Updated 01/09/2024: Whether you are looking for a day trip around Lake George or a pet friendly lake vacation, you should check-out dog friendly Bolton Landing in New York State.
Bolton Landing is much less known that the town of Lake George, but they have a lot in common.
They are both located on the shores of Lake George, offer pet dog friendly accommodations and they both have plenty of things you can do with your dog right by your side.
Where Bolton Landing stands out from Lake George is that it is less crowded and has more of an artsy, laid-back vibe to it.
It’s also much smaller than the Village of Lake George. You will not find as many restaurants, t-shirt shops or touristy type activities.
Regardless of which one you choose, both places make for a wonderful family vacation with a dog.
Join us to see why you should consider Bolton Landing for your next dog friendly vacation.
About Dog Friendly Bolton Landing, NY
The Town of Bolton is located just 10 miles north of the Lake George Village, on the west side of the Lake. The entire town is nestled between the shores of Lake George on the east and the Schroon River to the west in the southern part of the Adirondack Park.
The lake is a big draw for many people who come to Bolton. This is not surprising since Lake George is considered to be among the clearest and cleanest large lakes in the world.
While not the largest lake in New York State, Lake George is still fairly large at 32 miles in length and up to 2.5 miles wide. At points, the depth of the lake can reach down to 200 feet.
In case you are wondering, Lake Erie, which sits on New York’s northern border with Canada is the largest lake in New York.
Lake George contains approximately 186 islands. 154 of which are state-owned with the majority of the rest of the islands privately owned. Many of these islands lie within the borders of Bolton NY.
This makes Bolton Landing a perfect jumping off point to explore the islands and a section of Lake George known as the Narrows.
But Bolton Landing has more going for it then just taking a dip in the lake. You can also go on hikes, take a boat ride, go kayaking, or try a new craft beer, all without having to leave your dog at home.
Lake George vs Bolton Landing; Which one should you choose?
It depends on what you are looking for. Lake George Village is more heavily trafficked. There are more crowds, bars, t-shirt shops and souvenir type places than in Bolton.
But there also more dog friendly things to do in Lake George. You will find that all the lake cruises leave from Lake George Village, plus they have the dog friendly Fort William Henry Museum, a dog beach and the Lake George battlefields. You will also find more restaurants and hotels in Lake George.
Bolton Landing on the other hand is smaller and quieter. It does have a nice but small downtown area where you can walk around with your pup.
There are some restaurants, clothing stores, home decor shops and even a hardware store that sells a little bit of everything. You will find a couple of t-shirt shops but not as many as in Lake George.
Both locations are dog friendly but if you want to find accommodations with a beach that allows dogs you will find more available in Bolton.
This also where you need to be it you want to rent a Kayak for you and your dog.
Maybe, you don’t have to choose between the two. With the two towns being so close, it’s easy to stay in one and visit the other.
11 Dog Friendly Things to Do in Bolton Landing, NY
1. Bolton Landing Visitors Center
Start your visit to Bolton Landing at the Bolton Landing Visitor Center to see what is happening in town. Dogs are allowed inside with you.
Here you will find brochures on places in the town and surrounding areas. Public bathrooms can be found in a separate building behind the visitor centers.
The grounds around the visitor center are beautiful and feature lovely landscaped gardens and a view of the lake. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the paths in the gardens or the park.
Location: 4928 Lake Shore Dr, Bolton Landing, NY 12814
Phone number: (518) 644-3831
2. Take a stroll on Lake Shore Drive
After stopping at the Visitor Center take a stroll along Bolton’s main thoroughfare, Lake Shore Drive. Here you will find an assortment of shops that sell items like clothing, books, antiques, home decor, and unique art. Many of the stores display their wares for sale outside on nice days so you can still browse with your pup.
Some of the stores are even dog friendly, but some are not. Please ask if you can bring your dog inside before you do.
As you walk along stop to admire the Bolton Veterans’ Memorial that pays tribute to the servicemen and women from the Bolton Area.
3. Grab some ice cream
Stop by the Ben and Gerry Ice Cream Parlor for a frozen treat. There are plenty of outside benches nearby for you and your pup to people watch while you enjoy your ice cream.
4. Get out on the water
Most people visit Lake George to be on the lake. Even if you don’t own a boat you can still experience the lake with a dog friendly boat rental.
Although Brodies Lakeside Boat Rental is not officially in Bolton Landing, it’s just a ten-minute drive from the visitor’s center.
