Carved by glaciers and ringed by Adirondack peaks, Lake George has been a beloved retreat since the 1800s—praised for its ultraclear water and 32 miles of island-dotted shoreline. The area’s past echoes at Fort William Henry, a pivotal French and Indian War site, while vintage steamboats still ply the lake, tracing routes popular since the Gilded Age.

Just 30 minutes south, Saratoga Springs bubbles with mineral waters and cultural flair. The Saratoga Race Course thrills in summer, SPAC brings world-class performances to a forested amphitheater, and leafy streets hide exceptional bakeries, bars, and bistros. It’s an easy pairing: pure Adirondack wilderness by day, sophisticated small-city nights.

Best times to visit are late spring through fall for cruises and foliage; winter brings nearby skiing and cozy firelit evenings. Fly into Albany International (ALB) and rent a car for flexibility. Expect small-town walkability in both Lake George Village and downtown Saratoga, with plenty of family-friendly, couples, and foodie options throughout this itinerary.

Lake George

Lake George Village is your gateway to sparkling bays, sandy beaches, and piney viewpoints. Take a vintage paddlewheeler cruise, hike Prospect Mountain for big-sky panoramas, and savor Adirondack pub fare, lakeside patios, and house-roasted coffee. By evening, live music drifts from the waterfront while the stars float above the black mirror of the lake.

• Top sights: Fort William Henry Museum, Prospect Mountain summit, Million Dollar Beach, Shepard Park, Bolton Landing (day trip), The Sagamore grounds, Up Yonda Farm Nature Preserve.
• Great bites: Caffe Vero (roastery and breakfast plates), Adirondack Pub & Brewery (house beers, smokehouse wings), The Boathouse (dockside dining), Olde Log Inn (comfort classics), Lake George Baking Company (pastries).

Stay: Browse cabins, condos, and lakefront homes on VRBO Lake George or compare hotels by budget and location on Hotels.com Lake George. Look near Shepard Park for walkability, or on the west shore for sunsets.

Getting here: Fly into ALB via Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com flights (often 1–2 hours from major hubs), then drive ~1 hr north. A car is helpful for hikes and day trips.

Saratoga Springs

In Saratoga, Victorian architecture frames a lively downtown of cafés, indie shops, and wine bars. Stroll Congress Park and its ornate springs, book a mineral bath at the historic Roosevelt Baths, and dine in style—then follow locals to Caroline Street for a nightcap.

• Top sights: Saratoga Spa State Park, Roosevelt Baths & Spa, Congress Park and Canfield Casino, Yaddo Gardens, Saratoga Race Course (summer), National Museum of Racing, Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC).
• Great bites: Mrs. London’s (iconic bakery), Uncommon Grounds (bagels, coffee), Hattie’s (legendary fried chicken since 1938), 15 Church (seasonal fine dining), Hamlet & Ghost (cocktails), Druthers Brewing (mac and cheese, house beers).

Stay: Check boutique inns and apartments on VRBO Saratoga Springs or compare hotels near Broadway on Hotels.com Saratoga Springs.

Lake George → Saratoga Springs: Drive ~30–35 minutes (I-87 South). Rideshares and taxis are available; parking garages downtown are convenient for evenings out.

Day 1: Arrival in Lake George

Morning: Travel day. Book flights into Albany (ALB) via Trip.com or Kiwi.com, pick up a rental car, and drive ~1 hour north into the Adirondacks.

Afternoon: Check in near the village so you can walk the lakefront. Stretch your legs along Beach Road to Shepard Park for your first look at the water and steamboats. If you want a sweet pick‑me‑up, Lake George Baking Company does classic cannoli and fruit tarts.

Evening: Casual dinner at Adirondack Pub & Brewery for house ales (try the Bear Naked Ale) and beer-battered haddock or smokehouse wings. Prefer waterfront? The Boathouse serves steaks, riesling-steamed clams, and sunset views from a lakeside deck. Nightcap at DJ’s Nite Club or a relaxed pint at The Garrison; stroll the quiet docks before turning in.

Day 2: Explore the Village, History, and the Lake

Morning: Espresso and breakfast burritos at Caffe Vero, then get oriented with a playful city game: the Lively Lake George Scavenger Hunt (a hosted, interactive adventure through landmarks and hidden corners).

Afternoon: Step into the 1750s at Fort William Henry Museum—costumed guides and musket demos bring the French and Indian War alive. Afterward, board a vintage steamboat for a 1–2 hour cruise; expect mountain panoramas, bays like Diamond Point, and narration on Gilded Age great camps (~$30–$40 per adult). Quick bites nearby: Capri Pizzeria for classic NY slices or The Docksider for lakeside burgers.

Evening: Celebrate with a tasting flight at Adirondack Winery’s flagship: book The Works Tasting Session (Wine, Whiskey or Cider)—a guided experience that can include local spirits and ciders (typically from around $38 for two).

For dinner, Olde Log Inn offers Adirondack comfort food (prime rib, chicken parm) in a cozy, woodsy dining room. Craving seafood? Go for lemon-butter trout or crab cakes at The Boathouse if you didn’t make it last night.

