Outdoor Activities Archives - Surfside On The Lake

Apr 01 2026

The Top Lake George Area Beaches to Visit in Summer

If your idea of the perfect New York summer vacation includes relaxing at the beach, boating on the lake, and hiking mountain trails, then look no further than Lake George in the Adirondacks. Soak up the sun on the private beach at Surfside on the Lake and enjoy swimming, paddling, and sunbathing. Then, pack your beach bag and check out all the amazing Lake George beaches nearby, including Million Dollar Beach and Shepard Park Beach.

Private Beach at Surfside on the Lake

Enjoy summer fun at the private beach at Surfside on the Lake. Our beach extends around 230 feet and is located directly on the shores of Lake George. Take advantage of all these activities available at our beach:

Relax on the sandy shoreline. We have beach chairs available for your enjoyment!
Cool down and go swimming in the lake.
Reserve a time slot for our kayaks or paddle boards, and launch from the beach for a scenic paddling adventure.
Bring buckets and build sandcastles.
Use our BBQ grills and have a family grill out at the beach.

Million Dollar Beach

Amenities: Bath house, lifeguards, food concessions, adjacent boat launch, volleyball court, picnic tables, grills.

Million Dollar Beach, also known as Lake George Beach, is the largest and most popular beach in town. Spanning 51 acres, it offers plenty of space for everyone to spread out. If you are driving to this beach, you will have to pay for parking. Otherwise, it’s just over a mile from our hotel and an easy walk.

Shepard Park Beach

Amenities: Public restrooms, lifeguard, public fishing dock, and amphitheater.

Shepard Park Beach is a small 350-foot sandy beach in the heart of Lake George Village. Relax on the sandy shoreline in the afternoon and stick around for free summer concerts and fireworks in the evening. Walk to this Lake George Beach from our hotel just minutes away.

Usher Park Beach

Amenities: Picnic tables, lifeguard, grills, two pavilions, playground equipment, tennis court, basketball court, and restrooms.

If you are looking for a quieter option the whole family can enjoy, Usher Park Beach is the place for you. The water is much shallower here than at other local beaches, making it ideal for families with young children.

Book Your Summer Vacation in Lake George, NY

Book your lodging at Surfside on the Lake and access Lake George beaches right at our lakefront hotel. Hang out at our private beach and discover even more fun on-site with hotel amenities like an outdoor pool, sun deck, playground, and restaurant. Head up to our Rooftop Cabana Bar and Restaurant for delicious lunch, dinner, and cocktails while overlooking the water. Check out our Lake George hotel room options and reserve your summer trip with us today!

Jan 05 2026

Plan Ahead for Your Family Summer Vacation in Lake George

For many families, visiting Lake George in the summer is an annual tradition. Because Lake George is such a popular summer destination, accommodations fill up quickly. Start planning your summer vacation now and secure your preferred dates and rooms at Surfside on the Lake well in advance. Let Surfside on the Lake be your home base for the perfect family summer vacation in Lake George!

Benefits of Planning Your Summer Vacation Early

Better Room Selection

To get the rooms you want on your preferred dates, we recommend booking with us as soon as possible. This is especially important if you plan to visit during popular weekends like the 4th of July or Memorial Day, since these dates fill up quickly.

Flexibility for Planning Your Trip

When your lodging is secured in advance, it’s easier to build the rest of your vacation around it. You will have plenty of time to coordinate your time off, plan activities, and book any reservations.

Peace of Mind

Knowing your Lake George getaway is already reserved allows you to relax and look forward to the summer months. Knowing that summer days at the lake are on the horizon will get you through the cold winter months. Book ahead and avoid the last-minute stress of vacation planning.

Things to Do During Your Lake George Summer Vacation

Here’s what you have to look forward to this summer in Lake George:

Hang out at Surfside’s private beach and take our stand-up paddleboard, kayaks, or paddleboats on the water for a fun paddling adventure.
Grab a cocktail at Surfside’s Rooftop Cabana Bar and enjoy your drink with a view of Lake George.
Cool down with fun watersports like parasailing, jet skiing, lazy river tubing, and boating.
Take the kids to amusement parks like Lake George Expedition Park and enjoy exhilarating rides for the whole family.
Visit Shepard Park for live music and fireworks throughout the summer.
Cool down with a scoop of ice cream from a local ice cream parlor.
Hike or bike the region’s nature trails and explore the natural beauty of the Adirondacks.
Go fishing on Lake George and catch lake trout, salmon, and smallmouth bass. Head out on your own or book a fishing charter with a local guide.

