Spend your next vacation at one of these beautiful lake destinations.
With all of the noteworthy landmarks and landscapes the U.S. has to offer, including its world-famous beaches, mountains and metropolises, the country’s variety of lake destinations can sometimes fade into the background. The U.S. is home to hundreds of remarkable lakes both big and small that are well worth a visit. U.S. News rounded up some of the most incredible lakes that deserve a spot on your bucket list – or at least a considerable amount of time spent on your next vacation. From mileslong natural swimming pools to remote wilderness getaways, these are the top lake vacations in the U.S.
Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
At 22 miles long and 12 miles wide, Lake Tahoe is so big it straddles both California and Nevada; it’s also the biggest alpine lake on the continent. The water’s clarity is remarkable – in some places, you can see more than 70 feet below the surface. Lake Tahoe features outstanding hiking and skiing trails, especially at the area’s top resorts like Heavenly, Palisades Tahoe, Diamond Peak and Northstar California.
Where to stay: This lake destination boasts a variety of hotels, including highly rated The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe and Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, as well as campgrounds, such as Meeks Bay, located right on the lakefront with a sprawling beach.
Lake Powell, Arizona and Utah
While spring breakers are drawn to Lake Havasu for a good time, travelers make the trek to this lake to see its spellbinding scenery. At more than 2,000 miles, Lake Powell’s shoreline in total is longer than the West Coast of the United States. The best way to experience Lake Powell is by spending time both on the water and the surrounding land. Popular attractions in the area include Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and the geological wonders of The Wave and Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Boat tours to Rainbow Bridge National Monument and Navajo Canyon are also popular.
Where to stay: The majority of Lake Powell’s hotels are located in Arizona, in the vicinity of the city of Page. The Utah side offers more campgrounds, which tend to be more isolated.
Traverse City, Michigan
Located on a large bay, Traverse City is a superb home base if you want to explore northern Lake Michigan. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which is home to the world’s largest freshwater dune system, sits less than 30 miles from downtown. After exploring the protected area’s 35 miles of Lake Michigan coastline with sky-high sand dunes, make a trip to the state’s wine country, with wine trails on the scenic Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas. Outing options range from kayak rentals to boat tours like a guided excursion atop an old-fashioned schooner.
Where to stay: You’ll find all kinds of accommodations here, including hotels, resorts and beachside condos.
Branson, Missouri
The family-friendly destination of Branson makes the perfect lake vacation for travelers with kids. On Table Rock Lake, visitors can take a cruise on Silver Dollar City’s Showboat Branson Belle or go swimming in multiple locations along its nearly 800 miles of shoreline. In addition to all the lake leisure, parents will be able to keep little ones entertained for hours with fun Branson attractions such as Silver Dollar City, White Water Branson and the Promised Land Zoo. The Branson Scenic Railway offers picturesque excursions and dinner trains seasonally. More adventurous travelers can book with Adventure Ziplines of Branson or tour the area’s caves and caverns.
Where to stay: Choose from plenty of hotels, including the Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center, as well as outposts from Hilton, Wyndham and other chain hotels.
Finger Lakes, New York
The Finger Lakes region in central New York state offers a diverse range of activities that could fill a weeklong itinerary. The Finger Lakes American Viticultural Area here means you’ll have plenty of top wineries at your fingertips, and you can enjoy access to a number of state parks, including Watkins Glen State Park, which is known for its many picturesque waterfalls and trails. You’ll also find top-notch skiing during the winter months in the Finger Lakes, as well as cultural attractions like the impressive Corning Museum of Glass in Corning and the world’s oldest photography museum in Rochester.
Where to stay: Consider splurging on one of the Finger Lakes’ beautiful lakefront hotels, such as Geneva On The Lake.
Caddo Lake, Texas and Louisiana
Caddo Lake State Park’s romantic scenery will make you do a double take. The first thing visitors should do in this state park along the Texas-Louisiana border is rent a canoe or kayak to explore the more than 50 miles of paddling trails through its sloughs, bayous and ponds. Other activities include fishing – with as many as 86 known species of fish in Caddo Lake – and short hikes through the lake’s surrounding forest.
Where to stay: Lodging options within the park are limited, with the exception of cabins and campsites, but there’s plenty in the city of Shreveport, a short drive from the Louisiana side of the lake.
Mammoth Lakes Basin, California
Located southeast of Yosemite National Park, Mammoth Lakes Basin has five lakes that are easily accessible and surrounded by the scenic eastern Sierra Nevada mountain wilderness. You’ll have plenty to do both on land and on the water here. The lakes allow for swimming (Horseshoe Lake is a particularly good spot to do so), as well as fishing, boating, kayaking and paddleboarding. During winter, Mammoth Mountain is popular among skiers and snowboarders. The Mammoth Lakes Basin also boasts more than 100 miles of hiking trails, with part of the famous John Muir Trail running through the area.
Where to stay: Five campgrounds are available in the basin area, and several hotels can be found in the adjacent town of Mammoth Lakes.
Lake Kissimmee State Park, Florida
Come to this central Florida park for its abundance of wildlife and its peaceful, verdant lakeside setting. Lake Kissimmee State Park is fantastic for bird-watching, with more than 200 species of birds – including bald eagles and cranes – as well as a variety of other animals, such as white-tailed deer, bobcats and gray foxes. You don’t have to search too far to find these animals along the park’s 20-plus miles of hiking trails. On-the-water activities include fishing and boating. Kayaking in particular is a popular means of taking in Lake Kissimmee State Park’s waterways.
Where to stay: Bed down at one of the park’s campsites. Or, if you’re not up for camping, you’ll find hotels in the towns that line U.S. Route 27, including Lake Wales and Winter Haven, where Legoland Florida Resort is located.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Located in southern Oregon, about 125 miles from the city of Bend, Crater Lake National Park is home to America’s deepest lake at 1,943 feet. Like Lake Tahoe, Crater Lake is known for its clear blue water. It’s fed only by rain and snow falling directly into the lake. Travelers can drive around the 33-mile-long Rim Drive, which features 30 scenic viewpoints; hike along one or more of the park’s 100-plus miles of trails; or sign up for a boat tour of the lake.
Note: Due to a major improvement project on Cleetwood Cove Trail – the only way to reach Crater Lake – this iconic lake will be inaccessible to the public from 2026 to 2029.
Where to stay: Inside the park, you’ll find two accommodation options: Crater Lake Lodge and the Cabins at Mazama Village. Outdoor lovers can camp at the seasonal Mazama campground, which has more than 200 campsites for tents and recreational vehicles.
Lake Havasu, Arizona and California
Lake Havasu lets visitors cool off at the edge of the Sonoran Desert. Situated along the California-Arizona border, the lake features plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun; the adjacent Lake Havasu City experiences more than 300 days of sunshine per year. Popular things to do here range from boating and water sports to hiking and swimming. The region boasts 400 miles of shoreline, with hot spots including Lake Havasu State Park, Rotary Community Park and the shores along the Bridgewater Channel.
Where to stay: Lodging options include hotels, motels, RV parks, campgrounds and more near Lake Havasu City on the Arizona side.
