7 Stunning Lakeside Retreats to Visit This Summer

Oceans are great and all, but nothing quite compares to spending a hot summer day relaxing by a sparkling, tranquil lake. Not only are lakeside destinations typically less crowded and expensive than oceanside getaways, but they also offer a unique charm that you simply can’t find elsewhere.

But with around 125,000 lakes scattered around the country, it can be tough to choose the very best lakeside destination, so we’ve done it for you. Spanning from California to Arkansas, these are the best places to book a lakeside vacation this summer.

Shasta Lake, California

Shasta Lake offers everything you could want in a summer vacay, including fishing, jet skiing, sailing, and pontooning. In fact, you’ll never even have to take a break from the water if you book one of the many houseboats for rent in the area. But if you do want to spend some time on land, then you can head to a number of nearby restaurants, like the Old Mill Eatery & Smokehouse, which is housed in a beautiful log cabin and serves up killer smoked BBQ.

South Lake Tahoe, California

South Lake Tahoe is an immensely popular year-round destination, but during the summer is when it really shines. That said, if you’re looking for a quiet, secluded getaway, then this might not be the spot for you. On the other hand, if you love the idea of day-long, boozy parties on the water, then this is the perfect retreat. The town’s close proximity to major cities means it can get crowded, but with opportunities to do everything from swimming, hiking, and waterskiing to taking a helicopter ride over the lake, you won’t mind all the people having fun alongside you.

Priest Lake, Idaho

If you prefer a slower pace than bustling South Lake Tahoe, then Priest Lake, Idaho, is a great option. This charming little town sits 15 miles away from the Canadian border and hosts just 800 full-time residents. However, as soon as summer hits, the population swells to 20,000 as people head to their seasonal cabins dotting the 19-mile lake’s shoreline. Though there are some small, local restaurants, this is the kind of destination that’s all about the beautiful nature it’s surrounded by, offering boundless opportunities for fishing, camping, and hiking.

Lake Chelan, Washington

Boasting 300 days of sunshine per year, Lake Chelan has all of the ingredients for an unforgettable summer trip. The sparkling blue lake reaches 1,500 feet deep and offers plenty of ways to enjoy it, like paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing. It’s also just a stone’s throw from the North Cascades National Park, so it’s a wonderful place to enjoy nature and have fun on land and water. And once you get done enjoying the day, you can head to a nearby winery and enjoy a glass of wine from the local region while overlooking the gorgeous lake.

Hot Springs, Arkansas

Famous for being Bill Clinton’s childhood home, Hot Springs aptly features many different bath houses and hot springs that were once enjoyed by icons like Al Capone and Babe Ruth. But hot water isn’t the only driver to this town; you can also take a cool, refreshing dip in Lake Hamilton, which becomes an all-day-long party during the hot summer months. 

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

The Midwest is known for its charm, and Lake Geneva in Wisconsin is no exception. The destination offers all of the fun water activities you’d expect from a lakeside retreat in addition to close proximity to tasty restaurants, lively bars, and cute little shops. You can spend the day lounging in the sand at Riviera Beach or meander around the scenic, 26-mile Lake Geneva Shore Path, which offers glimpses of the many million-dollar estates that line it.

Bigfork, Montana

Given that it’s home to places like Glacier and Yellowstone National Park, it’s no surprise that Montana offers beautiful scenery. But given the popularity of the state's national parks, many people tend to overlook the small but mighty Montana town, Bigfork. Bigfork hosts the stunning, 27-mile Flathead Lake, which offers all kinds of swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. And once you’re done enjoying the water, you can head to town for events like the Riverbend Concert series, a live music event that takes place in Riverbend Park every Sunday during the summer.

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