Live that lake life: The best summer lake vacations in the U.S.
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Does your dream summer involve sunbathing on a sun-kissed shore? Escaping to lush wild mountains? Boating until the sun goes down? Then, an escape to one of the nation’s 3+ million lakes is in order.
Across the country, here are the best lake destinations to cool off, chill out, and cannonball right off the dock.
Straddling both California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in all of North America. It lives up to its size with non-stop, big fun like bustling casinos, lively breweries, tranquil trails, gorgeous sunsets, as well as jaw-dropping scenery.
The list of must-dos and must-sees along Lake Michigan is as lengthy as its freshwater shoreline—the longest in the nation, bordering Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. From sandy beaches to stunning trails, breweries to lakeside restaurants, and from waterfalls to dunes—come discover what makes the Great Lakes so legendary.
From cliffside castles to subterranean caves, and golf courses to ziplining, this freshwater lake holds countless treasures among its 1,100 miles of shoreline (more shoreline than the coast of California).
Known for its striking green hue and crystal waters, Lake Norris spans five counties and offers more than 800 miles of shoreline and more than 50 islands in the Appalachian Mountains. Plus, plenty of activities to fill your days: boat tours, biking trails, jet skiing, swimming, and more.
Wild forest and farmland, charming lake villages and historic hamlets, and endless unprecedented views dot this lake landscape, in the shadow of New York’s Adirondack Mountains.
Discover New Hampshire’s largest lake in the foothills of the White Mountains, with a picture-perfect location, crystal-clear spring-fed waters, and beautiful wooded shoreline.
Only an hour’s drive from Austin, this popular lake destination is bursting with fun and family-friendly activities, like jet skiing, ziplining, navigating a floating obstacle course, golf, scuba diving, or simply savoring a sunset dinner.
Fun fact: Montana has islands. Yes, islands! You’ll find dozens of islands in Flathead Lake, along with wild horses, gigantic bighorn sheep, several lake state parks, cherry orchards, and countless water activities.
Dubbed the "Queen of American Lakes”, Lake George is known for its gorgeous scenery in the Adirondacks, forested shores, deep blue water (perfect for watersports), and soaring peaks — some of the tallest in the state.
The amenities you should look for in a lake vacation rental to make your stay even more memorable and comfortable include:
Many of our lake vacation rentals come with water equipment, including kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. While some vacation rentals are located close to watersport rentals, including jet skis, pontoon boats, and more. It's essential to check the specific rental details for these amenities.
Yes, many of our lake rentals are pet-friendly, allowing you to bring along your furry friends. When searching for a lake vacation home, use the filter ‘pet-friendly’ to narrow your search.
