Lake George VS Bolton Landing: Which Lakeside Town Is Right for Your Trip?
If you’re planning a getaway to Lake George one of the first decisions you’ll make is where to stay. Two of the most popular home bases on the lake are undoubtedly Lake George Village at the southern end, and Bolton Landing about 10 miles north on the western side of the lake.
Both offer waterfront dining, lakefront lodging, beaches, souvenir shops, and fun things to do. So the good news is, wherever you stay, you’ve got a great anchor for exploring the region - and they’re so close to each other, you’ll be able to visit Bolton Landing if you’re staying in Lake George and vice versa.
That being said, each offers its own distinct vibe, and there are some other differences we can explore to help cement your decision on where to stay on Lake George - we break it all out below!
Note, we’re primarily referring to Lake George Village when we say Lake George here, but Lake George is a town as well as a Village and expands beyond Beach Road and Canada Street.
At a Glance
Lake George Village:
- Lively, classic resort beach town with arcades, mini golf, souvenir shops, and a busy boardwalk feel
- Close to big attractions like Great Escape and Lake George Expedition Park
- Steamboat cruises, parasailing, and plenty of boat rentals
- Busy, social atmosphere with lots of annual events, live music, and nightlife
- Tons of dining and lodging options from budget-friendly to luxury and in between
Bolton Landing:
- Smaller, quieter, more of an upscale, boutique feel with a walkable main street
- Home to the epic Sagamore Resort, one of the lake’s most iconic properties
- Beaches, waterfront dining, and souvenir shops, just on a smaller scale compared to Lake George
- Close to some of the region’s most rewarding hikes, like The Pinnacle and Cat Mountain
- Great for couples, relaxed family trips, and anyone wanting a slower pace
The Water: Busy Beaches, Boat Rentals, Cruises & More
It’s tempting to say that Lake George has the busiest beaches, and most of the time, that’s true. However, I have seen parking fill up at Bolton Landing beaches, so it’s all popular!
Lake George Village is the center of the on-the-water action. Shepard Park Beach is in the heart of the Village, steps from shops and restaurants, and hosts concerts and events throughout the summer. Million Dollar Beach, just east of Shepard Park Beach, draws in big summer crowds. For families with young kids, Usher’s Park Beach is the prime choice.
Bolton Landing’s beaches are Rogers Memorial Park Beach right off Main Street, and Veteran’s Memorial Park Beach, which is the go-to for kids, with a playground on side. Rogers Memorial Park beach is close to the library, Bolton Historical Museum, and the Bolton Landing Marina is right there, plus pickleball, so it feels lively with a lot going on, much like the Lake George beaches.
Boat Rentals & Paddling
You’ll find boat rentals and paddling options in both locations, and also in between, in Diamond Point. Lake George has Lake George Boat Rentals, Waterfront Boat Rentals, and U-Drive Boat Rentals, plus more not in the Village. Bolton Landing has Chic’s Marina & Boat Rental, F.R. Smith & Sons Marina, and Bolton Boat Rentals.
For kayak rentals, Kayak Lake George is in Lake George and the Lake George Kayak Co. is in Bolton Landing. Kayak Lake George is more of a no muss, no fuss operation, offering hourly and short-term rentals, while the Lake George Kayak Co. is more of a full-scale outfitter/pro shop/instructional center, providing rental options along with a retail store and lessons.
The farther north you go up the lake the more calm it will be, with less boat traffic - let this drive your decision as far as where you’d like to launch a rental boat from.
A Note on Paddling Lake George: Safety must be paramount when kayaking on Lake George. The lake’s large size, heavy boat traffic, and unpredictable weather can make it difficult. Kayakers are required to carry warning flags on the lake to help with visibility, and it’s recommended to go early in the morning, ideally on a weekday, with winds under 10mph.
More On-the-Water Fun
Lake George has a few more options for on-the-water fun, with the main parasailing companies in the area being based in the Village, although Empire eFoils is based in Bolton Landing.
When it comes to lake cruises, Lake George is famous for the Lake George Steamboat Company and Lake George Waterfront Cruises. While those are the main options, there’s also The Morgan, a smaller cruise ship offered to guests of The Sagamore.
