8 Gorgeous Lakes Around the Globe to Visit Right Now

While beaches often steal the spotlight as summer vacation spots (and there are many stunning ones), lakes boast their own charm, offering everything from turquoise treasures to those framed by volcanoes and even others so salty they let you float. They provide a unique tranquility, with some even accessible in winter.

Looking for a yacht adventure in Italy or a refreshing dip in one of Oregon’s ancient volcanic lakes? With over 100 million lakes worldwide, there’s plenty to discover. Here are eight iconic lakes worth planning a trip around.

1. Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Can something be too picturesque? Aldous Huxley, the author of Brave New World, seemed to think so when he described Guatemala’s Lake Atitlán in Beyond the Mexique Bay: “Lake Como is, in my view, on the edge of being overly beautiful, yet Atitlán surpasses it with the added drama of towering volcanoes. It truly is an abundance of beauty.” The impressive volcanoes—Atitlán, Tolimán, and San Pedro—are visible from the lake and provide a striking backdrop.

At approximately 1,050 feet deep, this lake holds the title of the deepest in Central America. Beyond the typical lakeside activities, part of the Atitlán experience involves exploring the various towns nearby, each with its unique vibe. San Marcos, located on the northwestern shore, is known for attracting yogis, while heading south leads travelers to the popular backpacker destination of San Pedro La Laguna.

Where to stay: Casa Palopó

The Relais & Châteaux property Casa Palopó was transformed from a private residence into a boutique hotel in 2000. This 15-room hotel showcases indigenous Guatemalan art throughout, along with private terraces that offer stunning views of the lake's eastern side.

2. The Great Lakes, United States and Canada

The Great Lakes—Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario—form the largest freshwater system on Earth and have earned a spot on Dinogo’s Where to Go list in 2023. Travelers have long admired the lakes’ stunning beauty from beachside spots like South Haven on Lake Michigan, but cruises are emerging as a popular way to experience them. In 2024, an estimated 20,000 individual passengers are expected to visit the area, more than doubling the numbers from a decade ago.

Don’t limit your thoughts of the lakes to just summer getaways. Dinogo contributor and Michigan local Elaine Glusac enthusiastically shares her love for the off-season: “Winter unveils temporary ice caves and activities like ice boating, where sailboats glide on blades.”

Where to stay: Viking’s Great Lakes Cruises

Viking offers the chance to embark on an overnight lake cruise across the Great Lakes, featuring 348-passenger expedition vessels Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. Sailings begin at seven nights, with a special 14-night cruise that allows travelers to explore all five lakes. For those preferring to stay on land, the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in Lake Huron is regarded as one of the finest historic hotels in the country.

3. Lake Tahoe, United States

Straddling the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is famous for its array of winter activities, boasting the highest concentration of ski resorts in North America. Skiers of all skill levels head to the region for beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails, while breathtaking views of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada can be enjoyed from a gondola ride. Summer brings its own adventures, with kayaking, sailing, fishing, and paddleboat cruising among the many ways to relish Lake Tahoe in the warmer months.

Where to stay: Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

Boasting a 17,000-square-foot slope-side spa and a stone fireplace in every room, the Ritz-Carlton at Lake Tahoe ranks among the finest luxury hotels in California. Its ski-in, ski-out access makes it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts, while a temperature-controlled pool ensures that relaxation by the deck is possible year-round.

4. Lake Como, Italy

Renowned for its elegance and luxury, Lake Como in Italy attracts celebrities like George Clooney and Madonna, who have purchased villas along its shores. Nestled by the Italian Alps in the Lombardy region, the lake captivates visitors with its stunning scenery, whether from the land or while cruising on a yacht. Comacina Island, the lake's only island, offers views of the mainland's charming red-roofed homes and is accessible by ferry. For breathtaking vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains, hike to the top of the UNESCO-listed Sacro Monte di Ossuccio, a sacred site on Como’s western shore.

Where to stay: Grand Hotel Tremezzo

With a storied history spanning over 100 years, the 84-room Grand Hotel Tremezzo showcases its Italian neoclassical design from the Belle Époque period. If you choose to dine at La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi within the hotel, CEO Valentina De Santis highly recommends the saffron risotto, adorned with a touch of gold leaf.

