Queensbury Explore Local With RVshare

Tucked into the shadow of the Adirondack Mountains and awash with a variety of lakes just waiting to be swum, fished, and boated, Queensbury, New York is a one-of-a-kind destination full of things to do and discover, whether you’re a local or a visitor. Here are some of our favorite things to see, do, and explore in Queensbury.

*Note: Some of the suggestions may not be doable due to coronavirus closures, but keep this list handy for when things start opening back up more! Be sure to check individual pages for specific operation details.

Given its close proximity to Lake George, it’s no surprise that there’s an abundance of incredible natural spaces near Queensbury. Here are some of the best state and national parks and preserves to check out in the Queensbury, NY area.

Gurney Lane Recreation Area

A well-equipped, 150-acre day use facility featuring a large 6,200-square-foot pool, playground, basketball half-court, dedicated trails for hikers and cyclists and more, Gurney Lane Recreation Area is a popular destination for both summer and winter activities, such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice pond skating and sledding.

Lake George Battleground State Campground

Along with the campground itself, Lake George Battleground State Campground is also home to the remains of military structures and events that took place here. A self-guided interpretive path with educational information is available just a short walk away, and Lake George Beach, also within walking distance, is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Luzerne State Campground

Both an overnight destination and a day use area, Luzerne State Campground is located on Fourth Lake and is popular for swimming and fishing as well as many different types of boating — canoe rentals are available. The campground offers more than 170 tent and campground sites, hot showers, flush toilets, a dump station, picnic tables, fire rings and more. 

Moreau Lake State Park

A sprawling state park offering more than 4,500 acres of lakeside recreation, Moreau Lake State Park is obviously popular for water-based activities like swimming and boating, but there’s plenty to see and do on land as well. With more than 20 miles of designated trails, this park is popular amongst hikers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers, and the lake is also accessible for ice fishing.

Saratoga Spa State Park

A more developed, urban version of outdoor recreation, Saratoga Spa State Park covers almost 2,400 acres of Saratoga County and is characterized by mineral springs, historical bath and spa houses, and is also home to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Along with achieving state park status in 1962, the park was also declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987 for both its natural and architectural features. 

Whether you’re looking to climb tall mountains or meander along breezy lakeside meadows, there are all sorts of incredible places to get your boots on the ground in Queensbury, New York. 

Hudson Pointe Nature Preserve

An easy hike of a little less than two miles and seeing very little in the way of elevation gain, Hudson Pointe Nature Preserve is a scenic semi-loop trail beloved for its river views and wildlife spotting opportunities. This trail also includes a trip onto a floating dock, which offers a unique perspective on the area.

Rush Pond Trail

Running a little less than five miles altogether and seeing a little less than 300 feet in elevation gain along the way, Rush Pond Trail is an easy-to-moderate hike that will get the blood pumping in your veins without completely exhausting you. Known for its waterside views as well as the beautiful wildflowers that bloom in spring and summer, this trail is also open to well-behaved, leashed dogs.

Van Dusen Preserve Loop

A little more than two miles long and seeing a little more than 500 feet in elevation gain, the Van Dusen Preserve Loop isn’t an easy trail, but it’s not an outrageously strenuous one either. An idyllic walk in the woods whose main climb occurs close to the beginning of the hike, this trip rewards the ambitious with beautiful, dense forest views and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Moreau Lake Overlook via Red Oak Ridge Trail

Scaling nearly 900 feet in its just-over-three-mile round-trip space, the Moreau Lake Overlook via Red Oak Ridge Trail hike is a popular one amongst locals thanks in no small part to its sweeping area views. Along with forest and lake scenes, this trail is also a great spot for bird watching, and is dog-friendly so long as Fido remains on-leash the entire time.

Potash Mountain Trail

The Potash Mountain Trail sees almost 1,000 feet in elevation gain along its three or so miles, meaning it’s certainly not an easy climb. However, for the effort, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of endless green hillsides and Lake Luzerne, not to mention the forest scenery you’ll travel through to get there in the first place.

The Queensbury area offers a wide variety of delicious restaurants and eateries to enjoy. From Mexican to Indian to Italian to whatever else your heart and belly may desire, here are the best places to eat in Queensbury. 