Day 3: Prospect Mountain and Beach Time

Morning: Hearty diner classics at Prospect Mountain Diner (cinnamon swirl French toast is a local favorite). Hike the Prospect Mountain Trail (moderate 3-mile round trip, 1,600-foot summit) for sweeping lake views; or, in season (typically late May–Oct), drive the Veterans Memorial Highway to scenic overlooks and the summit picnic area (vehicle fee about $10).

Afternoon: Cool down at Million Dollar Beach—clean sand, lifeguards in season, and clear, swimmable water. Optional kayak or paddleboard rental from the village marinas. Lunch at Lake George Beach Club for tacos and live music on sunny days.

Evening: Try Adirondack Pub & Brewery’s beer garden if the weather is fine, or grab a table at The Garrison for truffle fries and steak tips. For dessert, share a sundae at Martha’s Dandee Creme in nearby Queensbury—an old-school soft-serve icon (seasonal and worth the short drive).

Day 4: Bolton Landing Day Trip

Morning: Drive ~20 minutes to Bolton Landing. Walk the charming main street, then head to Up Yonda Farm Nature Preserve for kid-friendly trails and bay views. Coffee and pastries at Bear’s Cup—try the everything bagel with herb schmear.

Afternoon: Choose your adventure: a mellow shoreline hike at The Pinnacle (panoramic lookouts over the Narrows) or a ropes course at Adirondack Extreme (seasonal). For lunch, Bolton Landing Brewing pours IPAs alongside crispy chicken sandwiches; or go to The Sagamore’s lakeside spot La Bella Vita for house-made pastas and big-water vistas.

Evening: Return to Lake George Village. Casual dinner at The Docksider or a pizza-and-salad night at Capri Pizzeria. If it’s Thursday–Saturday in summer, check for fireworks or concerts in Shepard Park and grab a bench by the water.

Day 5: Transfer to Saratoga Springs + Spa State Park

Morning: Check out and drive ~35 minutes south to Saratoga Springs. Start with coffee at Uncommon Grounds (house-roasted, excellent bagels) or Sweet Mimi’s for a decadent brunch (lemon ricotta pancakes draw a loyal crowd).

Afternoon: Explore Saratoga Spa State Park: walk the Geyser Island Spouter and sip from mineral springs (each tastes different). Book a mineral bath and massage at Roosevelt Baths & Spa (classic 40-minute soak from around $60; reserve ahead in peak season).

Evening: Dinner on Broadway: Druthers Brewing for beer flights and their cult-favorite mac & cheese, or Forno Bistro for Tuscan plates and a lively patio. Nightcap at Hamlet & Ghost (inventive cocktails) or Nine Maple Avenue (serious whiskey list, jazz on select nights).

Day 6: Museums, Gardens, and Downtown Flavor

Morning: Grab a kouign-amann or croissant at Mrs. London’s, then tour the National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame—interactive exhibits bring thoroughbred legends to life. If it’s summer, swing by the Saratoga Race Course for morning workouts or a race day (late July–Labor Day).

Afternoon: Stroll Congress Park’s landscaped paths and ornate springs; pop into the historic Canfield Casino museum if open. Then head to Yaddo Gardens, a serene artists’ retreat with rose beds and woodland walks. Coffee break at Saratoga Coffee Traders or tea flight at Saratoga Tea & Honey.

Evening: If there’s a show, catch an open-air concert at SPAC in the state park (summer schedule varies). Otherwise, book 15 Church for refined seasonal dishes (think seared scallops, farm vegetables) or The Mouzon House for farm-to-table Creole. Late drinks on Caroline Street at Caroline Street Pub or a quieter pint at Henry Street Taproom.

Day 7: Markets, Brunch, and Departure

Morning: Weekend in town? The Saratoga Farmers’ Market (seasonal schedule) is a feast of local cheeses, maple syrup, and produce—great for gifts. Brunch at Morrissey’s Lounge & Bistro inside The Adelphi Hotel (excellent sushi rolls and brunch favorites) or Walt & Whitman for coffee roasted in-house and a casual bite.

Afternoon: Last stroll down Broadway for boutiques and bookstores before your drive back to ALB (~45 minutes). If you have extra time en route, detour to Moreau Lake State Park for a peaceful lakeside walk. Depart with mineral-water glow and lake-air lungs.

Where to Book and How to Get Around

• Flights: Compare fares to Albany (ALB) via Trip.com and Kiwi.com.
• Lake George stays: Cabins and lakefront homes on VRBO; hotels and resorts on Hotels.com.
• Saratoga Springs stays: Apartments and inns on VRBO; boutique hotels on Hotels.com.
• Local transport: A car makes day trips and hikes easy. In summer, parking fills quickly near beaches and the village—arrive early.

Notes and seasonal tips: Prospect Mountain Highway, some cruises, and soft‑serve stands are seasonal (roughly late spring–early fall). Book Roosevelt Baths and SPAC shows ahead in peak periods. Winter brings nearby skiing at West Mountain and Gore Mountain, plus quiet trails and cozy dining.

In one week, you’ll pair Lake George’s classic Adirondack scenery—cruises, hikes, and clear water—with Saratoga’s soothing mineral springs, culinary scene, and culture. Expect easy drives, walkable centers, and plenty of memorable meals between mountain views.