Experience the Best Lakes for a Summer Vacation in the USA

Experience the Best Lakes for a Summer Vacation in the USA Summer in the USA often means heading to a lake for some fun and relaxation. Finding the perfect spot to fulfill all your summer vacation dreams can be challenging, so we turned to our expert writers and staff for their top recommendations. Here are 11 fantastic lake destinations to consider:

Bear Lake, Utah

Bear Lake, with its striking turquoise waters thanks to limestone deposits, resembles the Caribbean and is a must-visit. Nestled on the Utah-Idaho border, this lake is one of North America's oldest, formed by a fault line that continues to deepen it. Visitors flock to Bear Lake for boating, sailing, fishing, skiing, and lounging on its sandy and rocky beaches. The local climate also makes it ideal for growing delicious raspberries, so be sure to try the shakes and smoothies sold around the lake.

Lake Champlain, Vermont and New York

Legend has it that Champ, a mythical aquatic creature, inhabits Lake Champlain. However, the lake's true treasures lie in its recreational offerings and historic sites. Stretching between New York's Adirondacks and Vermont's Green Mountains, Lake Champlain features motorboating, scuba diving, and historical exploration at Fort Ticonderoga, Mount Independence, and the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. In Burlington, enjoy experimental microbreweries and farm-to-table restaurants. Summer visitors can stay on islands like Isle La Motte and South Hero, where camping, paddling, and fishing are popular activities. Keep an eye out for the occasional six-foot sturgeon in the waters.

Lake George, New York

While Lake George is bustling in the summer, its beauty and charm make it worth the crowds. Located in New York's Adirondacks, this lake is surrounded by dense forests and quaint small towns. Take a steamboat tour, indulge in ice cream at Nina’s Sweet Shoppe, and enjoy the vibrant lake activity. In autumn, the area transforms with colorful foliage, offering a peaceful retreat from the summer crowds.

Cayuga Lake, New York

Cayuga Lake, the longest of New York's Finger Lakes, is a paradise for nature lovers and wine enthusiasts. The scenic byway around the lake is perfect for exploring vineyards, forests, and charming towns. Ithaca, at the southern tip, boasts farm-to-table dining and the famous Moosewood vegetarian restaurant. Don't miss hiking through Taughannock Falls State Park or bird-watching at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail offers tastings of the region’s best rieslings and pinot gris, with Water to Wine boat tours available for a unique experience.

Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan offers a classic summer vacation with fishing, swimming, sailing, and even surfing. The lake is known for its lighthouses, such as Ludington North Breakwater Light, and the stunning Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The region's mesoclimate supports vineyards along the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail. Coastal towns like New Buffalo and Harbor Springs offer eclectic shopping, fine dining, and breathtaking sunsets.

Lake Chelan, Washington

Spanning over 50 miles in north-central Washington, Lake Chelan is perfect for water sports, hiking, and wine tasting. Popular spots include Don Morse Park, Field’s Point, and Slidewaters amusement park. The lake is surrounded by 14 major trailheads within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Wine enthusiasts will enjoy the 30 wineries around the lake, and those seeking tranquility can visit the remote community of Stehekin for backcountry adventures.

Lake Washington, Washington

Lake Washington in Seattle combines urban and natural experiences for the perfect summer outing. The large lake offers boating, paddleboarding, and swimming, with public beaches like Madison Beach being local favorites. On clear days, visitors can enjoy views of Mount Rainier. The blend of city energy and natural beauty makes Lake Washington a unique summer destination.