And, while more of a boat tour than a boat cruise, Miss Boathouse at the Boathouse Waterfront Lodging is available for tours to guests and non-guests.
Attractions & Family Fun: Theme Parks VS Small-Town Charm
If big attractions are a priority Lake George is going to be the clear pick. Great Escape and the Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark are technically in Queensbury, but many people consider them to be basically in Lake George. Lake George Expedition Park is minutes from the Village. Plus, there’s no shortage of mini golf, arcades, go-karts, and old-school, kid-friendly fun.
There is no theme park in Bolton Landing today, although, fun fact: from 1970 to 1981 the town was home to Time Town, a space-themed amusement park.
Bolton Landing is home to Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course, a treetop and ziplines course that caters to kids, teens, and adults. There isn’t a treetop course in Lake George, but there is one close by in Lake Luzerne at Adirondack Adventure Center.
Up Yonda Farm is a must-mention Bolton Landing attraction that we don’t really have an equivalent of in Lake George. This is an environmental education center with nature trails, programs, and seasonal events, making it a great low-key outing for families and nature enthusiasts.
Hiking: It’s Great in Both Places
Both Lake George and Bolton Landing put you close to prime hiking opportunities, although Bolton Landing might have the slight edge here, at least for serious hikers.
Prospect Mountain is the main hiking mountain in Lake George (which you can also drive up), and the trail access is right from the Village. Separate from the Village, on the eastern side of the Lake near Fort Ann and Kattskill Bay, you’ll find Sleeping Beauty Mountain, Shelving Rock Falls, Buck Mountain, and Pilot Knob.
Bolton Landing, being farther north into the Adirondacks, offers The Pinnacle and Amy’s Park for some more family-friendly trails, and then for more serious hikers the Cat and Thomas Mountain Preserves, plus the Tongue Mountain Range is close by (experienced hikers only for this one).
Dining: Waterfront Views & Lakeside Elegance
Both areas offer up prime waterfront dining with those spectacular lake views tourists and locals love to enjoy. Here are some of the top options:
Lake George: The Lagoon, Lake George Beach Club, and the Boathouse Restaurant.
Bolton Landing: Tavern on the Lake and The Algonquin.
If you have or rented a boat and you’re looking to dine-and-dock, the Bolton Landing waterfront restaurants will give you easier access.
Both have many more restaurants besides right at the waterfront, like the Barnsider Smokehouse and Moose Tooth Grill in Lake George, and Fredrick's Restaurant and Beyond the Sea in Bolton Landing.
When it comes to igloo dining in the winter, once again we have options in both places: The Erlowest offers igloo dining in Lake George, and The Barrel in Bolton Landing. You'll also find ice bars in both locations.
Overall, Lake George has more options for restaurants, while Bolton Landing’s dining scene is a bit smaller and a little more upscale.
Local Flavor at Farmers Markets
While the Lake George Farmers Market is no longer running, there are farmers markets close by in the region: the Warrensburg Riverfront Farmers Market, the Glens Falls Farmers Market (recently divided into two separate markets), and the Chestertown Farmers Market. In Bolton Landing, there’s the Bolton Landing Farmers Market.
Art, Music & History
It’s a tough one to decide which lakefront location offers more art and culture! Lake George has deep historical roots with Fort William Henry having played such an important role in the French and Indian War, and the Lake George Historical Association is housed in the Old Warren County Courthouse along with the Lake George Arts Project. The famed Hyde Collection is close by in Glens Falls with world-famous pieces of art.
Bolton Landing offers its own small-town history at the Bolton Historical Museum and it’s also home to the famed Sembrich, a museum, historical house, and nature preserve all in one. Every summer they host a festival comprising multiple live music events and film screenings.
Let’s Go Shopping: Souvenir Central VS Main Street Boutiques
Lake George is known for its kitschy souvenir shops like the Lake George Shop and Village Emporium, but there are many more stores for gifts, clothes, and more: The Sutler Shoppe at Fort William Henry is the biggest gift shop in the Village (and you don’t need to pay the museum entry fee to shop there), Live Love Laugh, Molly Malone’s Irish Shop, and A Christmas to Remember are some favorites.
