New Yorkers, take note — there’s a dreamy mountainous downtown hiding upstate, and it just got a national spotlight.
Downtown Lake Placid recently got some major love — WorldAtlas named it one of the best downtowns in the entire country, ranking it alongside places like Bar Harbor, Maine and Caramel By The Sea, California.
And honestly? They nailed it.
Right in the heart of the Adirondacks, Lake Placid’s downtown is straight out of a postcard: cozy cafés, mountain views, indie shops, lakeside strolls, and no shortage of charm.
It’s the kind of place where you can kayak in the morning, browse vinyl in the afternoon, and grab dinner with a view of Mirror Lake — all without leaving Main Street.
During the summer, you’ll find live music on the lawn, lakeside yoga, farmers markets, gondola rides, Olympic history, and more hiking trails than you can count. It’s the ultimate summer weekend trip.
WorldAtlas picked their top downtowns based on walkability, charm, scenery, community events, and that it factor. Lake Placid checks every box.
The best things to do in Lake Placid’s downtown this summer
Once you’re in town, here’s what not to miss:
- Walk Main Street: Pop into locally-owned bookstores, wine shops, and vintage boutiques with views of Mirror Lake around every turn.
- Grab a scoop at Emma’s Lake Placid Creamery: This pastel-painted ice cream shop is a summer staple.
- Hit the Lake Placid Pub & Brewery: Chill with a locally brewed Ubu Ale on the rooftop deck.
- Catch live music at Mid’s Park: Free lakeside concerts go down every week in July and August — bring a blanket.
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard on Mirror Lake: Launch right from town and float your worries away.
- Ride the gondola at Whiteface Mountain: The views? Insane. And it’s just a short drive from downtown.
- Snap a pic with the Olympic flame: This town hosted two Winter Olympics — you’ll find fun nods to that all over.
The best Downtowns in America, according to WorldAtlas
- Fernandina Beach, Florida
- Concord, North Carolina
- Bar Harbor, Maine
- Carmel By The Sea, California
- Lake Placid, New York
- Williams, Arizona
- Covington, Kentucky
- Deadwood, South Dakota
- Montpelier, Vermont
How to get to Lake Placid, NY from NYC
Getting to Lake Placid from New York City is easier than you’d think! Here are a few travel options for a summer getaway:
- By Car: The most direct (and easiest) way — take I-87 North to Exit 30, then follow Route 73 straight into Lake Placid. The drive takes about 5 hours, depending on traffic. Bonus: scenic mountain views on the way.
- By Train + Shuttle: Take Amtrak to Westport Station, then hop on a shuttle service run by the Essex County Transportation Department to Lake Placid. It’s slower, but equally gorgeous.
- By Bus: Trailways runs direct buses from NYC to Lake Placid daily — it’s affordable, comfy, and drops you right near downtown.