In total, Lake Powell's shoreline is actually longer than the US West Coast! There are plenty of activities in the area and sights to see. Popular spots include the Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, The Wave, and Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, as well as the Rainbow Bridge National Monument and the Navajo Canyon.

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Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada -

Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe has super clear water and plenty of resorts around. You can go hiking or skiing in places such as Palisades Tahoe, Northstar California, Heavenly, and Diamond Peak.

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Traverse City, Michigan -

The "Cherry Capital of the World" is a great destination to enjoy the northern part of Lake Michigan. Head to nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for miles of freshwater sand dunes. Wine tasting in Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas is also an option.

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Branson, Missouri -

The area is perfect for swimming, and you can also enjoy a cruise on Silver Dollar City's Showboat Branson Belle. Other local attractions include the Promised Land Zoo and the Branson Scenic Railway.

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Finger Lakes, New York -

Located in the center of the state, the Finger Lakes American Viticultural Area is a must-visit for wine lovers. Plus, you can also enjoy nature at Watkins Glen State Park. In addition, Finger Lakes is also great for skiing in the winter.

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Caddo Lake, Texas and Louisiana -

Caddo Lake can be found on the Texas-Louisiana border. Renting a kayak or canoe is the best way to explore the region. And if you're into fishing, Caddo Lake is great too, with over 80 known species of fish!

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Mammoth Lakes Basin, California -

With the Sierra Nevada mountain as a background, the Mammoth Lakes Basin has five lakes that are perfect for swimming, boating, and other water activities. If you're into skiing or snowboarding, pay Mammoth Mountain a visit during the winter months.

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Lake Kissimmee State Park, Florida -

Lake Kissimmee State Park is a peaceful spot where you can enjoy activities such as birdwatching. In fact, wildlife is abundant in the area, so you might even spot some gray foxes, white-tailed deer, or bobcats while hiking around. And of course, there are also plenty of water-based activities to do.

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Crater Lake National Park, Oregon -

Formed by the collapsed volcano, Mount Mazama, Crater Lake National Park is home to the deepest lake in the US. In addition to hiking and water activities, visitors can drive along the 33-mile (53-km) Rim Drive for breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery.

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Lake Havasu, Arizona and California -

Located on the California-Arizona border, at the edge of the Sonoran Desert, Lake Havasu has something for everyone. From swimming to water sports and hiking, the region is known for having 300+ days of sunshine per year.

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Lake Geneva, Wisconsin -

Lake Geneva is rather luxurious, with nice boutique hotels, spas, and golf courses. Highlights include Riviera Beach, the Big Foot Beach State Park, and the Geneva Lake Shore Path.

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Lake Chelan, Washington -

Lake Chelan can be found between the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and North Cascades National Park. From snorkeling to water skiing, and everything in between, the lake has plenty to offer.

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Mackinac Island, Michigan -

Mackinac Island is less than five square miles (13 sq. km), but it's one of the coolest island getaways in the US. The picturesque island on Lake Huron has no shortage of things to see and do.

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Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri -

This reservoir stretches across 90 miles (145 km). In addition to the typical water attractions, visitors can also enjoy the SuperSplash USA water park and a number of wineries along the Lake of the Ozarks Wine Trail.

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Thousand Islands, New York -

The Thousand Islands region spreads across both New York and Ontario, Canada. It's home to 1,864 islands and it's a pretty unique place. After all, it's not every day that you come across places such as Boldt Castle in the US.

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Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin -

On the shore of Elkhart Lake, visitors can find a resort village with nice places to stay, spas, and everything in between. For those looking for an adrenaline boost, the car racing track Road America is an option too.

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Lake George, New York -

This upstate lake is a great weekend getaway for New Yorkers. In the region, visitors can find more than 170 small islands. There are plenty of water-related activities of course, but hiking in Prospect Mountain or Sleeping Beauty Mountain is also an option. For those who want to ride their bicycles, then head to the Warren County Bikeway.

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Cooper Landing, Alaska -

Cooper Landing is a great spot to stay if you're looking to explore the region. Skilak Lake, Kenai Lake, and Tustumena Lake are some of the local attractions. Kenai Fjords National Park is not that far either if you want to explore further.

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Lake Michigan, Michigan -

Lake Michigan needs no introduction. With about 1,600 miles (2,575 km) of shoreline, it has something for everyone, from nature to the city (hello Chicago!).

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Lake Santeetlah, North Carolina -

Surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Lake Santeetlah is a great spot to find tranquility. Cheoah Point Beach is one of the best places to go for a swim.

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Big Bear Lake, California -

Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear Lake offers both summer and winter activities, from skiing and snowboarding to hiking, fishing, boating, and everything in between.

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Moosehead Lake, Maine -

Moosehead Lake is a great spot for fishing, but also to observe moose. Of course, there are also plenty of water activities such as kayaking and whitewater rafting, among others.

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Flathead Lake, Montana -

The largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi is absolutely gorgeous. Surrounded by the Flathead National Forest, here you can enjoy nature at its best, both in the water and on land.

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Oconee County, South Carolina -

This South Carolina county is home to four lakes: Lake Hartwell (aka "the Great Lake of the South"), Lake Jocassee (nice waterfalls), Lake Keowee (great for water skiing), and Lake Tugalo (breathtaking mountain scenery).

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Lake Champlain Islands, Vermont -

Visitors can island-hop by car and enjoy spots such as Alburgh Dunes State Park, White's Beach, and Snow Farm Vineyard. Cycling enthusiasts will love the Island Line Rail Trail.

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Isle Royale National Park, Michigan -

This one is for nature lovers who love a bit of adventure. Isle Royale National Park is pretty isolated, but definitely worth exploring. Isle Royale is one of the highlights.

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Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska -

This remote National Park is perfect for delving into the wilderness of Alaska. Visitors can only reach it by plane or boat, but it's totally worth it. Brown bear spotting with a guide is a great local activity to try.

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Lake Oconee, Georgia -

This gorgeous lake region is located under 90 miles (145 km) from Atlanta, making it a great gateway from the buzz of the city. Those looking for some summertime fun, head to the famous Jumping Rock.

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Deep Creek Lake, Maryland -

Visitors can hike at the Swallow Falls State Park and marvel at the beautiful Muddy Creek Falls. Deep Creek Lake offers a lot of activities in both the summer and winter, when the Wisp Resort becomes the place to go skiing.

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Lake Placid, New York -

The area is best known for hosting the Winter Olympics and also ranks high as a fall foliage destination. Lake Placid is a charming place to visit, and one where visitors will never run out of things to do.

Sources: (U.S. News)

The best lake destinations in the US

Start planning your lake vacation today

14/04/25 | StarsInsider

TRAVEL Vacation

The US has thousands of lakes. These bodies of water and their surrounding areas are perfect for a wide range of activities. Whether you're looking for an action-packed vacation, or a few laid-back days, there is something for everyone.

From idyllic lakeside resorts to remote natural wonders, in this gallery, you'll find the best lake destinations in the US. Click on and start planning your lake vacation today.