Skip the ocean: 8 incredible lake getaways to enjoy in the U.S. this summer

While Minnesota is famous for its 10,000 lakes, that's just the start. Alaska boasts over 3 million lakes, and the other 48 states are home to stunning lakes ideal for a waterfront escape.

Even during typical times, reaching the coast can be challenging for travelers craving open water in summer, especially those far from the ocean.

Fortunately, even in landlocked states, you can discover accessible lakes and beaches that rival the most beautiful oceanfronts. Believe it or not, some lakes even offer actual surfing waves. Within the U.S., several lakes can easily be mistaken for those found on the Caribbean islands.

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From the deepest and clearest to the most beach-like, here are eight of our top lake picks across the U.S.

Sebago Lake located in Maine

Sebago Lake, Maine's second-largest lake, plunges to a depth of 316 feet and is celebrated as one of the purest and clearest lakes in the state—meaning you'll need to outsmart the fish if you want to catch any, as they can spot you easily!

Beyond fishing, Sebago Lake offers swimming, watersports, stunning sunsets, and a striking contrast between its deep blue waters and the lush green pines. A bonus of visiting a lake in Maine is the milder climate compared to typical beach destinations, ensuring comfort whether you're in the water, on land, or out on a boat.

Torch Lake in Michigan

Just from pictures, you could easily mistake Michigan's Torch Lake for a Caribbean paradise. With its turquoise waters, sandy bars, and impressive size, Torch Lake is a true gem in Northern Michigan.

The brief reason a Michigan lake might resemble the Caribbean is due to geological similarities in their formations. Whether you want to dock your boat for a sandbar gathering or prefer a quiet day on the water, the 19-mile lake offers ample opportunities for various water activities.

Lake Travis in Texas

Situated in Texas Hill Country, Lake Travis is celebrated as one of the clearest lakes in the Lone Star State. Like nearly all Texas lakes, this manmade marvel was created by the Mansfield Dam on the Lower Colorado River. However, what it lacks in natural origins, it compensates for with its vastness and attractions.

With depths exceeding 200 feet, Lake Travis offers a range of activities from excellent large-mouth bass fishing to wakeboarding and even clothing-optional sunbathing at Hippie Hollow. It’s a must-visit destination in Central Texas for water enthusiasts. For those who prefer to enjoy the scenery from land, the Oasis restaurant provides a fantastic outdoor seating area, particularly beautiful at sunset.

Crater Lake in Oregon

Crater Lake, located in the Cascade Mountain Range, is renowned not only as the deepest lake in the U.S. but also as one of the most pristine bodies of water on Earth. Its striking deep blue color is partly due to its purity. However, don't plan a beach day at Crater Lake in late spring or early summer, as you might still encounter snow.

Even during peak visiting months (July to September), this isn’t a lake suited for diving, as surface temperatures only reach between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. You can technically swim from the shore at Cleetwood Cove Trail. Fishing is also allowed here—since fish are not native to the lake, the National Park Service encourages you to catch some rainbow trout and kokanee salmon without a license. Fishing is permitted from both the shore and Wizard Island, which requires a boat tour and ticket (though it was closed for the 2020 season due to COVID-19).

Lake Erie

Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes, is famous for some of the most stunning sunsets in the nation. This lake not only forms a border between the U.S. and Canada but also separates the states of Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.

As the shallowest of the Great Lakes, Lake Erie is the warmest in summer and more susceptible to waves. It's well-known for its abundant public-access parks, islands, lighthouses, and vineyards, all of which offer activities like kayaking and boating. Thankfully, numerous homes and cabins are available for rent along Lake Erie's 871 miles of shoreline.

Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire

This 72-square-mile lake, located about a two-hour drive north of Boston, has been a beloved summer getaway for families for many years. New visitors should rent a boat and complete the full circuit around Lake Winnipesaukee, stopping to explore towns like Laconia, Meredith, Center Harbor, the Ossipee Mountains, Wolfeboro (the oldest summer resort in America), and the Alton Bay area. Hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the lake from the summit of Mount Major.

No visit to Lake Winnipesaukee is complete without indulging in a scoop of ice cream from Bailey's Bubble, famous for flavors like peppermint stick, black raspberry, and maple walnut. Maddies on the Bay serves pub fare and cocktails with a picturesque view of the dock in downtown Wolfeboro. If you're staying in, consider picking up Maine lobster and clams from Captain Bart's Seafood Market, conveniently located in nearby Moultonborough.

Lake Huron in Michigan

While we may have prominently featured the Great Lakes, it’s impossible to discuss the best lake vacations in the U.S. without highlighting Michigan’s Lake Huron. This lake is the clearest of them all, boasts the most islands, and features stunning beaches reminiscent of the ocean, like those at Port Huron, located about an hour from Detroit. Lake Huron stretches up to the Upper Peninsula, where it converges with Lake Michigan at Mackinac Island, a remarkable destination in its own right.

Lake Tahoe

Nestled along the California-Nevada border in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and divided into northern and southern sections, Lake Tahoe is renowned for its crystal-clear blue waters and ranks second in depth only to Crater Lake.

During summer, Tahoe can be considerably warmer than Crater Lake, with water temperatures peaking around 70 degrees at the hottest times of the year. Fortunately, numerous beaches line both the Nevada and California shores, allowing you to bring your beach chairs and enjoy a dip without fully cooling off.

In conclusion

Sure, nothing compares to a getaway to the Caribbean beaches or the shores of Hawaii. However, a summer trip to a nearby lake can be just as beachy and enchanting as you might not have expected, provided you choose your destination wisely. And if you can't reach one of the top lakes in the U.S., here are some of our favorite hidden swimming spots: no flight or passport needed.

Editor's note: This article has been updated to clarify that Minnesota is known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes."