As visitors walk up to the entrance of Million Dollar Beach in Lake George, the attendance makes sure those entering have masks and asks several questions.

It’s part of the safety protocol the state Department of Environmental Conservation has put in place for the beach.

“It’s beautiful after being in the house and stuff,” said Mike Krawczyk, who traveled from Granville with his family to enjoy the day.

The beach opened for the first time this year during Memorial Day weekend. But it’s operating at half capacity, with a maximum of 500 people. Guests are also required to set up their area 10 feet from other families, and masks must be worn if you’re not at your area or in the water.

“Just inconvenience with certain things, but it’s not the worst in the world,” said Shawn Allen, who visited from Albany.

While some enjoyed the sand and water, others walked around the village, getting food to go at the open restaurants.

“We didn’t know what to expect,” said Tom Wysocki, the director of sales and marketing at Fort William Henry.

The museum remains closed until phase four of reopening. But Wysocki says the hotel was just under half-full this weekend. They also recently turned the Village Blacksmith Restaurant into a car-hop eatery called Bob and Jean’s.

“The whole idea was because people can’t get out of their cars, they can’t do stuff, this way we can make it a little more easier for people just to drive up, pull up, get food,” Wysocki said.

He says the hotel was happy with the weekend. But as summer unofficially gets underway, Wysocki and others hope to do better as reopening continues in the coming weeks.

“Even from a restaurant perspective, to have outdoor seating in any way, shape, or form, that will be very helpful,” said Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Gina Mintzer.