Book Your Family Summer Vacation in Lake George

What are you waiting for? Secure your spot at Surfside on the Lake and join us for a memorable family summer vacation in Lake George, NY. Browse our Lake George hotel rooms and find the perfect accommodations for your summer stay!

Mar 13 2024

Plan a Spring Getaway in Lake George, New York

Lake George offers a four-season vacation destination, offering something for everyone year-round. Experience the magic of spring in New York and head to Lake George for whitewater rafting, hiking, golfing, and fishing! Stay with Surfside on the Lake and discover all the fantastic things to do in the Lake George Area this spring:

Whitewater Rafting

Due to the snowmelt, spring is the best time for whitewater rafting in the Lake George Area. Starting mid-April, you can sign up for trips along the Hudson River Gorge with companies like Wild Waters Outdoor Center.

Spring Hiking

Lace-up your shoes and embark on a spring hike in Lake George. Enjoy the mild temperatures, witness blooming wildflowers, and take in views of the Adirondack Mountains. The Lake George Wild Forest offers 72,500 acres of outdoor recreation opportunities, including the Lake Shore Trail, which is great for the springtime!

If you want a good trail to see flora and fauna, we recommend Meadowbrook Preserve in Queensbury!

Go Ziplining

Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course re-opens its treetop obstacle course and zipline park in mid-April. There are six adventure courses, increasing in difficulty as you progress. For, example courses 1-4 include 60 obstacles and 14 ziplines. See the Adirondacks from a new perspective this spring!

Golfing

Play a round of golf this spring at Top of the World Golf Resort, offering 18 challenging holes with Adirondack views. Enjoy reduced green fees during the spring. Discover even more golfing opportunities at The Sagamore and the Queensbury Country Club!

Fishing

The Queen of American Lakes offers fantastic year-round fishing opportunities to catch trout, landlocked salmon, and smelt. Check out the most popular fishing spots here and cast your line in Lake George this spring!

Stay with Us During Spring in Lake George, New York

Experience spring in New York and book your Lake George getaway with Surfside on the Lake! We offer 154 hotel rooms to fit a wide variety of budgets and needs. Enjoy room amenities such as full bathtubs, small refrigerators, coffee makers, microwaves, hairdryers, and soap amenities. Browse our collection of Lake George hotel rooms and find the perfect lodging for your spring getaway today!

Aug 15 2022

Fall Activities: Attend the Adirondack Balloon Festival

Fall is right around the corner in Lake George, which can only mean that the sky will soon be dotted with colorful hot air balloons. The Adirondack Balloon Festival is a tradition in Warren County that has attracted balloonists and visitors for nearly 50 years! Not only will vibrant balloons travel past the Adirondack Mountains there will also be food vendors, craft fairs, live music, and fun children’s activities. Stay with us at Surfside on the Lake and join us for this one-of-a-kind fall event near Lake George!

General Information

The Adirondack Balloon Festival is a free event that attracts upwards of 150,000 people! For those who have never attended the festival, we’d like to share some general information on where to go and what to bring.

Balloon flights occur just after sunrise or close to sunset. Visit the Adirondack Balloon Festival Facebook page for updates on scheduled flights.
There are two locations where flights start. This includes Floyd Bennet Memorial Airport in Queensbury and Crandall Park in Glens Falls.
Pets, drones, and smoking are not allowed on festival grounds.
Keep in mind that balloon flights are weather dependent, and they will not fly if it is rainy or too windy.
We recommend dressing in layers; since September weather in the Adirondacks can be unpredictable.
Feel free to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and coolers for extra comfort.

