These little coastal communities are just waiting for you to join them for some sun-filled summertime fun. We find ourselves searching for cool spots to appreciate when the weather warms up. Therefore, it goes without saying that we are drawn to touristy islands and coastal beaches, but don’t discount the large regional lakes spread throughout the United States.
With many cities and towns lining its coasts, these vast bodies of water offer a variety of recreational opportunities. Along these expansive waterways, visitors can swim, kayak, fish, cruise, and even go bear watching.
The best feature is that you may enjoy a large lake without having to go to a big city. These seven little villages have summer attractions near large lakes.
1. Vermont’s Shelburne
During Lake Champlain, sip champagne.
Try traveling to Shelburne, Vermont, for a pretty tranquil lake excursion. This charming retreat is home to about 7,000 people, but don’t let it deceive you—there is enough to do. Situated directly on Lake Champlain, the little village is close enough to Burlington to allow you to board a yacht and enjoy champagne on the lake.
You may drink wine at Shelburne’s top winery, play a beautiful round of golf at the well-known Kwiniaska Golf Club, stroll the trails, and eat at a historic farm all inside the city limits. With the stunning Adirondack Mountains and Champlain Lake as your backdrop, you can’t go wrong with whatever you choose.
2. Nevada’s Zephyr Cove
Kayak across Lake Tahoe’s rugged shores
Zephyr Cove in Nevada is unlike any of the villages that surround Lake Tahoe. Zephyr Cove provides access to the southeast part of Lake Tahoe and is located just beyond the California state line. Additionally, you can avoid the gridlock on California’s I-80 (who likes to sit in traffic when on vacation?).
Zephyr Cove’s distinctive pathways and rocky shoreline are highly praised by most tourists. Because of this, creating an active lake experience is simple. Rent a Polaris Slingshot to cruise the coastline, schedule a horseback riding lesson close to the water, or schedule a tour in a clear kayak.
3. Alaska’s Kenai
Fish at the renowned Lake Clark
Located in the heart of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Lake Clark is a generous 40-mile-long natural marvel. Port Alsworth is the only settlement on the lake; nonetheless, it is a total wilderness with no roads. Consider traveling to neighboring Kenai, Alaska, if you wish to see the lake while remaining in a controlled setting.
From Kenai, you can take an air taxi to Lake Clark, where you can engage in the customary daring activities of kayaking and rafting. However, the majority of visitors to Lake Clark do more than simply float around. It is well-known for its renowned salmon fishing, wild bear sightings, and expansive helicopter excursions.
4. Michigan’s Alden
When you view Torch Lake’s crystal-clear turquoise waters, you’ll know why everyone refers to it as the “Caribbean of the North.” For those looking for the perfect Instagram vacation feed, Torch Lake, which is in Northwest Michigan, is the perfect place to go.
You should take a boat to the Sandbar, a sizable mass of sand off the southern edge of Torch Lake, if you’re ever there. For those who want to get on a jet ski and party on the water, this place is ideal, but it gets very crowded. The nearest residential settlement to the Sandbar is Alden, Michigan, which is also a wonderful place to set up for a trip to the lake.
5. New York’s Watkins Glen
Located at the southernmost point of Seneca Lake, the largest of the Fingers Lakes, is this fascinating upstate New York village. Watkins Glen is a destination for speed aficionados because of its excellent racetracks and thundering waterfalls.
The town really invites visitors to come see how many waterfalls they can cross off their bucket list. There are 19 waterfalls in the 1.5-mile radius of Watkins Glen State Park alone. Early summer is the ideal time to visit if you want the ultimate waterfall holiday.
6. Arizona’s Page
From deserts to volcanic mountains, Arizona boasts one of the most varied landscapes in the US. The Rainbow Bridge, which spans 275 feet and is 290 feet high, is one of its many physical attractions. Its earth-tone rainbow design attracts approximately 85,000 tourists each year from all over the world as it arches over Lake Powell, the second-largest artificial lake in the United States.
It’s essential to reserve a boat cruise beneath Lake Powell’s Rainbow Bridge. Regretfully, the lake’s water level has decreased due to environmental weather changes. For greater access to the lake while taking advantage of Page’s camping and hiking opportunities, make sure to plan ahead.
7. Louisiana’s Lake Charles
Lake Charles in southwest Louisiana is home to a plethora of activities; the possibilities for enjoying the lake are truly limitless. But no visitor to the cultural sanctuary leaves without sampling some of the Cajun food.
Despite being a comparatively bigger city, Lake Charles is nevertheless noteworthy. Pick up a Cajun or Creole meal from one of the many eateries in the vicinity and bring it to Bord du Lac Marina for a beachside picnic.
