Things to Do in Lake Placid, NY: Where to Eat, Stay, and Play
Discover the best things to do in Lake Placid, the upstate New York destination where Olympic history and outdoor adventure make for an ideal winter escape.
By Annie Stoltie|Dec 30 2025|
Main Street, Lake Placid
Photo Credit: Pam and Chris DanieleAs the celebrated host of the 1980 Winter Olympics — and before that, the 1932 Games — Lake Placid instantly brings to mind a pantheon of world-class athletes. The best skiers, skaters, and other winter sports stars have all walked the streets of this scenic lakeside village set amid the Adirondack Mountains. But as longtime local writer Annie Stoltie reveals in the travel feature “Adventureville“ (January/February 2026), this premier winter playground has an invitingly low bar of entry. Just bring your appetite for outdoor adventure — or dining, shopping, or exploring — and Lake Placid will welcome you with the makings of an unforgettable snow-season vacation. Here, Stoltie shares some of her don’t-miss stops around town in a guide to the best things to do in Lake Placid.
Things to Do in Lake Placid, NY
Photo Credit : Pam and Chris Daniele
Where to Eat & Drink in Lake Placid, NY
Big Slide Brewery & Public House: Inventive food and beer (think sours and other interesting flavors) in a bustling, industrial-style space near the ski jumps.
Caffé Rustica: An intimate local favorite tucked into a strip mall, with wood-fired pizzas and Mediterranean fare.
Lake Placid Pub & Brewery: Three often-packed floors, but the place to get the brewery’s trademark Ubu Ale and the area’s best pub grub.
Lisa G’s: Something for everyone—plus a lively bar scene—in a cavernous space. On weekends expect large, boisterous tables of hockey kids and their families.
Origin Coffee Co.: Across the street from the Olympic oval and the place to go for coffee, breakfast burritos, and avocado toast.
Salt of the Earth Bistro: Creative cuisine and attention to detail in a quirky living room–size dining room. Reservations recommended.
Top of the Park: Small plates and spirits in a cozy upstairs dining room. Heat lamps allow year-round deck seating, with views of Mirror Lake.
Zig Zags Pub: Boisterous Main Street bar scene with pool and darts. The bobsled out front is the place for impromptu selfies. Facebook
Photo Credit : Pam and Chris Daniele
Where to Stay in Lake Placid, NY
Crowne Plaza Lake Placid: Chain hotel (IHG) that sits atop a hill above the Olympic Center with—especially from the Great Room Bar—sweeping High Peaks and village views.
Eastwind Lake Placid: A former motor lodge turned into a variety of chic cabins and suites. On-site bar and a close walk to dining options including Lisa G’s, Salt of the Earth Bistro, and Sentinel & Station.
Grand Adirondack Hotel: An old-school hotel recently renovated (now in the Marriott portfolio) into stylish lodging along Lake Placid’s Main Street. At the street-level Marcy Bar, order a cocktail, snag a cozy corner couch, and indulge in people-watching.
Mirror Lake Inn: Picturesque, elegant Olympian-owned and -operated resort and spa anchored along Mirror Lake, with High Peaks views. With on-site restaurant, The View, and a bar/café, The Cottage.
Whiteface Lodge: Gilded Age vibes and Great Camp–style decor make this resort, a couple of miles from Main Street, a high-end dream for families.
Photo Credit : Pam and Chris Daniele
What to Do in Lake Placid, NY
Adirondak Loj & Heart Lake Program Center: Adventurers can set out for High Peaks hikes, bunk, or take an outdoors skill class at the Adirondack Mountain Club’s iconic outpost, about 15 minutes from downtown Lake Placid.
Lake Placid Olympic Venues: The ski jumps, outdoor skating oval, Olympic Museum, Herb Brooks Arena, bobsled track, and other sport venues are maintained and operated by the Olympic Regional Development Authority. See hours, tickets, events, and other information on its website.
Thunder Mountain Dog Sled Tours: Huskies give rides Friday through Monday across Mirror Lake, weather permitting. First come, first served; based across the street from the High Peaks Resort. $20 per person.
Lake Placid Toboggan Chute: For a winter thrill, climb to the top of the 30-foot ski-jump trestle and slide down the chute, onto frozen Mirror Lake. Weather permitting. $20 adults; $10 students.
What are your favorite things to do in Lake Placid? Let us know!
