There’s something unmistakably special about summer in Saranac Lake. The village feels brighter, the days stretch a little longer, and the outdoors becomes part of every experience. Start your morning with coffee downtown, spend the afternoon paddling across Adirondack waters, explore a local festival, farmers market, or gallery event, and return to a historic hotel that feels beautifully connected to the spirit of the village.
At Hotel Saranac, the best of an Adirondack summer is right at your doorstep, our hotel places guests close to local shops, galleries, dining, live music, lakes, trails, and seasonal events. With historic 1920s architecture, Adirondack-inspired design, inviting rooms and suites, on-site dining, a spa and salon, a local artisan gift and boutique shop, and an outdoor terrace with mountain views and a fire pit, Hotel Saranac makes it easy to enjoy summer from morning to night.
Start With the Energy of Downtown Saranac Lake
One of the best parts of staying in Saranac Lake is how effortlessly connected you feel to the village. Summer brings people outdoors and downtown becomes a natural gathering place for visitors and locals alike. The season includes art shows, live music, markets, community events, and walkable places to explore before or after a day on the water.
The Third Thursday ArtWalks are a perfect example of the village’s creative spirit. Held on select summer evenings, the ArtWalks bring artists, galleries, shops, musicians, and visitors together throughout downtown Saranac Lake. It is the kind of event that feels personal and local, with plenty of time to browse, listen, meet artists, and enjoy the village at a relaxed pace.
Saturday mornings also bring the Saranac Lake Farmers Market to Riverside Park during the warmer months. Guests can explore local produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses, handmade products, and Adirondack-crafted items from area farmers and artisans. It is a simple and memorable way to experience the region’s flavors before heading out for the day.
Spend the Day on the Water
Saranac Lake is beloved for its laid-back summer spirit, where paddling across calm waters, swimming in the sunshine, and lingering by the lake are all part of the experience. The surrounding waterways invite you to slow down, soak in the scenery, and embrace the simple joys of an Adirondack summer. The area is known for its lakes and connected waterways, with Upper, Middle, and Lower Saranac Lake linked by the Saranac River. Kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding are all popular ways to explore the region, whether we are planning a quiet morning paddle or a longer day trip through classic Adirondack scenery.
For guests who want an easy swim, Lake Colby Beach sits just north of downtown Saranac Lake and offers a family-friendly public beach setting. The surrounding area also includes several lakes and swimming spots where summer days can unfold at their own pace. Time on the water is part of what makes a visit here feel different. It allows us to slow down, breathe in the mountain air, and enjoy the quiet beauty that defines the Adirondacks.
After a day outside, returning to Hotel Saranac’s rooms and suites feel especially rewarding. Our hotel offers a comfortable downtown home base where guests can recharge before dinner, drinks, or another evening out in the village.
Make Music and Festivals Part of the Trip
Summer in Saranac Lake is also a season of live music. Local venues and outdoor events help fill the calendar with performances that feel relaxed, welcoming, and easy to enjoy. Music on the Green brings Wednesday evening concerts to Riverside Park in July and August, giving visitors another reason to spend time outside in the heart of the village. Party on the Patio at Waterhole Music Lounge also adds free outdoor live music to the seasonal calendar on Thursday evenings.
Throughout June and July, guests can also enjoy an exciting lineup of live music performances without ever leaving our hotel. June brings singer-songwriter John Warhol to the Historic Great Hall, while the Terrace Music Series invites guests to unwind every Friday evening with live music overlooking Main Street. July continues the celebration with performances from Austin of The In-Laws, Andy Walkow, Jae Dani, and Keil Love, each bringing their own unique sound to the Historic Great Hall. The hotel also hosts the Historic Adirondack Guideboat Museum event, offering visitors a chance to experience local history alongside the summer festivities!
Together, these events make a summer stay feel even more memorable, giving guests easy ways to enjoy music, culture, and local charm right from the heart of Hotel Saranac.
Dine, Unwind, and Settle Into the Adirondack Spirit
Hotel Saranac makes it easy to end the day without leaving the comfort of the hotel. Campfire, our signature restaurant, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and was inspired by the Great Camps of the Adirondacks. The menu focuses on locally sourced fare and thoughtfully crafted cocktails, creating a dining experience that feels rooted in the region. For a pre-dinner drinks or a relaxed nightcap, The Great Hall Bar offers one of the hotel’s most memorable settings. Designed after the Davanzati Palace in Florence, the Great Hall brings historic charm, warm design, shareable plates, and a strong sense of atmosphere to the evening.
Guests can also make time for restoration at Ampersand Spa, browse local treasures at Academy & Main, or enjoy the outdoor terrace with mountain views and a fire pit. These amenities make a summer getaway feel like so much more than a place to stay. They bring together adventure, comfort, and local character, creating a true Adirondack experience from start to finish.
Let Hotel Saranac Be Your Summer Home Base
A summer visit to Saranac Lake can be as active or as relaxed as you want it to be. Fill the days with paddling, swimming, hiking, music, art, and local markets, or slow things down with good food, spa time, live music at the hotel, and evenings by the fire pit. The beauty of the season is that there is room for both.
We place guests in the center of it all with historic charm, modern comfort, downtown walkability, locally inspired dining, and easy access to the Adirondack outdoors. Whether we are planning a weekend escape, a midweek retreat, or a longer summer stay, our hotel offers the perfect home base for festivals, outdoor adventures, and lakeside living in Saranac Lake.