Plattsburgh is a friendly city set on the shores of Lake Champlain. It’s a gateway to New York’s Adirondack Coast, where you’ll find sandy beaches, apple orchards and maple syrup farms. A stone’s throw from the Canadian border, Plattsburgh is popular with holidaymakers from Quebec, New York State and beyond.
Things to do in Plattsburgh
Relax and enjoy the sunshine on Plattsburgh City Beach. It’s set on sheltered Cumberland Bay and fringed by a strip of golden sand. As one of the longest freshwater beaches in the United States, there’s plenty of room to roll out your towel, build sandcastles or toss a frisbee. The beach borders Cumberland Bay State Park, where you’ll find picnic tables, BBQs and grassy areas.
Explore scenic trails in Point Au Roche State Park. Set on the northern shores of Lake Champlain, the park protects a patchwork of forests, wetlands and sandy beaches. Enjoy a picnic on the grassy foreshore and cast a line for bass, walleye and other freshwater species.
Learn about cold-climate grapes on the Adirondack Coast Wine Trail. Sample award-winning wines in lakeside tasting rooms and find out more about the unique terroir of the Champlain Valley of New York American Viticulture Area (AVA). In addition to wineries, Plattsburgh offers a great selection of craft breweries and small-batch distilleries. Entertain the kids at maple syrup farms, fruit orchards and seasonal pumpkin patches.
Getting around Plattsburgh
Downtown Plattsburgh is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Bikes are a scenic and eco-friendly way to explore the Adirondack Coast and Champlain Valley. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit surrounding sights and attractions at your own pace. Plattsburgh is in Clinton County, a 2.5-hour drive from Albany and four hours from Syracuse. Montreal is a 1.5-hour drive north.