Not in the Village, but Riley’s Lake George is also hugely popular, and of course there are the Lake George Outlets, and Aviation Mall in Queensbury is close by.
Bolton Landing’s prime souvenir shops are Happy Jacks (think gag gifts and fun items, similar to Rude Betty in Glens Falls), the Indian Tepee Gift Shop, and Trees Adirondack Gifts and Books are a few. There’s also Local, RIVAGE, and the Serendipity Boutique.
Traveling With Pets
Finding a dog-friendly locale has been a huge focus of travelers in recent years, and fortunately both Lake George and Bolton Landing are pretty welcoming of your furry friends with dog-friendly dining, dog-friendly lodging, and even dog-friendly boat rentals. Lake George has a dedicated dog beach next to Million Dollar Beach.
Parking & Getting Around
Parking can be busy in both Lake George and Bolton Landing on hopping summer weekends. With Bolton Landing you might have a better chance at finding a spot. Check out our parking page for more info on parking. Fortunately, the trolley operates in both locations!
The Big Question: Where to Stay
Lake George offers the largest variety of lodging in the region, with classic motels and hotels to quaint cottages, vacation rentals, and campgrounds with cabins and RV options. From lodging for family reunions or large groups, to family-friendly places to stay and romantic bed and breakfasts - Lake George has it all!
Bolton Landing’s lodging is smaller in number, but huge on charm:
- The Sagamore Resort is one of the most famous properties on the lake, located on its own private island with a golf course on site, a spa, several restaurants, and amazing amenities. This is a prime choice for a couples getaway.
- Speaking of romantic trips, you can’t go wrong with Boathouse Waterfront Lodging, an adults-only, on-the-water inn.
- Chelka Lodge, Candlelight Cottages, Blue Water Manor, and Melody Manor Resort round out the top lodging options in Bolton Landing with cottages, lodges, and resort stays.
Break It Down: The Vibes
Lake George Village is lively, social, and built for fun and families. Expect crowds in the summer and peak fall weekends, a packed events calendar, live music, fireworks, and a classic waterfront resort feel. This is where you want to be if you wish to be in the middle of the action.
Bolton Landing feels more like a quaint, lakeside village. It offers plenty to do, from beaches to boating to dining and shopping, but a slightly slower pace, and with a more upscale, boutique feel.
Both options offer plenty for couples, kids, and friend groups, but if I had to break it down, I’d say Lake George is better for those traveling with children, while couples could enjoy an intimate getaway in either locale. For friend groups, younger people meeting up for a bachelor/bachelorette party or similar occasion, Lake George would be preferable, while older adults might prefer the pace of Bolton Landing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake George & Bolton Landing
How far is Bolton Landing from Lake George Village?
Bolton Landing is 10 miles north of Lake George Village, or about a 20-minute drive. It's very easy to stay in one and visit the other.
What's the main difference between Lake George and Bolton Landing?
Lake George Village is a bustling resort town with family attractions, nightlife, and tons of dining, lodging, and shopping. Bolton Landing is smaller, quieter, more upscale, and has more of a boutique feel.
Which location is better for families?
Both are great for families, although Lake George has the edge with proximity to attractions like Great Escape, and smaller favorites like mini golf and arcades. Bolton Landing does offer the family-friendly Adirondack Extreme and Up Yonda Farm.
Which is better for hiking?
Both are great for hikes, but Bolton Landing puts you closer to more hardcore Adirondack hikes.
Does Bolton Landing have beaches?
Yes, Rogers Memorial Park Beach and Veteran's Park Beach.
Is there a farmers market in Lake George?
The Lake George Farmers Market is no longer running, but Bolton Landing has its own farmers market, and there are others close by in Warrensburg, Glens Falls, and Chestertown.
Are both destinations open year-round?
Yes, although some businesses in both locations are seasonal. Summer and fall are peak for both. In the winter, the Lake George Winter Carnival is a big draw; both locations have igloo dining and ice bars.
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