Lake George was a stop we added while driving from Maryland to Montreal, and it ended up being one of those places that surprises you—in the best way.

We visited in August, and Lake George is absolutely beautiful in the summer. Lush greenery, sparkling water, mountains in the background—it feels like a classic American summer vacation town. What really struck me is that it still feels a bit under-the-radar. A lot of the people vacationing there seemed like locals or families from nearby states who come back year after year. It’s one of those places that doesn’t get talked about enough.

That said, because it is a tourist town and summer is peak season, restaurants are very pricey. You’re paying for the location and the views—but the setting really does deliver.

If you’re in the D.C. area, Lake George is about 5.5 hours away, and honestly—even with kids—it’s very doable as a road trip.

Day 1: Nature, Waterfalls & Lake Views

8:00 a.m. — Drive from Maryland to Lake George: We left early and arrived in the late afternoon after about 5.5 hours on the road. Obviously a bit longer with stops along the way.

5:30 p.m. — Shelving Rock Fall: Our first stop was Shelving Rock Falls. The hike is short and manageable with kids, and the payoff is a peaceful, scenic waterfall surrounded by nature—exactly what you want after a long drive. Because it doesn’t get dark till very late in the summer, you can explore a lot even on your first day there.

7:00 p.m. — Dinner at The Boathouse: Dinner was at The Boathouse Restaurant, and the sunset views over the lake were stunning. This is one of those places where you’re paying for the view—but it’s worth it.

8:00 p.m. — Evening Stroll Along the Shore: We wrapped up the night with a walk along the shoreline, enjoying the calm summer evening and letting the kids wind down.

Day 2: Mountains, Beach Time & Village Life

8:00 a.m. — Breakfast: We started the day at Adirondack Pancake House, a family-friendly spot with pancakes, waffles, and classic breakfast dishes.

9:00 a.m. — Prospect Mountain: You can drive most of the way up and then hike to the summit. The panoramic views of Lake George and the Adirondacks are incredible—and very rewarding for minimal effort.

11:30 a.m. — Million Dollar Beach: Million Dollar Beach is one of the best public beaches in the area. We opted to let the kids take naps at the hotel instead as it started drizzling, but I encourage you to check it out if you visit in the summer and the weather is nice. There’s a $10 parking fee, but it’s clean, spacious, and perfect for swimming and relaxing.

Afternoon & Evening — Lake George Village

Later, we explored Lake George Village, strolling through shops and stopping by the Lake George Historical Association and Museum for a bit of local history.

We ended the day with a walk through Shepard Park, where there are often concerts or events during the summer.

Day 3: History & A Steamboat Classic

8:00 a.m. — Breakfast: We grabbed breakfast at Caffé Vero, a great spot for pastries, coffee, and a relaxed start to the day.

9:00 a.m. — Fort William Henry: We visited Fort William Henry Museum, where we learned about the area’s role in the French and Indian War. It’s educational, interactive, and surprisingly engaging for kids.

11:30 a.m. — Steamboat Cruise: One of the highlights of the trip was the Lake George Steamboat Company cruise aboard the Minne-Ha-Ha. The one-hour cruise offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding homes and gives you a real sense of the area’s history.

Where We Stayed (Keeping It Real)

We stayed at Countryside Inn Lake George (1881 US-9). I’ll be honest: we didn’t love it. The room smelled like cigarettes and felt more like a motel than a hotel.

But—we chose it for one big reason: location. It was close to downtown Lake George, and all the nicer hotels we looked at were all booked or farther out. For a short stay where we planned to be out most of the day, proximity won out.

Final Thoughts

Lake George is one of those places that feels like a well-kept summer secret. It’s scenic, family-friendly, and packed with nature, history, and classic vacation vibes.

Yes, it’s pricey in peak season. And yes, accommodations matter. But if you plan well, Lake George makes for an excellent summer road trip stop or even final destination—especially if you’re heading north toward Canada or looking for something different that isn’t overly hyped.

We’re glad we stopped—and we’d absolutely go back.

Yours,