What to Expect at Adirondack Balloon Festival

Every year the festival is a bit different, but there are several reoccurring events that visitors look forward to every year:

Downtown Glen Falls kicks off the celebration with an annual block party. This event will include a display of balloon baskets and a car show for you to stroll through. There will also be kids’ activities, food, and live music!
The ZONTA craft fair will return to the festival
Every year, there is a night flight where hot air balloons will ascend, lit up by the moon’s soft glow. Don’t forget to bring your flashlights!
Additional activities include food vendors, a craft fair, an aircraft display, rock climbing walls, fireworks, and much more!

Adirondack Hotel Rooms for the Balloon Festival

The Adirondack Balloon Festival is right around the corner, so make sure you book your room with Surfside on the Lake now! We are located on the shores of Lake George, offering the perfect lake-cation for your Adirondack getaway. Take advantage of our private beach, and don’t forget to enjoy the view from our Rooftop Cabana Bar. Browse our collection of 150 rooms and suites, and book your fall vacation today!

Jun 15 2022

Summer Activities: Lake George Boat Cruises

Summers in Lake George are spectacular, with endless ways to get on the water and discover the largest lake in the Adirondacks. Affectionately known as the “Queen of American Lakes,” the 32-mile body of water has long attracted families looking for summer fun. One of our favorite ways to explore Lake George during the summer is on a boat cruise where families can sightsee and learn about the area’s fascinating history. Lake George boat cruises can also cater to families with little ones with fun pirate-themed trips and summer fireworks. Stay with us at Surfside on the Lake and plan your lake-cation today!

Lake George Steamboat Company

The Lake George Steamboat Company has a long and storied history in New York, founded in 1817. Today they continue to use three ships for sightseeing and fun lake cruises. The Mohican is the oldest continuously operated tour boat in America, which began in 1908. The Mohican offers family-oriented dinner cruises along with trips into Paradise Bay and the Islands of the Narrows.

The second cruise ship is the Lac du Saint Sacrement, offering fantastic sightseeing and dinner cruises. Each trip will include live entertainment, captain narrations, and a snack and cocktail bar. Finally, Minne-Ha-Ha offers cruises on one of the last steam paddle ships in America. The cruise options are excellent for families with short one-hour trips and a pirate cruise on the weekends. You can find all the cruises available with Lake George Steamboat Company here.

Shoreline Cruises

Shoreline Cruises is another popular option for Lake George boat cruises. Their most popular trip is the Historic Sightseeing Cruise, where guests will embark on a one-hour trip through the past. Learn about historical events like the Revolutionary War and the influential people that settled on Millionaire’s Row.

Another favorite option for summer in Lake George is the Fireworks Dinner Cruise. You will board the Adirondac and head out into the water to view a spectacular fireworks display. They also have a Family Firework Cruise aboard the Horicon, which is only a short one-hour trip. Discover all the Shoreline Cruises available on Lake George here.

Tiki Tours

Tiki Tours offers a unique boating experience on Lake George! Tike Tours offers lake trips on a thatch-covered tiki boat that can hold up to twelve passengers. This is a fun option for families and friends looking for a unique water experience in Lake George.

Lakefront Hotels in Lake George, NY

Set sail this summer and spend an afternoon exploring the Adirondacks with Lake George boat cruises. Stay directly on Lake George when you choose Surfside on the Lake to host your getaway. Continue to explore the water on your own with our beach recreation rentals like kayaks and paddle boards. Browse our rooms and suites and start planning your summer escape to Lake George today!

May 06 2022

Summer Vacation at Our Lake George Family Resort

Summer is on the horizon, and now is the best time to start planning your family getaway in Lake George. And if you are searching for Lake George family resorts, look no further than Surfside on the Lake. Our Adirondack hotel offers many amenities for families, from our children’s playground to our private beach where you can splash in the water all summer long. We also provide a guest savings program where your family can save money on various activities and attractions in town. We can’t wait to welcome you to our family resort this summer, from our Surfside family to yours!

Lake George Family Resorts: Surfside on the Lake

Surfside on the Lake is an excellent destination for families visiting Lake George. We have everything your family needs this summer with our convenient amenities, on-site restaurant, and spacious hotel rooms.

