7 Enchanting Lakeside Escapes Across the U.S.

When was the last time you dove off a dock into the shimmering blue depths of a lake? Enjoyed a lazy afternoon in a hammock with a good book? Gathered around a fire pit with family and friends, raising a toast to the countless stars above with perfectly chilled beers? Paddled a canoe into the glowing sunset?

For a more serene experience and a variety of nature-centric activities, leave behind the hustle of the city and the crowded coastal beaches this summer and choose a lakeside retreat.

Discover these seven lakeside destinations in the United States and get ready to be entranced by the gentle sound of waves lapping at the shore, allowing yourself to unwind completely.

1. Lake Michigan

Saugatuck, Michigan

Surrounded by four states—Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin—Lake Michigan ranks as the third largest of the Great Lakes. The charming town of Saugatuck, Michigan, located under 150 miles from Chicago, serves as the heart of Lake Michigan’s Art Coast. Home to the Art Institute of Chicago’s Ox-Bow School of Art, this area has long attracted artists who find inspiration in the vibrant blue waters of Lake Michigan and its lush, lakefront dunes. Numerous galleries, studios, and public art displays enhance this picturesque town, which also hosts the annual Waterfront Invitational Art Fair and the Village Square Art Fair. Between exploring the local art scene, visitors can lay out a beach blanket on one of the six immaculate public beaches and bask in the sunshine.

Where to stay

Hotel Saugatuck offers luxurious rooms featuring fireplaces and whirlpool tubs, creating an ideal romantic lakeside getaway. Each morning begins with a gourmet breakfast served directly to guest rooms.

2. Crater Lake

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the country at 1,949 feet, was formed approximately 7,700 years ago following a series of eruptions that caused the collapse of the ancient volcano Mount Mazama. Renowned for its pristine waters, the lake is the breathtaking centerpiece of its namesake national park, Crater Lake National Park (Oregon's only national park). Experience the lake by car along the Rim Drive, which offers 30 scenic outlooks with stunning views, or explore on foot with over 90 miles of trails surrounding the lake. Park ranger-led boat tours showcase Crater Lake’s distinctive geological features, remnants of its volcanic history, including cinder cones and craters.

Where to stay

Perched on the edge of the lake within the national park, the historic Crater Lake Lodge offers guests a deep connection to the stunning surroundings. The cool summer evenings invite you to relax by the grand stone fireplace in the lodge’s dining area, where dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients highlight the unique flavors of southern Oregon. Accommodations within the park can book up months in advance; the NPS suggests various out-of-park lodging and campgrounds if you’re unable to secure a reservation.

3. Seneca Lake (Finger Lakes)

Geneva, New York

The Finger Lakes region of New York is characterized by eleven long, slender glacial lakes. Renowned for its stunning landscapes and vineyards, this area features its own designated appellation, the Finger Lakes American Viticultural Area. Wine trails meander through the forests and alongside the lakes, guiding visitors to top-tier wineries where rieslings, pinot noirs, chardonnays, and cabernet francs compete with their California counterparts. Enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, or sunbathing at Seneca Lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes, located at Seneca Lake State Park. Alternatively, sail the lake while sampling local wines and brews aboard Captain Bill’s schooner.

Where to stay

For a truly romantic getaway on Seneca Lake, consider checking into a historic castle dating back to 1885: Belhurst Castle, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Properties, features an in-house winery and a full-service spa.

4. Table Rock Lake

Branson, Missouri

Table Rock Lake, located in Branson, Missouri, is a fantastic lake getaway for families with children. This retreat in the Ozark Mountains features Silver Dollar City, a 61-acre amusement park with an 1880s theme, a scenic railway, and numerous deep caverns waiting to be explored. You can board a traditional showboat and cruise Table Rock Lake on the Branson Belle, try your hand at fishing for bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill from a rental fishing boat, or enjoy a picnic along the lake's extensive 800 miles of shoreline.

Where to stay

Perched on a hillside with views of Table Rock Lake and the surrounding Ozark Mountains, the Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center offers a perfect retreat. After an exciting day in Branson, you can relax at the Spa Chateau located within the resort or sip a cocktail by the scenic outdoor pool while taking in the beautiful lake views.

5. Lake Winnebago

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

Covering 137,700 acres, Lake Winnebago is Wisconsin’s largest inland lake and a year-round haven for outdoor lovers. Its numerous shallow reefs make it a premier spot for fishing walleye and bass, while its consistent winds and shallow waters attract both leisurely paddleboarders and adrenaline-seeking windsurfers. On the northeastern edge of the lake, High Cliff State Park features camping facilities and hiking trails, alongside a towering 12-foot statue of Winnebago Indian Chief Red Bird, which majestically overlooks the water from a massive granite rock. The many wildlife refuges surrounding the lake are a bird-watcher’s paradise, offering excellent opportunities to observe migratory birds and waterfowl.

Where to stay

Nestled in the heart of downtown Fond du Lac, on the southern shores of Lake Winnebago, the historic Hotel Retlaw transports guests back to the 1920s while offering all the modern comforts of the 2020s. Its elegant Lobby Bar serves as a social hub for Fond du Lac, featuring expertly crafted cocktails and live piano performances on select nights.

6. Moosehead Lake

Greenville, Maine

Moosehead Lake, the second-largest lake in New England, is cherished for the abundance of moose that inhabit its shores and the adjacent Maine Highlands. Here, moose outnumber humans three to one, and visitors can embark on a moose sMytouri. The lake's crystal-clear, deep waters warm to the mid-70s during summer, offering an ideal spot to refresh. For breathtaking panoramic views, hike up Mount Kineo, where 700-foot cliffs rise dramatically from the lake.

Where to stay

The cozy accommodations at the Lodge at Moosehead Lake boast jetted tubs, fireplaces, stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, and a mouthwatering multicourse breakfast each morning.

7. Jackson Lake

Moran, Wyoming

Nestled amidst lush forests and the majestic Teton Range, Jackson Lake, a natural gem in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, offers endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Anglers flock to its shores, where the clear alpine waters are teeming with trout, salmon, and pike. The park features over 25 miles of hiking trails suitable for both novice and seasoned trekkers. Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the lake in a rental boat, kayak, or canoe, or take a refreshing dip at Colter Bay swim beach.

Where to stay

Pitch a tent for a night beneath the sparkling stars at the lakeside Colter Bay Campground, or enjoy a stay at the Jackson Lake Lodge, a historic retreat nestled in the heart of Grand Teton National Park.