Top 10 Things To Do In Bolton Landing, NY

A great vacation destination, the hamlet of Bolton Landing offers the views of Lake George with less of the crowd. Drive 20 minutes north of the Village of Lake George along the scenic Lake Shore Drive (Route 9N) and spend the day in this charming lakeside community. These top 10 picks for sun, food, and fun will get you started.

Make a Splash With These Water-Based Activities

Rent a Boat for Your Own Lake George Excursion

If you want to set out on the water but don't have your own boat, there are plenty of marinas in Bolton Landing that provide rentals. F.R. Smith & Sons Marina is the oldest marina in the hamlet and has a selection of power boats, pontoons, kayaks, and canoes. 

Chic's Marina rents out Boston Whalers, Carolina Skiffs, pontoons, waverunners and jet skis, tubes, water skis, wakeboards, and paddleboards. Bolton Boat Rentals is also a great place to rent pontoons, fishing boats, or water skis.

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Charter a Cruise on Lake George

If you would rather leave the steering to someone else, charter a cruise! Make reservations to spend an afternoon out on the water on Boating with Bob's 28-foot Chaparral Bowrider. Captain Bob takes guests on boating excursions for sightseeing, birdwatching, fishing, swimming, cliff jumping, picnicking, tubing, and more.

Another great option is Bolton Boat Tours & Water Sports, which specializes in customizable tours of the lake. Go sightseeing and learn about local history, watch nature, fish, picnic, go cliff jumping and tubing, or even book a sunset or fireworks cruise.

Tour the lake with cruises and charters >>

Hone Your Paddling Skills on Lake George

Go paddling with the help of the Lake George Kayak Company, where you can rent stand-up paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks. If you're an experienced paddler, you can set off right from their historic boathouse. Need instruction before heading out? They also offer 2-hour-long lessons that will help you learn and hone your skills.

Hit the water with the help of local watersports companies >>

Go for a Dip at a Public Beach

Plan for an afternoon of sunbathing and swimming on the shores of Lake George. Rogers Memorial Park Beach and Veteran's Memorial Park Beach are located in Bolton Landing. Both beaches have park and picnic areas that are perfect for family-friendly fun. In the summer, the beaches are open from 7 am to 11 pm and both have a $5 parking fee. Note that swimming is allowed only when a lifeguard is on duty (10 am to 5 pm).

Plan your day at a beach >>

Explore Bolton's Shops, Restaurants, and Bars

Enjoy a Mouthwatering Meal in Town or Lakeside

There are a lot of dining options to choose from in Bolton Landing. Frederick's Restaurant is a popular year-round restaurant that boasts a large menu of delicious American fare, including late night nibbles. In the summer, they offer patio dining and host a variety of live music performers.

The Gem is a family-friendly cocktail bar known for their world-class food, beverages, and large patio. Guests can enjoy American, farm fresh dishes like Carolina Pulled Pork and Smoked Free Range Chicken Wings. Make sure to order an expertly crafted cocktail or local brew to top off your delicious meal.

For a lakefront lunch or dinner in the summer, try the Algonquin, which is known for their burgers, steaks, seafood, and stunning views. Another top lakeside dining option is Tavern on the Lake at Blue Water Manor. They're open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the summer and serve up great appetizers and entrees.

Check out dining options in Bolton Landing >>

Get a Taste of Bolton's Craft Beverage Scene

Spend a relaxing afternoon strolling along the picturesque streets and stopping to sample the local craft beverage scene. We recommend a refreshing ale and some snacks at the Bolton Landing Brewing Company. They have a large patio and a comfortable indoor bar and dining area for customers.

Browse Unique Businesses Along Lake Shore Drive

Bolton's main thoroughfare, Lake Shore Drive, is lined with unique shops and restaurants. There are tons of stores where you can pick up gifts and souvenirs. Shop for clothing and beachwear, books, antiques, home decor, and Lake George-themed merchandise.

Begin your shopping journey at Happy Jacks, a fun surf shop that offers swimwear, apparel, funky gifts, and more. Continue your adventure at The Indian Tepee Gift Shop, where they have a wide variety of different gifts, including jewelry, apparel, local Lake George and Adirondack souvenirs, and more. Don't forget to stop by American Oak Distillery to sample and purchase delicious spirits crafted right in the Adirondack region.

Soak in the Natural Beauty at Outdoor Attractions

Explore the Treetops at an Aerial Adventure Course

Zip, swing, and climb on a fun yet challenging aerial adventure course. Great for kids ages 6 and up, Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course was founded in 2007 as the first of its kind in the US. They offer several treetop courses, including ones for adults and older kids that feature more than 100 obstacles and as many as 15 ziplines. For younger children, they also have two designated courses and a playground, so the whole family can enjoy this adventure.

Hike a Picturesque Adirondack Mountain

The Southern Adirondacks offer many options for hiking. The Pinnacle and Cat Mountain are both maintained by the Lake George Land Conservancy and are great places to visit. The Pinnacle (pictured above) is the easiest and shortest, offering spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains for only a 1.5 mile hike to the top. Cat Mountain also offers awesome views, although the trail is longer and more challenging.

Surround Yourself with Butterflies

Up Yonda Farm is an Environmental Education Center that offers public nature programs, exhibits, and nature trails. Their butterfly garden, open June through September, is a magical way to view all stages of butterfly life.

Visiting Bolton Landing is an excellent way to experience Lake George. Make the most of your trip by checking out each of these fun activities.

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