Rene’s

Although technically located in the neighboring community of Glens Falls, Rene’s is an eclectic bistro serving up a range of dishes, many of which with a Tuscan inspiration, that’s well worth the short drive. Masterminded by a European-born chef turned Adirondack native, this place is a go-to for hearty and wholesome appetizers and entrees nightly.

La Cosina Mexicana

Queensbury may be a far cry from the Mexican border, but there are delicious Mexican eats available in town! La Cosina Mexicana is the local go-to for favorites like nachos, tacos, burritos, enchiladas and more, and they also serve delicious Jarritos Mexican Sodas and Mexican Cokes to wash it all down with.

Birch Bark Eatery 

After comforting deli eats like chicken salad or patty melts, but want to do it without having any animal products involved? Birch Bark Eatery is a one-of-a-kind vegan bistro serving healthy, hearty favorites that are entirely plant-based, making it a go-to for the local vegetarian set. (That said, these dishes are good enough that even meat eaters will love them!)

Asia Delight

Looking for the best Asian restaurant in Queensbury? Whether you’re after Chinese or Thai, Asia Delight has you covered. Serving up favorites like hot and sour soup as well as fried rice and dumplings, this spot is known for its broad selection of eastern cuisine, as well as the freshness of its ingredients and friendliness of its service.

Tokyo Steakhouse

It may be called Tokyo Steakhouse, but this Japanese joint is equally renowned for its fresh, authentic sushi, crafted from only the highest quality ingredients on a per-order basis. Those looking for hot dishes will be pleased to learn that a variety of warm favorites, like gyoza, katsu, and tempura are available, along with select Thai and Chinese entrees.

As great as the great outdoors and the great dining in the area may be, there are so many other fun things to do in Queensbury. Whether you’re adventuring as a family, couple, or solo explorer, here are some of our can’t-miss attractions.

For Kids and Families

Bringing the whole fam for the fun? Great news! Here are some of the coolest things for kids (and parents!) of all ages to get into in Queensbury.

The Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor 

As a property owned and operated by Six Flags, you know that The Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor is going to be a rollicking good time for the entire family. From high-flying thrill rides and coasters to more relaxing diversions and entertainment options, you can truly custom create the perfect afternoon (or weekend!) at this theme park.

Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf 

While a full-on golf course might be, well, a lot for a family, mini golf is a fun adventure — and one that even little kids will likely have the attention span to handle. Open seasonally from April through October, Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf is the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon, especially for landlubbers looking for a break from the lakes. 

At Night

Don’t get us wrong: Queensbury is a small town. But that doesn’t mean that everything rolls up its sidewalks as soon as night falls! Here are some of our favorite options for those looking for things to do once the daytime is done.

Glen Drive-In Theater 

Want to combine a classic date night activity with the opportunity to be part of history? The Glen Drive-In Theater originally opened back in 1958, and is still a local favorite known for its affordable and high-quality double features today. Along with the films themselves, this spot is known for its well-stocked snack bar, where you can find all your favorite delicious treats served with a side of smiles.

Lake George Lanes & Games

Even if you think bowling is boring (how?), Lake George Lanes & Games is an excellent place to while away an evening. If you’re not in the mood to bowl, consider one of the many other activities it offers, such as golf simulators, laser tag, and a great arcade. There’s also a delectable on-site bar and grill!

Cheap Things to Do in Queensbury

Don’t want to spend your whole paycheck getting familiar with Queensbury? Good thing you don’t have to. Here are some of our favorite affordable things to do in town.

The Fun Spot

A comprehensive, one-stop shop for family fun, The Fun Spot combines a wide range of activities in one affordable package. Choose from mini golf, go karts, laser tag, roller skating, virtual reality activities and more. The Fun Spot is also a great option for birthday parties and special events, including a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration.

Chapman Historical Museum

As wonderful as it is to meander around Queensbury today, isn’t it intriguing to learn this town’s history? At the Chapman Historical Museum, you can discover all sorts of insider secrets about both Queensbury and the neighboring community of Glens Falls, all for an admission price of just $5 per person (with senior discounts and free children’s entries available).

Free Things to Do in Queensbury

It’s true: there are some wonderful things to do in Queensbury that don’t require spending a single dime. Here are some go-tos.

Lake George

Whether it’s a fun family day at Lake George Recreation Park or a hike to see Shelving Rock Falls or the summit of Sleeping Beauty Mountain, Lake George — the lake itself, not the town — offers an abundance of fun and free outdoor recreation opportunities. In many cases, all you need are your own two eyes (and maybe a pair of hiking boots).

