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Beaches in the Adirondacks

You don’t have to be at the ocean to enjoy beautiful beaches in New York State. Just head to the Adirondacks, where sandy lakeshores create perfect public beaches for visitors and locals alike. Soak up the sun, build a sandcastle, take a dip, and enjoy the beautiful mountain views. Most beaches in the Adirondacks are lifeguarded during the summer, making for safe and fun spots for families and friends.

Million Dollar Beach on Lake George

Public Beaches to Visit

Lake Clear Public Beach

With a 2,000-foot sandy beach and easy access to the water, locals and visitors alike choose Lake Clear Public Beach as their go-to swimming spot. The beach, which is great for families, is located on Lake Clear, approximately 1.2 miles north of the junction of Route 30 and Route 186.

Long Lake Public Beach

Enjoy views of the Seward Mountain Range while swimming at Long Lake Public Beach, located off of Route 30. The sandy beach offers a roped-off swimming area with lifeguards, along with two floating docks, a rope swing, slide, and trampoline. With kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, and boat rentals, as well as restaurants within walking distance, there are endless opportunities for fun at Long Lake Public Beach. You can even watch seaplanes take off and land throughout the day!

Lake Placid Beach on Mirror Lake

In the heart of downtown Lake Placid you’ll find Lake Placid Beach, located on Mirror Lake. One of the best Adirondack lakes for swimming, Mirror Lake has ideal conditions for swimmers, as gas-powered motors are not permitted. The combination of the sandy beach and the expansive swimming area makes it an idyllic destination!

Lake Colby Beach

Located off of Route 86 in Saranac Lake, Lake Colby Beach—also known as Saranac Lake Village Beach—is home to a swimming area, play area, and a sandy beach. During the summer season, there are lifeguards on duty, and public restrooms on-site.

Little Wolf Beach

Play in the sand and have fun in the water at Little Wolf Beach, one of the longest beaches in the Adirondacks. Located in Tupper Lake and along Little Wolf Pond, the beach is an ideal spot for families—there are lifeguards on duty, a toddler swimming dock, a large floating dock with a rope swing and trampoline, public restrooms, and more!

Million Dollar Beach

Popular Adirondack destination, Lake George, hosts ample swimming spots, but one of the best is Million Dollar Beach, also known as Lake George Beach. Located in downtown Lake George, Million Dollar Beach features 51 acres of sandy shoreline, incredible views of the lake, and has lifeguards on duty. Grab a snack at the concessions building for a picnic on the beach!

Shepard Park Beach

Another go-to beach in Lake George is Shepard Park Beach, located near several shops and restaurants. Shepard Park Beach features a sandy beach, swimming area with lifeguards, and public restrooms. Near the beach, watch a free concert at the park’s amphitheater or relax on the lawn.

Speculator Public Beach

Find views of surrounding mountains, a sandy beach, and refreshing water at the Speculator Public Beach, located along Route 30 in the town of Speculator. With a roped-off swimming area, a lifeguard on duty, and a floating raft to swim to, the Speculator Public Beach is great for all ages.

Malone Memorial Recreational Park

Swim to a large floating raft in the swimming area at Malone Memorial Recreational Park, located near downtown Malone. After enjoying a swim in Rotary Lake, head to the nearby hiking trails for continued exploration in the park.

Schroon Lake Town Beach

Find serenity at the Schroon Lake Town Beach. The sandy beach located along a pristine lake, surrounded by mountains will make you want to spend all of your warm-weather days there! With a roped off swimming area, lifeguards on duty, a floating dock to swim to, and a nearby playground, Schroon Lake Town Beach is great for all ages, and may even be one of the best places to swim in the Adirondacks.

Black Point Beach

Bring your family to Black Point Beach, located along the northern part of Lake George in Ticonderoga. Known for its “million-dollar view,” Black Point Beach offers views of the lake and Rogers Rock. The beach is also home to a playground, picnic area, and restrooms.

Town of Clifton Beach Park

Along the shores of Cranberry Lake, you’ll find Clifton Beach Park. The sandy beach has a small swimming area with a lifeguard on duty and plenty of picnic space to enjoy a snack in the sun.

Plattsburgh City Beach

Located just a few miles from downtown Plattsburgh, the Plattsburgh City Beach is one of the largest freshwater beaches in the United States—offering more than a mile of sandy beach along Lake Champlain, a swimming area, as well as spectacular lake and mountain views. The family-friendly beach also features picnic tables, a concession stand, kayak rentals, and bathrooms.

Point Au Roche State Park

Home to a protected sandy beach and miles of nature trails, Point Au Roche State Park is a top destination for beachgoers and outdoor explorers alike. Located along Lake Champlain, Point Au Roche State Park offers beautiful lake views, and recreational activities like boating, fishing, volleyball, biking, and hiking.

Secret Adirondack Swimming Holes