Lake George, also known as Queen of American Lakes, is a narrow, stretched lake in upstate New York. It sits at the base of the Adirondack Mountains and spans over 30 miles at its longest point. It’s a protected area teeming with wildlife and stunning nature, surrounded by forests in a quiet part of the state. The local population is small most of the year, with tiny towns scattered around the perimeter of the lake, but during the summer months, they explode with popularity as tourists come to the lake to retreat from the heat of the city and enjoy a relaxing escape.

Are you traveling to Lake George with kids and need more to do than just go boating? Check out this article by Navigation Junkie on 17 Reasons to Visit Lake George!

Lake George is the name of the lake and the town on the southern tip of the lake. There are other small towns around Lake George to visit or to gain access to the water, depending on which direction you’re coming from. Bolton, Diamond Point, and Queensbury are other towns on the lake you can visit during a trip to Lake George.

Boat Rentals & Watersports on Lake George

Speedboat rentals for tourists visiting Lake George, as they enable you to enjoy watersports like wakeboarding, waterskiing, or just cruising around the lake at high speed. Speedboats are excellent to rent for water sports or a casual day of drifting if you want to jump out for a swim or enjoy a picnic on board. For high-performance and to flex your flashy muscles, rent a powerboat on Lake George for an exciting session of zipping through the waves. For big groups visiting Lake George, renting a pontoon boat is the best choice for ease and comfort. Spread out and relax, soaking up the sun on your pontoon rental as you explore the different parts of Lake George.

Boat tours of Lake George are available; you can book a seat on a guided boat tour on Lake George to learn more about the history and heritage of this stunning area of upstate New York.

Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals on Lake George

For active and sporty travelers visiting Lake George, renting a stand-up paddleboard, kayak or canoe is a must. Power yourself along the sandy shores, taking in the view of dense green forests and getting an upper-body workout. There’s something about the backdrop of the mountains and the emphasis on outdoor activities that make this lake a place where you’ll find the motivation to exercise while enjoying your visit. You can also book a floating day on Lake George if you prefer to lounge in inflatable tubes.

Try Watersports on Lake George

For adventurous travelers visiting Lake George, watersports are a must. Wakeboarding, waterskiing, and parasailing are all excellent options to get an adrenaline rush while you’re on vacation. Fly over the water on a parasailing charter or get towed behind a boat and jump the wake with a wakeboarding rental. Whichever activity you prefer, you can enjoy it on Lake George.

Fishing Charters on Lake George

For fishing enthusiasts, there’s plenty of fun to be had on Lake George. Book a fishing charter on Lake George and head out with a captain to be your guide. You can also rent a fishing boat on your own to explore Lake George. Catch fish like Salmon, Lake Trout, and Bass, enjoy drinks onboard, and explore the lake with a local to gain a new perspective on this beautiful place. Guided fishing charters include bait, tackle, and all the equipment that you need, so no need to rent your own.

Top Things To Do in Lake George

Sometimes you want to stay on land for a portion of your travels. No worries - in Lake George and the surrounding towns, there’s no shortage of fantastic activities to keep you occupied and entertained.

Beaches of Lake George

For a beach day on Lake George, check out Shepard Park, Million Dollar Beach, or Lake George Beach are all top picks for a day of soaking up the sun in the sand. There are lots of great nearby restaurants and all the facilities that you’ll need. Bring your towels and beach chairs to spread out and relax for a whole day with your family and travel companions. Some marinas are located near the beaches of Lake George too, so check out Huletts Landing, Castaway Marina, and Yankee Marina for boating advice, lake maps, and other facilities you may need.

Hiking & Nature around Lake George

Nature enthusiasts and hiking lovers will enjoy the vast stretches of trails around Lake George. Head to Buck Mountain, the Blue Ledges, Gurney Lane Nature Trail, and Prospect Mountain to start. Revel in the beauty of the Adirondacks, exploring these mountains and forests with your hiking companions, unplugging from the chaos of society, and reconnecting with nature.

Cultural Activities

For museum enthusiasts or in case you get stuck with a rainy day, there are plenty of museums to check out around Lake George. Visit Fort William Henry and the Museum and the Lake George Historical Museum. There are also lots of great local restaurants around the lake to check out during your stay for an excellent meal with a stunning lakeside view.

Adventures around Lake George

On-land adventures near Lake George include zip lining through the forest on a treetop ropes course, hot air balloon rides, and mountain biking. Enjoy one of these exciting activities if you’re traveling with adventurous folks who want a thrill during their stay in Lake George. Six Flags Great Escape theme park is also nearby, perfect for a fun day with kids.

Accommodation Options in Lake George for a Summer Getaway

Lake George Hotels and Resorts

There are lots of accommodation options for visitors looking to stay awhile in Lake George. Search and book popular hotels and motels in Lake George like the Marriott, Holiday Inn, and Best Western. Resorts like Flamingo Resort, Lake George Resort, and the Lodges are a great place if you’re looking for a piece of luxury to relax during your stay.

Camping on Lake George

There are many different campsites and campgrounds around Lake George, most being concentrated on the southern portion. Some excellent campsites on Lake George include the Battleground State Campground, Adirondack Camping Village, and Hearthstone Point Campground. The campgrounds have maintained sites with bathroom facilities, with spaces for both RV and tent camping.

If you’re out enjoying all the beauty and fun that Lake George has to offer, be sure to tag us in your photos! Follow us on social @GetMyBoat for updates, and use the #GetMyBoat so we can see your awesome #boatday pictures! Download the GetMyBoat app to search and book boat rentals on-the-go. Want to explore more of Upstate New York beyond Lake George? Check out our Upstate New York Boating Guide!

Lake George Boat Rental FAQs

How much is it to rent a boat in Lake George?

Boat rentals on Lake George vary in price. A modest fishing boat will cost around $75/hour, while a high-powered motor yacht can cost up to $500/hour.

Can you rent jet skis in Lake George?

Yes, jet ski rentals are available on Lake George. You can rent fishing boats, kayaks, powerboats, pontoons, and jet skis all on Lake George.

Do you need a boating license in Lake George?

To rent and operate a boat on Lake George, you must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver's license. When renting the boat, you will receive a brief safety training from the owner or marina that you’re renting from.

What is the water temperature in Lake George?

The water temperature of Lake George varies throughout the year. The summer water temperature is warm, between 70 and 80℉. In the winter, the lake freezes, and the water temperature below the ice is very cold, 34℉.

When is the best time to visit Lake George?

The best time of year to visit Lake George is in the summer months. The warm temperatures and sunshine makes it a wonderful destination for boating, water sports, and other recreation on the lake.