Other Local and Regional Parks

Along with the state parks mentioned above, Queensbury, and its surrounding area, is home to a number of wonderful and inviting local and regional parks, all of which are free to enter and chock full of fun activities. For example, West End Park is known for its kid-friendly playground, while those with pups in tow might want to take a trip to the Lake George Dog Park or Dog Beach. Either way, getting outside is always free and refreshing, no matter what time of year.

Spas in Queensbury

Looking for some “me time”? Everyone needs some R&R now and again, whether it’s been a long week of hiking and exploring or you’re just ready for a personal reset. Here are some of the best day spas and salons in Queensbury to help ensure you’re looking, and feeling, your best.

Body Relief & Spa

Offering massage in a wide range of modalities, from relaxing Swedish massage to deep tissue therapeutic offerings and techniques designed specifically for expecting mothers, Body Relief & Spa is devoted to, as its name suggests, getting you the relief you need — no matter what ails you. Along with these massage offerings, the spot also offers beautifying and restorative skin care, body scrubs and treatments, manicures, pedicures, waxing and so much more.

Total Eclips Salon & Spa

A full-service salon prepared to meet the needs of the entire family, Total Eclips Salon & Spa offers haircuts for men, women, and children, as well as a full slate of color, chemical texturing, and special occasion services. Whether it’s to celebrate a big day, or for Tuesday, this spot will ensure you look your very best! 

Adirondack Salt Cave

Looking for a different kind of spa experience? The Adirondack Salt Cave is a unique oasis where you can experience first-hand the healing power of Himalayan salt. Spend 45 minutes in this salt cave to gain the benefits of an entire week alongside the ocean, and also take advantage of offerings such as massage therapy, yoga classes, story times, and so much more.

Best Gyms & Yoga Studios

Staying in shape can do more than help you look and feel good in your clothes: it can help you feel good in your mind and heart, too. Here are the best spots in Queensbury for those looking for a sweat session they won’t soon forget.

The Gym

It doesn’t get much more definitive than this! The Gym is more than just a comprehensive fitness center: it’s a supportive community that can help you truly embody your new chosen way of life. Offering professional training in a variety of movements to help you achieve effective full body workouts, after a few visits to The Gym, you’ll understand why it’s got such a strong reputation.

FitCity

Are you the type who likes to disappear into the gym for a DIY sweat session of your own devising, making your way around the facility and using each machine or station as your heart desires? FitCity is a comprehensive fitness center with all the cardio, strength training, and flexibility-aiding equipment you need to achieve your goals on your time and at your price point. Classes, personal training, and even nutrition advice are also available for those looking for more community.

Grounded on Glen St.

Grounded on Glen St is much more than a yoga studio: it’s a wellness space devoted to ensuring those who practice here are met with kindness, nurturing, and a restorative time away from it all. Offering everything from slow flow vinyasas to more challenging movement classes, this place is the perfect solution for those who need an “adult time out.” 

While there’s certainly no shortage of fun things to do in Queensbury itself, there are also some amazing day trip (and weekend getaway) options in the immediate vicinity! Here are some of the most sought-after destinations within an easy drive of Queensbury.

Albany, New York

Sure, New York City might be considered the most exciting town in the state (or the entire country, depending on who you ask). But Albany maintains the title of state capital! Just an hour away from downtown Queensbury, Albany beckons with a diverse array of restaurants, shops, museums and more, and also draws some of the best performing arts and entertainment options in the area. 

Burlington, Vermont

The most populous city in the state of Vermont — though it’s still got under 50,000 residents — Burlington is a New England answer to the small-town-with-a-big-city-feeling. Wander down the famous Church Street Marketplace pedestrian zone or explore one of the many beaches along the shoreline of Lake Champlain. Burlington is also home to a variety of museums and cultural attractions, not to mention plenty of friendly faces, and it’s only two hours from Queensbury.

As a final reminder, some of these activities may need to wait until businesses fully reopen from coronavirus closures. However, there is still much to see and experience in Queensbury that you can enjoy today! What are your favorite spots in Queensbury? Send them our way to [email protected] or by tagging us on Instagram @rvshare and using the hashtag #rvsharelocal.