Here are the lake vacations in the USA, chosen for American travellers. Lake vacations mean swimming, boating and lazy days on the dock.
Lake vacations in the USA
1. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a vast alpine lake famous for clear blue water, beaches and summer hikes, and for big ski resorts in winter. Read our Lake Tahoe travel guide.
- Best time: June to September; December to March for skiing
- Getting there: About 1 hour from Reno; 3.5–4 hours from San Francisco
- Don’t miss: Emerald Bay, Sand Harbor and Palisades Tahoe
- Mid-range hotels: $260–450 a night
2. Lake Michigan shore, Michigan
Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City.
3. Lake George, New York
Adirondack summer classic.
4. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Boating and resorts.
Before you go: gear checklist
- Waterproof action cameras BuyrSkip
Film snorkelling, ziplines and mountain biking hands-free. - Carry-on travel backpacks we rate BuyrSkip
A 30–40 litre backpack handles a long weekend and fits under most airline seats. - Top-rated wireless earbuds VerdictFox
Compact earbuds for flights, trains and long drives.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
5. Flathead Lake, Montana
Near Glacier.
6. Lake Powell, Arizona and Utah
Houseboats among red rocks.
7. Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
Family summers.
8. Crater Lake, Oregon
America’s deepest lake.
Lake safety
Wear life jackets and watch for afternoon storms.
How to choose
Start with when you can travel and how you like to spend your days. Some destinations on this list shine in summer, others in shoulder season; some suit active travellers, others are made for slow days and good food. Pick one or two that match your style rather than trying to see everything, and read the linked guides for timing, costs and where to stay.
How we chose
We picked destinations that consistently impress first-time and returning visitors, balanced famous names with lesser-known gems, and considered access, value, seasonality and the quality of the experience on the ground. Prices, opening dates and reservation rules change, so confirm the details before booking.
Plan a trip around it
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a vast alpine lake famous for clear blue water, beaches and summer hikes, and for big ski resorts in winter. Read our Lake Tahoe travel guide.
- Best time: June to September; December to March for skiing
- Getting there: About 1 hour from Reno; 3.5–4 hours from San Francisco
- Don’t miss: Emerald Bay, Sand Harbor and Palisades Tahoe
- Mid-range hotels: $260–450 a night
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is known as the Crown of the Continent, with the Going-to-the-Sun Road, turquoise lakes and more than 700 miles of trails. Read our Glacier National Park travel guide.
- Best time: July to September
- Getting there: About 30 minutes from Kalispell to West Glacier
- Don’t miss: Going-to-the-Sun Road, Logan Pass and Lake McDonald
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Acadia National Park
Acadia protects the granite coast of Mount Desert Island, with Cadillac Mountain, carriage roads and lobster shacks nearby in Bar Harbor. Read our Acadia National Park travel guide.
- Best time: June to mid-October; early October for foliage
- Getting there: About 1 hour from Bangor; 3 hours from Portland
- Don’t miss: Cadillac Mountain, Park Loop Road and Jordan Pond
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Travelling responsibly
Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in, and never feed wildlife. Support locally owned restaurants, guides and shops, and visit popular places early or late to spread out the crowds. In busy parks, use shuttles where they exist to cut traffic and parking pressure.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Travel gear we trust
- Carry-on bags that fit airline sizers BuyrSkip
Skip checked-bag fees with a cabin-size spinner that fits US airline sizers. - Airline-safe power banks BuyrSkip
Navigation, photos and cold weather drain phones fast; a 20,000 mAh bank keeps you going. - Best wireless earbuds for travel VerdictFox
Compact earbuds for flights, trains and long drives.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best choice on this list?
It depends on your travel style, but Lake Tahoe is a standout for most travellers.
When should I go?
Most of these destinations are best in spring and fall, when crowds are lighter and prices lower.
How many days do I need?
Plan at least two to three days per destination.
Are these good for families?
Most are; check each guide for family tips.
How much should I budget?
Mid-range travellers typically spend $250–$400 per person per day.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Lake Tahoe Travel Guide: Beaches, Hikes and Skiing
- How to Plan a Budget Vacation in the USA: 25 Money-Saving Tips