There’s always something endearing about a vacation spent in a quaint lakeside town. Whether planning a summer weekend or your next winter vacation, these lakefront destinations are where you’ve been looking for a fun and relaxing stay. A practical way to select your vacation destination is to consider what activities you and your group want to do. Lake towns can offer incredible hiking adventures, a wide variety of water sports, vineyards, and tasting rooms.
So, no matter what type of trip you have in mind, this list of fantastic lake towns can inspire you to decide.
Big Bear, California
Big Bear Lake is a year-round destination since, in the winter, it is a ski village and, in the summer, a lake village. Big Bear is not a hotel destination. If you travel to this town, you will rent a lakefront vacation home to spend your days swimming, fishing, and hiking. Visitors can enjoy entertainment within Big Bear, from restaurants like Teddy Bear to breweries like Big Bear Lake Brewing Company.
Clermont, Florida
The Clermont chain of lakes is a group of lakes in Florida linked to one another. Lake Minneola is home to the historic town of Clermont. Clermont, the hub of this lake series, is about half an hour from Orlando. Lake Louisa is the biggest of these lakes. After exploring the lakes, stop through Clermont’s historic downtown for some shopping on Montrose Street or the weekly Downtown Clermont Farmers Market.
Lakeway, Texas
Lakeway is a suburb of Austin located on the south bank of Lake Travis. Visitors from all across the nation go to see the turquoise seas. Lakeway is a tranquil community about 45 minutes from downtown Austin, where you can dine and listen to live music or relax in the region’s restaurants, which provide excellent barbecue and Tex-Mex. You can stay at a beautiful lakeside hotel or rent a comfortable vacation home. Also, if you want to treat yourself to a day at the spa or a delicious meal, Lakeway Resort & Spa is the place to be.
Rangeley, Maine
Maine has thousands of lakes and ponds, from the largest of them, Moosehead, to lakes like Sebago Lake and Rangeley Lake. Rangeley Lake is renowned for its excellent fishing and is a center for trout and salmon, swimming, boating, and kayaking. In addition, Rangeley Lake State Park offers 869 acres of mountainous terrain, making this area a perfect hiking destination. Rangeley is a small town, but you can find fabulous cottages, shops like Books, and fantastic dining places like Parkside & Main.
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City, known as the “Cherry Capital of the World,” is situated on the shores of Lake Michigan and is adjacent to vineyards, wineries, and, most significantly, many smaller lakes. Families go to Silver Lake and Island Lake communities to take advantage of the tranquil waters and serene surroundings. In addition, one of the area’s most fantastic attractions is the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This is one of America’s most magnificent places, with sweeping panoramas, freshwater beaches, wooded wilderness islands, and hiking routes.
South Lake Tahoe, California
Located on the shores of a massive freshwater lake, South Lake Tahoe is one of the top adventure travel locations in the United States year-round. Mountains provide magnificent treks, winter ski resorts, year-round entertainment for tourists, and beaches.
Lake Lure, North Carolina
If you are looking for a gorgeous getaway to a quaint tiny town in North Carolina, look no further. Visit Lake Lure, featured in the movie “Dirty Dancing,” and may be easily recognized by movie fans. When the conditions are just right, magic can happen. Splashing about in the cool water or wakeboarding might be a fun way to spend the day. Afterward, enjoy a sunset pontoon cruise.
Bigfork, Montana
Flathead Lake is a natural lake west of the Mississippi. Along the coast, you’ll find the town of Bigfork, Montana, which has the vibe of an Old West destination, much like the ski towns you might find in Colorado. Bigfork has a growing art scene, with many galleries and an annual Arts Festival. In addition, this city is known for its beautiful hikes, with many trails that offer unique views of the lake. You can rent a house on the shores of Flathead Lake or reserve a cabin at the Flathead Lake Lodge.
Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania
New Yorkers love the tranquility and beauty of the Pocono Lake area and all the outdoor things to do it offers year-round. Some favorite activities are skiing, hiking, and fishing. This destination accommodates its visitors in beautiful rental properties overlooking the lake where they can escape the hustle and bustle of the big city. This area is about a two-hour drive from Manhattan.
Grand Lake, Colorado
Grand Lake is located two hours from Denver. This is a small mountain town with only 500 residents. But don’t let its small size fool you. The western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park offers plenty to do year-round. Whether snowmobiling and snowshoeing in the winter or paddle boarding in the summer, this location is ideal for a great lake vacation.
Brainerd Lakes, Minnesota
The Brainerd Lakes area is in ​​Minnesota, a state that is home to some of the most scenic lakes, and it’s obvious when its nickname is “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” Here fishing and water sports are the main activities visitors can enjoy. In addition to this also, playing golf is a vital attraction since the area has seven championship golf courses.
