The best lakes in the U.S. for a refreshing dip

Located about 40 minutes from New Hampshire’s capital city of Concord, Lake Sunapee spans a little over eight miles. Some visitors may choose to get out in the water (there are a handful of boat launches here), while others might prefer staying put on land—or dip their toes in the refreshing waters—at Lake Sunapee State Beach. Here, you'll also find ample hiking, swimming, fishing and boating opps. And while the lake is an outdoor oasis in the summer, it's also a playground for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding in the colder months.

Where to stay: Spanning 20 acres and perched on a hilltop, the quaint Dexter's Inn offers a classic bed-and-breakfast experience. In addition to ultra-cozy accomodations, guests can enjoy on-site amenities like tennis, a pool and hot tub, a recreation room and outdoor sports like volleyball, basketball, croquet and bocce, to name a few. 

Lady Bird Lake isn’t your typical lake—and that’s because it sits right in the middle of a bustling city. Located in the heart of Austin, the 468-acre oasis is a go-to spot for kayaking and paddleboarding during the warmer months; guided boat tours are also available and offer an excellent way to see the city. Come winter, the focus shifts, and the lake becomes a popular destination for birdwatching. From late March through early fall, locals and visitors gather at sunset to catch a glimpse of the famous migrating bats. There’s also a lively 7,250-ft. boardwalk that makes for an easy, scenic stroll year-round.

Where to stay: The Four Seasons Austin is among the city's most luxe stays, and it also offers some incredible experiences. Among them is the opportunity to glide across the lake in a vintage-style electric boat. Paddleboarding and kayaking can also be arranged via the resort.

Spanning 191 square miles, Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western US, excluding Alaska. On the water, travelers can partake in sailing, swimming, fishing and waterskiing. There are also several noteworthy public access sites around the lake, including recreation sites like Big Arm, which offers gorgeous mountain views plus hiking, swimming, fishing and boating opps. Along the western edge of the lake is the 2,165-acre West Shore State Park, where scenic hiking options abound. Visitors can enjoy the sandy beach area at Somers Beach State Park from fall through late spring.

Where to stay: The Inn on Bigfork Lake puts you within close proximity of the lake and nearby attractions in downtown Bigfork. The cozy accommodations and quaint vibe are both added bonuses.

North Carolina’s largest lake—which clocks in at 32,510 acres—is less than an hour’s drive from Charlotte. Anglers flock here to fish for bass and catfish (amongst other species), while adventure seekers can choose from various water sports (think: kayaking, paddleboarding, wakeboarding and even flyboarding). Travelers can also check out one of several waterfront parks like Ramsey Creek Park, which has its own beach and public swimming area, and Jetton Park (while you can’t swim here, it’s a great place to come lounge out on the sand). Meanwhile, the lake’s namesake state park is beloved for its seven miles of hiking trails and around 30 miles of mountain biking trails. 

Where to stay: While there are a few properties near Lake Norman, we recommend staying in nearby Charlotte. The Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte offers colorful, art-forward spaces and exciting on-site drinking and dining options. 

Just minutes from Orlando’s famed theme parks (looking at you, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios) lies Lake Eola. The 23-acre body of water in downtown Orlando is the main feature of the aptly named Lake Eola Park. Surrounding the lake is a paved sidewalk where visitors can stroll, jog or bike. Other park highlights include a tranquil Japanese Rock Garden, the rainbow-hued Walt Disney Amphitheater (where you can listen to live music or plays) and the Chinese Ting (similar to a pagoda). Travelers can rent swan-shaped paddle boats out on the water while admiring the real-life swans that call the lake home.

Where to stay: The AC Hotel by Marriott Orlando Downtown offers a central location in the heart of the city—plus a swanky rooftop bar coupled with sleek rooms and suites. 

Lake Coeur d’Alene spans over 26 miles and offers more than 100 miles of shoreline dotted with sandy swimming areas, parks, trails, and other recreational attractions. Highlights include Coeur d'Alene City Park (which boasts a swimmable beach, volleyball courts and a playground) and the 120-acre Tubbs Hill (which offers several miles of scenic hiking trails). The lake—which boasts sparkling blue waters surrounded by towering trees—lures travelers looking to go sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, wake surfing, wakeboarding or jet-skiing. Downtown Coeur d’Alene is within easy walking distance of the lake and is home to 125-plus shops and restaurants.