Brodies offers a selection of boats to rent. Some will require a boating license so please inquire with them before reserving a boat. Boats can be reserved in advance on-line.
Brodies allows pet dogs but will charge an additional fee if extra cleaning is needed. Also, dogs must be leashed while on their property.
Location: 3686 Lake Shore Drive in Lake George, NY.
Phone number: 855-525-2628.
5. Go Kayaking or SUP
Another dog friendly way to get out on the water is to go kayaking. Lake George Kayak Co is pet-friendly and just across the bridge on Green Island in Bolton Landing.
They offer hourly, half day and full day rentals for single or double Kayaks, Stand-Up Paddleboards and Canoes.
They advise that your pup wear a life jacket while on Lake George. Lake George Kayak, Co does not offer doggy life jackets so you will need to bring your own.
Getting to Lake George Kayak Co. can be a bit confusing since you need to enter the Sagamore Resort to get there. But all you need to do is tell the guard at the entrance gate where you are going and they will give you a free parking pass.
This was my first time in a kayak and Lake George Kayak Co did a wonderful job getting us in and out on the water quickly. Plus, they were very dog friendly. To hear more about our experience check out our review of the Lank George Kayak Co.
Location: 3 Boathouse Lane in Bolton Landing, NY.
Phone number: 518-644-9366.
6. Go to the Beach
Unfortunately, Bolton landing does not have dog friendly beaches, nor do they have a dog park (but I believe they are working on creating one.) However, there are still a few ways you and your pups can enjoy a lake front beach.
The easiest and least expensive way is to drive down to the unofficial Dog Beach in Lake George Village. This dog beach is about 20 minutes from the Bolton Landing Visitor Center. Just keep in mind this is an unofficial dog beach. When we went, there was only one other dog there, a mini Goldendoodle.
Location: Along the shore of Lake George, just west of Million Dollar Beach in Lake George Village
Another way is to stay at one of the cabin resorts in Bolton Landing that allow dogs. Timberlake Cottages is one such place. Here you will find eight summer cabins and a small marina on about 25-acres of mostly undeveloped land. Dogs are allowed to accompany you just about anywhere on the property including their lake front.
Location: 5226 Lakeshore Drive and Timberlane Road, Bolton Landing, NY 12814
Of course, you can also just rent a pet friendly vacation rental that offers a private lakefront.
For more dog friendly beach vacations check out our post on: Best 27 Dog Friendly Beach Vacations in the USA
7. Amys Park
Part of the lake George Land Conservancy, Amys Park offers 500 acres of beautiful ponds, marshes and forests in the upland of Bolton Landing. You can find detailed hiking information and reviews on Amys Park Loop at Alltrails.com. Leashed dogs are permitted. Please clean up after your dog.
Hunting is allowed at this preserve but an LGLC permit is required. Hikers should be aware of hunting seasons and wear bright colors and hike in groups to minimize risk
Location: 887 Padanarum Rd, Bolton Landing, NY 12814
Open: Open year-round, dawn to dusk. Note; only the main lot on Padanarum Rd gets plowed in winter.
8. Hike the Pinnacle
For a little outdoor fun and breathtaking views of Lake George, hike to the summit of the Pinnacle. The Pinnacle is a 73-acre preserve located just five minutes from Bolton Landing. At the summit you will see 270-degree views of the surrounding mountains and the narrows on Lake George.
Leashed dogs are allowed if you clean up after them. You can find detailed hiking information and reviews on the Pinnacle in Bolton Landing at Alltrails.com. Hikers should be aware of hunting seasons and locations in the park. Wear bright colors and hike in groups to minimize risk
Location: Edgecomb Pond Road. Bolton Landing, NY 12814
Open: Year-round
9. Cat and Thomas Mountain Preserve
If you are looking for a bit more space to roam, the Cat and Thomas Mountain Preserve is just a five minute drive from Bolton Landing. The park offers 1,882 acres to explore with your pup. The hikes here are classified as moderate to difficult. To learn more about the available hikes visit Alltrails.com
Hunting and trapping is allowed at the preserve; appropriate state licenses are required. Hikers should
be aware of hunting seasons and wear bright colors and hike in groups to minimize risk
10. Bolton Landing Brewing Co.
The Bolton Landing Brewing Co. sits just across from the visitor center and offers views of the lake from their outside patio. In addition to Lake George inspired beer they also offer small bites.
