As the ice finally melts from the mountains surrounding Lake Placid, locals and tourists alike crave adventure and excitement after one of the longest winters on record. Lake Placid in the spring is the perfect destination for your next vacation. There are a number of things to do in Lake Placid with warmer spring temperatures and stunning scenery. There are also beautiful vacation rental accommodations for groups of all sizes.
Spring is by far one of the best times of the year to visit Lake Placid, New York. It is the off-season, so the trails won’t be too crowded, there won’t be a wait at breweries, and it is when vacation rentals seem to be the most affordable. Between walking to a waterfall, going shopping in town, and hitting the slopes, you will never run out of things to do this Spring in Lake Placid.
There are many different shops in town, so you can spend the whole day doing a little retail therapy while your husband takes the kids hiking; or bring a picnic to the park and spend a relaxing day soaking up the sun with the family. There are a few delicious eateries within walking distance of the park, including an ice cream shop. You will also spot people taking advantage of the sweet spring weather by walking, biking, or hiking – Lake Placid is one of the most active towns in Upstate New York.
People from all over the world visit the Lake Placid, New York area for its rustic charm, hiking trails, fabulous restaurants and Olympic history. We’ve narrowed down our top 5 favorite things to do in the Lake Placid, New York area that you can enjoy on your next Spring vacation.
5 Things to Do in Lake Placid During Your Spring Vacation
1. Mount Jo Loop Trail
This is a relatively easy hike up an elevation of 761 feet and is 2.1 miles long. The climb offers two looped trails, a long one and a short one. Depending on your climbing ability and the amount of time alloted for the outing, pick the trail that best accommodates your needs. The summit provides great views of nearby Heart Lake and the Adirondack High Peaks range.
Where: 1002 Adirondack Loj Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Insider Tip: Stop off at Big Mountain Deli & Creperie in Lake Placid (2475 Main St. Lake Placid) on your way to the trail and get a lunch to go. There’s nothing better than eating lunch on the top of a mountain! Don’t forget a light coat as well, it’s always colder at the higher elevation in the spring.
2. Tastings at Goose Watch and Swedish Hill
Lake Placid, Adirondack has so many wonderful vacation rental properties to choose from, some which are within walking or short driving distance to these two fabulous tasting rooms. Goose Watch is located right on the main Lake Placid thoroughfare which provides the opportunity to shop and dine in between tasting room visits. Swedish Hill is located just down the road, best if driven to. At each tasting room, for a small fee, visitors will be able to sample several wines of their choice as well as purchase bottles of their favorites right on location. Visit our Vacation Rentals in Lake Placid.
Where: Goose Watch 2523 Main St. Lake Placid, NY 12946 & Swedish Hill 5730 Cascade Rd. Lake Placid, NY 12946
3. Take A Stroll Through Charming Saranac Lake
Located 9 miles east of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake is well-known for its shopping, restaurants, historic sites and amazing natural scenery. It was even voted an “All-American City” by the National Civic League. The centerpiece of the City of Saranac Lake is Lake Flower, consider taking a scenic stroll around the lake to see all of what Saranac Lake has to offer. This natural attraction near Lake Placid is a must see!
Peruse some of the local shops. Visit the Robert Louis Stevenson museum or take a spin on the Adirondack Carousel while you are in town. Visit our Saranac Lake Vacation Rentals.
Where: Main St. Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Insider Tip: Little Italy offers a variety of Italian dishes such as pizza, pasta, cold subs and salads. It’s a favorite of tourists and locals alike. Located at 23 Main St. Saranac Lake, NY be sure to stop by for a bite.
4. Eat ADK Restaurant Week
From May 3rd to May 10th, restaurants in and around Lake Placid will be offering special prix fixe menu items for $15, $20 and $30. This is a great time to try new foods in Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake. Along with discounted menus, there will also be celebrations at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, The Palace Theater and live music at several of the area restaurants. It’s a foodie’s dream come true!
Where: See the full list of participating restaurants at Eat ADK.
5. Paul Smith’s College VIC

Photo Credit: Paul Smith’s College VIC
In the spring, visitors to Paul Smith’s VIC can enjoy walking the nature trails at the center, enjoy local artwork present at the facility, and enjoy educational speakers and workshops. The VIC is home to the Great Adirondack Birding Celebration (June 1st to the 3rd), where visitors can learn how to look for birds native to the Adirondacks, a bird festival with an artisan market and some special guest speakers. If birds aren’t your thing, bring a lunch and enjoy the VIC any other time during the springtime. Visit our Paul Smiths Vacation Rentals.
Where: 8023 State Route 30 Paul Smiths, NY 12970
Insider Tip: Beat the crowds that flock to the VIC for hiking by arriving early in the morning or go closer to dinner time.
No matter where the wind takes you this spring in Lake Placid, New York, be sure to book your vacation rental cottage or vacation accommodations as soon as possible because people from all over flock to this little slice of heaven all year round. With so much to see and to do this spring, be sure to make Lake Placid your next vacation destination. You certainly won’t be disappointed!
Browse and book more Lake Placid vacation home and cabin rentals on New York Rental By Owner
LoZa House is a water front studio has 1 bathroom and can sleep 6. With fully stocked game room, fire pit and outdoor area this home is both family and pet-friendly.
This lakefront cottage at Trout Lake has 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower, and can sleep 8. It is pet-friendly and has a swimming area and dock. Enjoy the beautiful weather by swimming, paddling, or cruising the lake on a mortised pontoon boat and exploring the 1,600 acre state forest surrounding the home.
This 5 bedroom home in West Hampton has a heated saltwater pool, a huge game room, and a private pool. Spend time in its recently renovated gourmet kitchen and enjoy cooking meals with your friends and family. Just minutes from West Hampton Village and all three of the top-rated beaches in the area.
This Ocean Ridge A-Frame home on the boundary of the Fire Island National Seashore has ocean and national park views and is only a few minutes from the beach. With 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this home can sleep 8 and is great for large families or a group of friends; you’ll find this sweet space perfect for enjoying each other’s company or just having some time to yourself.
The Big Chill is great for big families or a fun friend get-away with 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and can sleep up to 10. Spend the day kayaking, playing corn hole or just enjoying the beautiful lake view.
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