This beloved New York lake destination was named one of the best in the U.S.
Move over, Tahoe. Step aside, Michigan. New York's own Lake George has been crowned one of the best lakes in the U.S., according to USA Today's 2025 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. Snagging the No. 3 spot on the national list, the 'Queen of American Lakes' proves that a centuries-old getaway in the southern Adirondacks still knows how to draw a crowd.
Stretching 32 miles long and dotted with more than 170 islands, Lake George is no stranger to summer stardom. It's a rare hybrid: equal parts historic landmark, nature-lover's paradise and upscale resort scene. Millionaires' Row may not host Gilded Age heiresses anymore, but its grand lakefront homes—some transformed into luxe inns or restaurants—still lend the shoreline a timeless glamour.
Lake George's appeal isn't just in its postcard-perfect views (though it certainly has those, thanks to the surrounding peaks and famously clear waters). This lake offers all the warm-weather fixings: think kayaking to hidden coves, cliff-jumping at Peggy's Point, tubing behind a pontoon or boarding a classic steamboat cruise at sunset. And when the air gets crisp, fall foliage hikes and apple cider doughnuts take the reins.
The area's historic cred is no footnote either. From its role in the French and Indian War to Thomas Jefferson's glowing 1791 review (he called it 'the most beautiful water I ever saw'), Lake George has long held a place in American lore. And today, it fuels more than $2 billion annually in tourism revenue for the region.
For New Yorkers itching to escape the city, it's a four-hour drive to Adirondack serenity—or just long enough to feel like a true vacation. Whether you're camping on an island, sipping rosé at The Sagamore or browsing the outlets between dips, Lake George makes its case as a lake for everyone.
Still need convincing? Just ask the readers who voted it into the country's top three. They know what generations of travelers have discovered: You don't have to go west to find one of the best lake escapes in America.
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