5. Crater Lake, United States

Around 7,700 years ago, Mount Mazama erupted in what is now Oregon, creating a depression that eventually filled with melted snow and rainwater, forming a stunning lake. At 1,943 feet deep, Crater Lake is the deepest in the United States and the highlight of Oregon’s sole national park. For breathtaking views, drive along the 33-mile Rim Drive, which encircles the lake and features 30 viewpoints, or explore over 90 miles of trails that meander around its perimeter.

Only one trail, the Cleetwood Cove trail, provides access to a swimming area, open from mid-June to late October. Prepare yourself for a brisk swim, as the lake’s surface temperature only reaches a chilly 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months.

Where to stay: Crater Lake Lodge

To secure one of the 71 rooms at Crater Lake Lodge, be sure to book well in advance. Dinogo writer Amy Bizzarri describes this lodge as the perfect spot for a lakeside beach retreat in summer: “Cool summer evenings invite you to gather around the large stone fireplace in the lodge’s dining room, where dishes made with locally sourced ingredients highlight the flavors of southern Oregon.”

6. Moraine Lake, Canada

Banff was established as Canada’s first national park in 1885, preserving boreal forests and glacier-fed lakes across approximately 2,500 square miles in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. Among these is Moraine Lake, a stunning 120-acre body of water located in the southwestern area of Banff. Visitors can hike to the lake or take a shuttle from Lake Louise to experience breathtaking views of Moraine framed by the Valley of the Ten Peaks. From mid-June to mid-September, Moraine Lake Lodge offers canoe rentals for paddling in its turquoise waters.

Several hiking trails provide access to different perspectives of Moraine. Ascend the Rockpile Trail for stunning vistas, or opt for the easy, three-quarter-mile Lakeshore Trail along the southern shore. To avoid the crowds at Banff while visiting Lake Moraine, consider starting your day early. Alternatively, explore some of Banff’s less frequented turquoise lakes, such as Lake Agnes.

Where to stay: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Ideally situated in the town of Banff, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is affectionately dubbed the “Castle in the Rockies.” This historic property, over 130 years old, features a Châteauesque design and is beautifully set against the mountains. When you’re not exploring the national park’s lakes, enjoy one of the hotel’s many adventures, from 27 holes of golf to a lavish 40,000-square-foot spa. Close to Moraine, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise overlooks another equally stunning alpine lake.

7. Loch Ness, Scotland

Whether you're on the lookout for the legendary serpent affectionately known as Nessie or not, Loch Ness is an essential stop on any journey through the Scottish Highlands. Swimming is not advised due to the lake's frigid temperatures, which hover around 40 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. However, companies like Cruise Loch Ness and Beastie Boats offer boat tours to explore its waters. The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition even provides sonar-equipped cruises for those truly hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive creature. Drive along the A82 highway on the lake’s western shore to reach Castle Urquhart, a historic site from the 13th century, which offers stunning views of the dark waters.

Where to stay: Loch Ness Lodge

“Loch Ness Lodge resembles a contemporary castle, complete with modern comforts,” writes Dinogo contributor Matt Kirouac in his guide to the Scottish Highlands. The lodge features nine rooms, each thoughtfully appointed with details like goose-down duvets and flat-screen TVs. Naturally, every room provides a beautiful view of the lake and the surrounding hills.

8. Dead Sea, Jordan

Despite its name, the Dead Sea is actually a lake nestled between Jordan, Israel, and Palestine. It's an incredibly salty body of water, nearly 10 times saltier than the world's oceans. This high salt concentration creates such density that people can effortlessly float without swimming (as per the scientific principle of upthrust). Be sure to bring goggles—you'll want to avoid getting salt in your eyes—and take in this natural wonder. Don't forget to apply some local mud before you take a dip, as it's believed to be beneficial for your skin.

Where to stay: Marriott Dead Sea Resort and Spa

The 250-room Marriott Dead Sea Resort and Spa offers direct access to the Dead Sea. Located on the northeastern shores of this unique body of water in Jordan, the resort features both indoor and outdoor pools for guests to enjoy.