This father and son brewery is open year and allows dogs on their outside patio. Heaters are provided for cooler months, but please call first to make sure the patio is open in the off-season.
Location: 4933 Lake Shore Dr • Bolton Landing, NY 12814
Phone number: 518-644-BREW (2739)
11. Stop by the Framers Market
Every Friday starting in late June and ending in early September, leashed friendly dogs can look for their favorite treats at the Bolton Landing Farmer’s Market. My dog loves fresh carrots.
In addition to fresh organic produce, eggs and meat you can also find fresh cut flowers, artwork, personal products, baked goods, prepared foods and music.
Dog Friendly Restaurants in Bolton Landing, NY
We were told most of the restaurants in Bolton Landing that have patios are dog friendly, but call before you go to make sure nothing has changed. New York State does not allow dogs at indoor dining areas.
The Algonquin
The Algonquin is a dog friendly, waterfront restaurant that offers three dockside decks that overlook the bay and islands of Lake George. If you prefer to arrive by boat, rather than car, they have multiple docks to tie up to.
As far as their food offerings you can choose from classic Lake George cuisine in the form of salads, sandwiches and burgers for lunch. For dinner their entrees include fish, pasta and steak.
Location: 4770 Lake Shore Drive in Bolton Landing, NY.
Phone: (518) 644-9442
Open: Seasonally, April to October – Please check the website for exact dates
Frederick’s Restaurant and Lounge
The Frederick’s Restaurant and Lounge offers a dog friendly covered deck that looks out onto the street. They serve lunch and dinner on the weekends, but only dinner during the weekdays. You can find their menu on-line at the link above.
Location: 4970 Lake Shore Drive, Bolton Landing, NY
Phone: 518-644-3484
Open: Please call for outdoor dining times.
The Shack at Bolton Landing
You can find the Shack up the road from the visitor center. This laid-back eatery services up breakfast, lunch and dinner. They even have an ice cream stand. Dogs are allowed on their outside deck
Location: 4944 Lake Shore Road, Bolton Landing, NY
Phone: (518) 240-6007
Open: Seasonal – Please call to see when patio is open
The Huddle Kitchen and Bar
The Huddle Kitchen and Bar is a family run business that is also located on Lake shore. Included in their food offers are small plates, burgers, pasta and salads.
Well-behaved dogs are allowed on their outdoor patio which have table umbrellas.
Location: 4947 Lake Shore Drive — Bolton Landing, NY
Phone: (518) 240-6068
Open: Seasonal – Please call to see when patio is open
Dog Friendly Bolton Landing, NY Hotels and Resorts
Sagamore Resort
If you are looking for a luxury experience, the Sagamore Resort might be what you are looking for. You can find the Sagamore Resort on Green Island in Bolton Landing, NY
This resort offers a diverse range of accommodations that include lodge rooms, standalone houses, and residential style condos with some of them being pet-friendly.
Sagamore Resort Dog Policy: Welcomes well-mannered dogs 30lbs or less for a non-refundable fee. Fee is per night per dog. Maximum of two dogs per room. Other restrictions may apply.
Location: 110 Sagamore Rd in Bolton Landing, NY.
Phone: 866-384-1944.
The Lodges at Bolton Landing
You can find The Lodges at Bolton Landing just north of the town village of Bolton. This lakefront accommodation offers a motel and separate cottages for rent. All are dog friendly, but dogs are restricted from certain areas. They also charge a per night dog fee and some dog breeds are restricted. Please see the hotel policies on their website for further information.
Location: 5680 Lake Shore Drive, Bolton Landing, NY 12814
Phone: 516-457-2533
Dog Friendly Bolton Landing, NY Vacation Rentals
You can find an assortment of vacation rentals in Bolton Landing and the surrounding areas. Many of them are camp style, meaning they are a bit rustic and have minimum furnishing. But that is part of the charm of visiting Bolton Landing and Lake George.
Bolton Landing ranges on the higher side cost wise for vacation rentals, but you can save some money with our Budget Vacation Ideas.
Here are just a few examples of the types of vacation rentals in Bolton Landing that allow dogs.
- Modern Lakeside Cabin – 2 Kayaks, 2 SUPS – VRBO
- Stunning NYC Style Loft In The Heart Of Bolton – VRBO
- LAKEVIEW VILLA – Lake George/Bolton – VRBO
- The Summerwind Lodge – Airbnb