantly ..."

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2026

Lake House at High Peaks Resort
Laurel Lake Placid

Laurel Lake Placid

3.5 out of 5
2375 Saranac Avenue Lake Placid NY
$99 nightly
The price is $112 total per night from Nov 9 to Nov 10
$112 total
Nov 9 - Nov 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. ...
Laurel 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! (340 reviews)
"Room was clean and had the touches you would need."

Reviewed on Oct 13, 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (196 reviews)
"Location was great- right across from Olympic center."

Reviewed on Oct 3, 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 Olympic Center are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (38 reviews)
"Confusion with communication with host and check in/check out dates. No response to messages when invalid check in/out date received. (Check out message on Thursday when check in was Friday)Missing some basic amenities such as bedding for the futons, tissues, napkins, tea kettle (or small pot for ..."

Reviewed on Oct 5, 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.

Stay near popular Lake Placid attractions

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.

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