Nestled in the heart of New York’s breathtaking Adirondack Mountains, Saranac Lake is a hidden gem that’s brimming with small-town charm, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re drawn to its crystal-clear lakes, vibrant arts scene, or historic downtown, Saranac Lake offers something special for every kind of traveler. Spending one day in Saranac Lake will give you a
If you’ve only got one day to explore, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! From serene morning moments by the water to afternoons filled with unique shops, local flavors, and outdoor adventures, this guide will help you make the most of your time in this enchanting mountain town.
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Quick Summary
- Origin Coffee Co.
- Lake Flower
- Paddleboarding on Lower Saranac Lake
- Explore Middle and Upper Saranac Lake
- Saranac Laboratory Museum
- Campfire Restaurant
Morning: Origin Coffee Co. & Lake Flower
Grab Coffee at Origin Coffee Co.
Location: 77 Main St, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Time Spent Here: 1-2 hours
Hours: 7:00 am – 2:00 pm
Start your day in Saranac Lake by heading to a very popular coffee shop, Origin Coffee Company. This small business offers handcrafted coffees, lattes, teas, and more.
For something to eat, try their avocado toast, breakfast burritos, or breakfast sandwiches. If visiting later in the day, you can always go with a gourmet panini.
For something sweet, they offer freshly baked goods like muffins, cinnamon rolls, and savory croissants.
Origin coffee is a staple of Saranac Lake and a space for locals and travelers to connect within the beautiful town. This business prides itself on being about community, quality, and uncommon hospitality.
For more on the Adirondacks, check out the Indian Head Trail: What to Know Before You Go – Adirondacks High Peaks
Take a Stroll Along Lake Flower
Location: South end of Saranac Lake
Time Spent Here: 1-2 hours
Hours: Accessible year-round
After a cozy breakfast at Origin Coffee, make your way to the south end of Saranac Lake and head to Lake Flower. This 300-acre lake was created by a dam along the Saranac River in 1827.
Follow River Street down toward Lake Flower Avenue. This route allows you to view the lake while being surrounded by the charm of the town.
Paddle on Lower Saranac Lake
Location: Lower Saranac Lake
Time Spent Here: 2 hours
Hours: Summer and Fall, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Once you are finished admiring Lake Flower, head over to Lower Saranac Lake to enjoy one of the best activities in Lake Saranac!
Paddling on Lake Seranac provides an opportunity to get fresh air and exercise while being surrounded by lush forests and mountains.
If you choose to paddle at Lower Saranac, you can expect calmer waters than other lake areas. A Complete paddling trip covers around 6 miles from end to end. If you don’t want to paddle the whole way, just make sure to explore the coves around Crescent Bay.
There are a couple of places that offer gear for paddling:
- St. Regis Canoe Outfitters
- Offers canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs).
- Provides detailed maps and advice on routes.
- Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters
- Known for high-quality equipment and excellent customer service.
- Canoe & Kayak Rentals (Saranac Lake Marina)
- Conveniently located near launch points.
Keep in mind that paddling can only be done in the summer and early fall as Lake Saranac gets very cold during the latter half of the year. If you are visiting in the winter, you can always take the time to take a walk around the lake instead of renting a paddleboard.
For more on the Adirondacks, check out Hiking the Mt. Jo Trail: Full Updated Guide
Mid-Day
Explore Middle and Upper Saranac Lake
Location: West of the town of Saranac Lake
Time Spent Here: 1-2 Hours
Hours: Open Year-round
The middle and upper proportion of Saranac Lake are just as beautiful and can be explored after paddling around Lower Saranac.
Upper Saranac Lake is about 8 miles long and 1 mile wide, with a depth of 50 feet. Middle Saranac Lake is about half the length, and much more shallow, with a maximum depth of 25ft. It is known to be a little more secluded and has some sandy beaches to relax on.
If you want to experience the Saranac Lake chain even more, try island camping within the Saranac Lake Islands. This type of camping is very unique and allows you to be secluded from other people surrounded by the beautiful lake on all four sides!
While exploring Upper Saranac Lake, check out historic sites such as Camp Eagle Island and the famous Saranac Inn Hotel.
For Middle Saranac Lake, check out the Indian Carry Launch at the northern end, and look out for wildlife such as Loons, Bald Eagles, Herons, and Otters.
Visit the Saranac Laboratory Museum
Location: 89 Church St Suite 2, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Time Spent Here: 1 Hour
Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm excluding Holidays
After exploring the famous Saranac Lake chains, head to the Saranac Laboratory Museum to get a glimpse of the fascinating history of the village. The museum was built in 1894 and was the first lab built for the research of tuberculosis. It was converted into a museum in 2009.
The laboratory museum is geared toward scientific research and patient care, with some exhibits on local history.
You can opt for an audio tour and view different short films on the history of the museum in the laboratory.
