Nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid, isn’t just a winter wonderland. Set amidst a backdrop of shimmering blue lakes and verdant mountains, it’s a summer paradise perfect for a girls’ getaway filled with laughter, adventure, and much-needed pampering. This charming town, famous for hosting the Winter Olympics twice, is ideal for reconnecting with friends and exploring new places.

Whether you’re chasing sunsets, mountain adventures, or spa days, Lake Placid delivers an unforgettable escape. By trip’s end, you’ll head home refreshed, with memories and a few selfies that’ll last a lifetime. So, pack your bags — Lake Placid is calling!

The Great Outdoors, Adirondack-style

The Lake Placid area boasts hiking trails that cater to all levels, from easy, scenic strolls around Mirror Lake in downtown Lake Placid and Little Cherry Patch Pond a stone’s throw away, to more challenging treks up Mount Jo for panoramic views of the High Peaks. Also, check out Cobble Hill, the Brewster Peninsula trails, and Heaven Hill trails, which are good for beginners.

You won’t want to miss High Falls Gorge, a privately owned nature park in nearby Wilmington, NY. Your 30-minute walk on well-groomed trails takes you across steel bridges and walkways, where you’ll experience the narrow granite-walled gorge and four spectacular waterfalls up close. There are several benches along the way where you can stop, relax, and soak in the stunning views.

Another not-to-miss experience is a drive on Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway (typically open June through October) to the summit elevator. A short walk through a tunnel inside the mountain leads you to the elevator that takes you to the mountain top, where you enter a stone summit building constructed from native rock and take in a 360-degree panoramic view of the mountains and valleys, with views that can include the Great Range on clear days. Take a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the designated picnic tables along the drive to the summit.

Olympic Heritage

While you’re in Lake Placid, check out the Lake Placid Olympic Center, where gold medals have been won. It includes public skating rinks and hosts events throughout the year. It is also home to the historic “Miracle on Ice” semifinal game where a U.S. team of amateur college players defeated the defending gold-medalist Soviet Union 4 to 3.

For an adrenaline rush, head to the Mt Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex for a summer bobsled ride. It runs on a concrete track using specially designed wheeled bobsleds, delivering a heart-pounding experience that’ll have you all bonding over the thrill. If you’re up for something a little tamer, ride the Cliffside Coaster, the longest of its kind in North America.

Shop & Dine

Spend an afternoon browsing in the quaint shops lining Main Street, which has a village feel. You’ll find unique shops for clothing, rustic decor, outdoor adventure equipment, as well as galleries and jewelry stores.

Dining in Lake Placid is a treat. From cozy cafes serving soft-serve ice cream cones (a summer essential!) to upscale, farm-driven menus at local restaurants, you’ll savor every bite. On a gorgeous day, I love to take a break and linger over lunch and a glass of wine at The Cottage at Mirror Lake. Perched on the shore of Mirror Lake, the peaceful water view shimmers against a backdrop of surrounding Adirondack peaks.

Pampering Day Spas & Wellness Centers

No girls’ trip is complete without relaxing spa treatments like massages and facials to melt away lingering stress. A few TripAdvisor favorites include Mirror Lake Inn’s spa. In addition to traditional spa treatments, it offers float therapy in a warm, highly concentrated Epsom salt solution and salt therapy, with micro-particles of pharmaceutical-grade salt dispersed into the air.

After hiking and walking around town, consider Adirondack Foot Sanctuary’s foot soaks, lower leg and foot massage, pedicures, energy work, and more. Balanced Bodywork and Massage of Lake Placid offers expert massage with customized treatments, aromatherapy, and hot steam packs.