Where to stay: The Coeur d’Alene Resort is known for its state-of-the-art golf and spa facilities, contemporary accommodations and, of course, picturesque water views—making it the perfect place to stay when in town.

Big Bear Lake is nestled in California’s San Bernardino Mountains. Boating and fishing opportunities abound come summertime, and there are also plenty of spots to wade in the water. Meadow Park, located along the shore of the lake, is a great place to unwind.  It even boasts a sandy beach (open only if the water level is high enough). Or, you may opt to explore the lake and its surroundings via the Alpine Pedal Path. The paved 3.2-mile-long pathway—which is excellent for biking, jogging or walking—can be found along the lake’s northeastern edge. Meanwhile, the surrounding mountain town of Big Bear offers year-round fun and adventure. 

Where to stay: The Club at Big Bear Village offers rustic-chic multi-bedroom suites with amenities like soaking tubs, fireplaces and in-unit laundry, making it ideal for group getaways and families. 

Located just one hour from Milwaukee, this 292-acre lake has pristine blue-green waters. Fishing, paddling, and boating are must-do activities; however, those craving more adventure can go waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, stand-up paddleboarding, or hydrobiking (available via Elkhart Lake Watersports at The Shore Club). Then, head to the waterfront Fireman’s Park, which has a sandy beach area, volleyball courts and picnic tables. Should you need a break from the lake, explore the charming town where the body of water is located—also aptly called Elkhart Lake—where you’ll find a slew of mom-and-pop shops and restaurants.  

Where to stay: The upscale Osthoff Resort is ideally situated along the shores of Elkhart Lake. Amenities include a tranquil spa, an on-site cooking school, two outdoor pools and a handful of drinking and dining venues.

Lake Ontario is the smallest of the Great Lakes—but with a surface area of 7,300 square miles and 700-plus miles of shoreline, it offers plenty to see, do, and explore. At Fort Niagara State Park, visitors can go swimming, hiking, birding and biking, all while soaking up the lake views. There are also plenty of stretches of sand along the water, including Durand Eastman Park, Ontario Beach Park and Fair Haven Beach State Park. Additionally, the lake’s microclimatic effects are ideal for grape growing, so winos should check out the Lake Ontario Wine Trail.

Where to stay: Make Rochester your home base for exploring the region and check into Woodcliff Hotel & Spa, which offers elegant accommodations, a nine-hole golf course, a full-service spa and two restaurants.

As the second-largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Michigan offers spectacular scenery and around 1,000 miles of shoreline. In Chicago, you’ll find an incredible 18-mile lakefront trail and two-dozen-plus free beaches, including the dog-friendly Montrose Beach. Over in Michigan, you’ll find towing dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, as well as quaint beach towns like Muskegon and Saugatuck. Lake Michigan also covers parts of Wisconsin and Indiana, and both states have beautiful stretches of sand. The latter is home to the almost otherworldly Indiana Dunes National Park, where travelers can hike, bike and admire dunes along 15 miles of shoreline. 

Where to stay: Since Lake Michigan is so expansive, you’ll find plenty of places to stay along the water. In Michigan, you can’t go wrong with Delamar Traverse City, which offers panoramic water views, sleek interiors and, best of all, free breakfast. For an additional cost, guests can take advantage of the on-site jet ski and kayak rentals or embark on a boat tour or catamaran cruise.

Lake Oconee is just 90 minutes from Atlanta, yet it feels worlds away from the bustling city. The 20-mile-long lake, flanked by tall Georgia pines, is a haven for boating and water sports enthusiasts. Rent your watercraft from local vendors like Young Harris WaterSports, Oconee Wild Watersports or Oconee Classic Boats; alternatively, sign up for wakeboarding or wake surfing lessons. Don’t skip town without snapping a photo at the 10-foot-tall Jumping Rock (which can be found on the south end of the lake and is accessible only by water), a popular spot for—spoiler alert—jumping. Surrounding the lake, you’ll find several parks, recreation areas, campsites and golf courses. 

Where to stay: Splurge on a stay at the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee. Set along 30 acres of shoreline, this luxury resort boasts top-notch amenities like a private beach plus an infinity pool overlooking the lake.