We have a private 230-foot sandy beach where you can rent one of our paddle boats, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards.
Utilize our BBQ grills for summer grill-outs at the beach
Cool off from the summer heat in our outdoor pool
The kiddos can play all day long at our on-site playground
We have a rooftop bar and restaurant where you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake George with your favorite cocktail. We even have kiddy cocktails and fruit smoothies for our younger guests!
Reserve a pontoon with Lake George Boat Rentals for even more fun on the water together!

Discounts on Lake George Family Activities

Our Lake George family resort offers a Guest Savings Program so your family can easily save money on activities during your vacation.

We offer $5 off per person at Tubby Tubes, where you can join lazy river tubing on the Hudson River.
Sign up for a treetop adventure at Adirondack Extreme and save $3 per person. The courses include rock walls, walking bridges, and ziplines for all ages.
Parasailing is a fantastic family activity for your vacation. Soar high above the lake with Parasail Joe’s and save $10 on each ride.
The Fun Spot offers unlimited fun in Lake George for families. Their attractions include an arcade, go-carts, mini-golf, arcade games, virtual reality, and roller skating. Surfside guests can buy one admission at full price, and you will receive the second ticket at half price!
Learn something new together at the World Awareness Children’s Museum. Children can learn about cultures worldwide through their collection of hands-on exhibits. Our guests will receive $1 on their admission price.

The Perfect Family Vacation in Lake George

Surfside on the Lake offers the perfect escape for families vacationing in the Adirondacks this summer. Our Lake George family resort has 154 hotel rooms to fit all budgets and needs. Small families can choose our North Wing Room with two queen beds, and we recommend our suites for larger families. Many of our suites come with three queen beds and private patios or balconies. We can’t wait to welcome you to our family resort this summer!

Apr 15 2022

Try Adirondack Horseback Riding near Lake George

Now that spring has sprung in the Lake George Area, now is the perfect time to get outside and try something new! The snow on the trails is melting, opening the way for endless outdoor adventures in the Adirondacks. One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the mountains is by horseback riding in Lake George. Several stables in the area offer guided trail rides through the most scenic regions of Upstate NY. Surfside on the Lake provides a fantastic lodging option right on the shores of the Queen of American Lakes. It’s time to saddle up in Lake George and immerse yourself in the Adirondacks with a horseback riding adventure!

Saddle Up Stables

Saddle Up Stables has been guiding family-friendly horseback rides in Lake George for over 75 years! They offer one-hour rides that wind through the mountains and under the canopy of ancient forests. The trail guides will choose the right horse based on your size and ability to ensure everyone has a fun and successful ride. The minimum age for horseback riding is seven, but kids of all ages are welcome to sign up for Pony Rides.

Trail rides begin in late June and end in mid-September.

Circle B Ranch

Circle B Ranch is a short drive from Lake George in nearby Chestertown. They have three scenic trail ride options through the Adirondack Mountains. The Beaver Dam Trail is one hour, while the Circle Mountain & Valley Trail is a two-hour ride. They also have a unique Picnic Lunch Ride for groups of six or more who want a delicious lunch included with their ride. To reserve your trail ride, call 518-494-4888.

Horseback riding begins in mid-May through the fall.

Mountain View Rocking B Ranch

Experience horseback riding near Lake George with Mountain View Rocking B Ranch. The one-hour trail ride will take you past mountain views, streams, and blooming wildflowers. Or start your morning on the trails with the Good Mornin’ Breakfast Ride Package. The hearty breakfast includes bacon, eggs, biscuits, fruit, juice, and coffee. And if you are not a morning person, you can signup for the three-hour Sunset Dinner Package Ride!

Open from May- to mid-October.

Horseback Riding in Beautiful Lake George

Horseback riding near Lake George offers a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience during your getaway. Gather the family, saddle up, and experience the fresh mountain air on the Adirondack trails. At Surfside on the Lake, we are preparing our seasonal activities and rooftop restaurant. Our Cabana Bar and Restaurant will re-open on Memorial Day, and our pool and on-site watercrafts are available in June. Start planning your Adirondack vacation in beautiful Lake George today!