USA Lakeside Escapes: 10 Top Destinations for a Relaxing Vacation
Discover America's Most Popular Lake Getaways
A lake vacation in the USA offers a fantastic opportunity to explore some of the country’s hidden gems away from the bustling coastlines. America’s best lakeside towns attract nature enthusiasts, families, and couples seeking a peaceful retreat from urban life.
With over 200 lakes scattered across the nation, our top selections stand out for their breathtaking nature trails, prime fishing locations, and numerous sandy beaches. Here, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the pristine waters of some of the country’s most beautiful lakes and reservoirs.
1. Lake Tahoe, CA
Stunning in every season
Good for: Adventure, Families, Photo
Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America, straddles the California-Nevada border and is fed by snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada mountains, resulting in stunningly clear, cobalt blue waters.
In summer, you can relax on many beaches on the edge of Lake Tahoe town and ejoy a wide range of water sports. The Nevada side of the lake has casinos and more resorts and beaches. In winter, head up the mountain overlooking Lake Tahoe and enjoy skiing or snowboarding. Shuttle buses from Reno-Tahoe International Airport will bring you to all sides of the lake. The wider area is best explored by car, though you can take a water shuttle to hop between docks along the shores.
Lake Tahoe, CA
2. Chelan, WA
A quiet town on the edge of a tranquil lake
Good for: Couples, Photo
Lake Chelan is a secluded nature spot in Washington popular with hikers and anyone looking for a restful few days away from the big city. Measuring 55 miles (89 km) long, the lake’s dimensions are hemmed in on both sides by the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest mountain range. The bracing glacial run-off from the mountains feeds into the Chelan River.
A highlight of a trip to Chelan is the Lady of the Lake boat trip that visits the Rainbow Falls, 321 ft (98 meters) of stunning natural beauty, fed by over 100 glaciers. With over 30 wineries in the region, an afternoon of wine testing is a popular activity for couples.
Chelan, WA
3. Lake Geneva, WI
Beaches, hiking trails, and Victorian splendor
Good for: Couples, Families, Adventure
Lake Geneva has long been a summer escape for wealthy Chicago families and is now a full-fledged resort town with a host of activities for the whole family. Enjoy a relaxing day at a spa, go for a round of golf, or take the kids on a zipline adventure, or do all three.
If you’re looking to relax and soak up the sun, head to Riviera Beach in the middle of town. For something more adventurous, book a wakeboarding session. If the weather is being unkind, head for Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, which has indoor and outdoor sections of fun rides to enjoy.
Lake Geneva, WI
4. Lake Powell, AZ
Spectacular sandstone landmarks
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Unusual
Lake Powell is a humanmade reservoir in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The red sandstone landscape is stunning and there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Kayaking and hiking, particularly the Rainbow Bridge North trail, are always popular here, as well as fishing and stargazing. This area of the USA is ancient Navajo land, so hire a local guide to learn more about the sacred landmarks scattered all around Lake Powell.
Photographers should certainly take a day trip to the iconic spots, such as Antelope Canyon and the Horseshoe Bend of the Colorado River. You’ll find plenty of hotels in this popular tourist town, but you can also camp or even stay on a houseboat.
Lake Powell, AZ
5. Lake Charles, LA
Classic southern charm in Louisiana
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families
Lake Charles is one of America’s finest lakeside towns with a proud Cajun history. Locals are proud of their unconventional and down-to-earth lifestyle, which you can experience in the town’s vibrant restaurants and bars.
Enjoy a variety of activities on the lake, such as fishing and dinner cruises. For dryland fun, explore options like golf or embark on the Creole Nature Trail to immerse yourself in Louisiana’s natural beauty. If you’re in the mood for a more relaxed adventure, take the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail, which guides you through the town’s delightful shops, restaurants, and bars.
Lake Charles, LA
6. Coeur D’Alene, ID
Enjoying a range of water sports on a scenic lake
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families
Coeur D’Alene is a lakeside town in northwest Idaho that’s home to a fantastic range of sports and adventure activities. You can go wakeboarding or kayaking on the lake, enjoy a swim from several sandy bays, or even take a scenic tour of the area by seaplane.
Within the town, Coeur D’Alene has tennis courts and golf courses, art galleries, and theaters. The range of restaurants is impressive with all regional cuisines found in a cluster along Sherman Avenue. With its own regional airport, flying in and out of Coeur D’Alene is simple and straightforward.
Coeur D’Alene, ID
7. Lake of the Ozarks, MO
Fishing on the winding reservoir
Good for: Families, Adventure
Lake of the Ozarks spans over 1,000 miles (1,610 km) of shoreline and wilderness. The unique landscape in central Missouri was formed by sealing off the Osage River to form a huge reservoir. Fishing trips are popular here, as well as boating trips with the family.
Hiking and mountain biking through the oak woodland is a good way to explore the land, and you might even grab a flashlight and head into the maze of tunnels underground known as the Ozark Caverns. Accommodations options range from log cabins to campgrounds and plenty of local guesthouses.
Lake of the Ozarks, MO
8. Crater Lake, OR
Taking a boat trip out to Wizard Island
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Photo
Crater Lake, at nearly 2,000 feet (610 meters) deep, holds the title of America’s deepest lake and is renowned for its stunning cobalt blue water and remarkable clarity. To find the only easily accessible swimming spot, hike the Cleetwood Cove Trail, which winds through lush evergreen trees. A prominent landmark, Wizard Island is a volcanic cone that rises out of the water. You can take a boat trip to the island and hike to the top for breathtaking views.
In the summer, enjoy activities like salmon fishing and exploring nearby waterfalls, while winter months offer excellent cross-country skiing. The diverse activities available at Crater Lake vary greatly depending on the time of year due to Oregon’s extreme weather changes.
Crater Lake, OR
9. Branson, MO
A lakeside tourist town with family-friendly attractions
Good for: Couples, Families, Adventure
Branson is a popular lakeside town that has a proud history of live music and now boasts plenty of family-friendly attractions. 76 Country Boulevard is a popular thoroughfare where you’ll find restaurants, theaters, and a decent selection of shopping options.
Families will enjoy a day out at Silver Dollar City, which has wild-west themed rides and attractions. For more extreme rides, head to Bigfoot Fun Park, also in the center of Branson. To get a bird’s-eye view of the town and surrounding area, Shepherd of the Hills Inspiration Tower is a 230-ft-tall (70-meter-tall) viewpoint that you can climb.
Branson, MO
10. Lake George, NY
Beautiful nature combined with fascinating history
Good for: Couples, History, Photo
Lake George is a quaint town tucked into the mountainous Adirondack region of New York state. Spend your time exploring the historical attractions in town, such as the Fort William Henry Museum, a restored British fort dating back to 1755. There’s also a spooky-themed waxworks attraction called the House of Frankenstein Wax Museum.
Head to Million Dollar Beach along the shore of Lake George. It’s a 20-minute walk of the town and has plenty of activities. Rent a boat for the afternoon or simply enjoy a picnic and soak up the wonderful views.
Lake George, NY
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