The Newest exhibit of the museum is the “Pandemic Perspective” exhibit, which opened in 2021. The museum displays an interesting perspective and compares the history of tuberculosis with COVID-19 while sharing insight about living through a pandemic.
Evening: Saranac Inn
Dinner at Campfire
Location: Inside Hotel Saranac: 100 Main St, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Time Spent Here: 1-2 Hours
Hours: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Finally, take time to enjoy a nice dinner at the Campfire Restaurant within Hotel Saranac. This restaurant offers a taste of the local culinary scene. Many of the dishes were inspired by the great camps in the Adirondacks.
The Campfire Grill prides itself on locally sourced fare and thoughtfully crafted cocktails. Many times, the menu at Campfire features seasonal cuisine which changes depending on the time of year. Most of the dishes are farm-to-table with ingredients from local farms.
If available, I recommend trying the grilled trout with mashed potatoes and greens, which were charred perfectly and had a pleasant smoky flavor!
Notable Mentions
Riverside Park
Located on Main and River St, Riverside Park is a community hub for events within Saranac Lake. In the summer, look out for farmers markets often open in the mornings and sell vegetables, meats, and other local goods like honey, coffee, and more. You can also enjoy live music during the daytime, especially on the weekends. There are also some picnic areas and boat launches to enjoy the water.
The Wild Center
If you have the time, take a drive up to 45 Museum Dr. in Tupper Lake, where you can enjoy a 115-acre natural history museum that showcases some of the beauty of the Adirondack wilderness. The Wild Center focuses on interactive experiences within nearby ecosystems.
Some of the activities include an indoor exhibit, live animal encounters, guided canoe trips, and seasonal events.
The wild center is open Friday to Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. They also run a “Wild Lights” event on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 PM to 8 PM. Tickets cost around $25 for adults and $15 for kids.
More Information
Where to Eat in Saranac Lake
In case you want to eat something else, here are some other restaurants to try within Saranac Lake:
Blue Moon Café
- Location: 46 Main St, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
- Serves: Hearty breakfast and lunch options, including omelets, pancakes, and sandwiches.
Left Bank Café
- Location: 36 Broadway, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
- Serves: French-inspired dishes such as crêpes, soups, and beef bourguignon with a riverside ambiance.
Fiddlehead Bistro
- Location: 33 Broadway, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
- Serves: Seasonal and locally sourced global cuisine, offering dishes like duck confit and handmade pasta.
Lakeview Deli
- Location: 137 River St, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
- Serves: Freshly made deli sandwiches, soups, and salads with scenic views of Lake Flower.
Boathouse Saranac Lake Pub
- Location: 250 Lake Flower Ave, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
- Serves: Gastro-pub fare, including burgers, wings, and craft beers, with a fun atmosphere and lakeside views.
Where to Stay Near Saranac Lake
If you have the opportunity to spend the night in this beautiful town, make sure to check out these places to stay:
Hotel Saranac, Curio Collection by Hilton
- Location: 100 Main Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
- Details: A historic hotel offering modern amenities and on-site dining options.
Saranac Waterfront Lodge
- Location: 250 Lake Flower Avenue, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
- Details: Situated on Lake Flower, this lodge provides waterfront views, an indoor pool, and easy access to outdoor activities.
Best Western Saranac Lake
- Location: 487 Lake Flower Avenue, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
- Details: Offers well-appointed rooms, an indoor heated pool, is close to local dining options.
Gauthier’s Saranac Lake Inn
- Location: 488 Lake Flower Avenue, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
- Details: An eco-friendly inn featuring complimentary use of kayaks and bikes.
Kiwassa Lake Bed & Breakfast
- Location: 1150 Kiwassa Lake Road, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
- Details: B&B located on the shores of Kiwassa Lake, offering cozy accommodations and opportunities for canoeing and fishing.
Best Time to visit Saranac Lake, New York
Spring (March to May):
- Average High/Low: 37–66°F (3–19°C) / 15–41°F (-9–5°C)
- Weather: Cool and wet, with snow early in the season and increasing rain by May.
Summer (June to August):
- Average High/Low: 74–79°F (23–26°C) / 50–55°F (10–13°C)
- Weather: Warm days and cool nights, with occasional thunderstorms.
Fall (September to November):
- Average High/Low: 42–70°F (6–21°C) / 24–46°F (-4–8°C)
- Weather: Crisp air with vibrant fall foliage, tapering to frosts, and occasional snow in November.
Winter (December to February):
- Average High/Low: 23–29°F (-5 to -2°C) / 3–13°F (-16 to -11°C)
- Weather: Cold and snowy, ideal for winter sports with frequent sub-zero nights.
Final Thoughts
Saranac Lake is a beautiful small village that is sure to appeal to the hiker, foodie, casual tourist, and anyone in between! This town has a plethora of activities for every season, From summer hikes, to fall leaf, peeping, and winter getaways.
This One Day in Saranac Lake Guide provides a chance to get a taste of what the village has to offer and provides information on some of the best restaurants, hotels, and activities within the town.
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