in

15 Enchanting Lake Towns To Visit in The Summer 

Dorian Wallender/Wikimedia commons, National Forest Service/Wikipedia

As summer approaches, wanderlust awakens within many of us and ignites a desire to explore places with bodies of water to cool off. How about quaint cottages or bustling boardwalks? What you need is a lake town that gives you relaxation and adventure. With that said, these 15 destinations are the perfect places for a summer vacation. 

Wimberley, Texas

Travis K. Witt/Wikipedia

Famous for swimming spots like Blue Hole and Jacob’s Well, this Texas town is perfect for those seeking water activities. Nearby Canyon Lake is great for boating, and at night, visitors can explore local honky-tonks. Additionally, Creekhaven Inn and Spa offers a relaxing place to stay after a day of fun.

Lake Berryessa, California

Haha169/Wikipedia

After a rainy season, visitors may witness the Glory Hole at Lake Berryessa, a rare phenomenon caused by excess water flowing into the lake’s dam. Boating and camping at Pleasure Cove are popular activities. Nearby, Frog’s Leap Winery and Gott’s Roadside also have tasty pitstops for food and drink lovers.

Aurora, New York

Andre Carrotflower/Wikimedia commons

Located in the Finger Lakes region, Aurora sits along Cayuga Lake. Visitors can enjoy various drink tastings, water sports, and nearby cultural events. With options like the Inns of Aurora, guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations while being close to Seneca Lake and the heart of New York’s wine country.

Saugatuck, Michigan

Parkerdr/Wikipedia

This lakeside town has award-winning beaches and a thriving arts community. A sunset cruise along Lake Michigan, paired with various guided tours, provides a relaxing experience. Travelers can enjoy lavender honey toast at local cafes or unwind at The Hotel Saugatuck, which has luxurious accommodations.

Lake City, Colorado

Jeffrey Beall/Wikimedia commons

Year-round activities include wildflower hikes in summer and snowshoeing in winter, Lake City is perfect for outdoor adventurers. Visitors can camp by Lake San Cristobal or stay in town at North Face Lodge. Mountain biking and ice fishing add to the town’s diverse seasonal offerings.

Grand Marais, Minnesota

Pete Markham/Wikimedia commons

Art lovers will find much to admire in this lake town, situated between the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior. The North House Folk School has artisan-led classes, while outdoor enthusiasts can take part in nearby hiking trails. Dining options like The Dunes Saloon provide local fare like the fresh whitefish taco.

Bayview, Idaho

Jon Roanhaus/Wikipedia

Bayview is a floating village located near the southern shores of Lake Pend Oreille. It offers both land and water activities, from hiking at Farragut State Park to boating along 42 miles of shoreline. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the area. MacDonald’s Resort has cabins with private docks and boats for rent.

Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

Fletcher/Wikipedia

As America’s oldest summer resort, the Wolfeboro lak house town has a range of historical attractions, including the Libby Museum and a trolley ride to the Boat Museum. Biking, boating, swimming, and beach lounging round out a full itinerary, while the Wolfeboro Inn provides comfortable accommodations.

Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Nor56Ubr6/Wikipedia

A haven for watersports enthusiasts, Lake Havasu City features endless opportunities for boating, kayaking, and jet skiing. The annual Havasu Balloon Festival adds a colorful touch to the desert scenery. For family-friendly stays, the centrally located London Bridge Resort also has waterslides and scenic views.

Bigfork, Montana

Katie Brady/Wikipedia

Bigfork is a village near Flathead Lake that has the most scenic mountain views and activities like paddle boarding or biking. What’s more, the lake town is less than an hour from Glacier National Park and is ideal for combining lake relaxation with a national park adventure through the mountains.

Lakeside, Ohio

David Wilson/Wikimedia commons

Visitors to this private community can enjoy sailing, fishing, and even live entertainment after securing an admission pass. The Marblehead Lighthouse is a must-see, and local eateries like Cleats serve crowd favorites like wings. Pickleball courts and boutique shopping add to the town’s appeal.

Leavenworth, Washington

SounderBruce/Wikipedia

Inspired by Bavarian villages, Leavenworth provides outdoor adventures like hiking to Colchuck Lake. After a day on the trails, you can munch on a pretzel and drink beer at Rhein Haus, a German-inspired restaurant. Local accommodations include the Posthotel Leavenworth, which overlooks the rivers.

Greensboro, Georgia

Swall12345/Wikimedia commons

Located on Lake Oconee, this Southern town is a favorite among golfers, with multiple courses in the area. The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds has waterfront views and luxury accommodations. Furthermore, rentals and serene lakeside views make Greensboro a peaceful escape from city life. 

Bayfield, Wisconsin

Dls4832/Wikimedia commons

Apostle Islands Cruises takes visitors from Bayfield to explore the stunning Apostle Island Sea Caves. You’ll find that dining at The Copper Trout is a local favorite in the area. However, for an overnight stay, the Victorian-style Old Rittenhouse Inn offers comfort and proximity to the town’s main attractions.

McCall, Idaho

Karthikc123/Wikipedia

Situated on Payette Lake’s south shore, McCall has seasonal activities like mountain biking and skiing. There’s always something to do, whether it’s kayaking in the summer or snow tubing in winter. The town’s Shore Lodge gives you luxury accommodations, complete with private hot springs and a spa.

Written by Peterson Sorenson

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *