The best lakes to visit in the US

Along the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe has long been a destination for folks from both states, and pretty much anyone within driving distance of the lake’s stunning natural beauty. According to PlanetWare, it’s the second-deepest lake in the U.S., with shockingly clear waters to boot. It’s a bit chilly in the water, but the nearby hills offer plenty to do in the summer and winter.
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You could pick any of the Great Lakes for a weekend getaway and return smiling, tanned, and relaxed, but Lake Superior is our pick (and Travel and Leisure’s pick) for the best of the bunch. Hike to check out the wildlife or kayak on the water before taking a well deserved nap on one of the lake’s stunning beaches.
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This upstate getaway hasn’t lost a bit of its lustre since it was a playground for the ultrarich back at the turn of the 20th century. You can check out their aging estates on Millionaires’ Row, or engage in more modern fun with watersports aplenty. Island hop among the lake’s hundreds of little spits of land or just enjoy the beauty of the Adirondacks from the shore.
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We’ve made clear our love of Oregon’s Crater Lake before, recognizing it as one of the most beautiful places in the United States. America’s deepest lake is set among the clouds on an ancient volcano, making it unlike any other camping destination you might come across.
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Known for its college-age party scene, palm tree-lined Lake Havasu can turn into a bit of a zoo around spring break, but if you’re looking for a raucous good time on a party boat, look no further. Other times of year, the lake offers a more family-friendly retreat.
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We trust Martha Stewart to pick out an idyllic waterside spot in Maine. You’ll share Moosehead, the state’s largest lake, with plenty of salmon, beavers, deer, and moose, but there’s enough striking Northeast beauty to go around. Stick around for fall to see the leaves change along the shore, or come during the winter to try your hand at ice fishing.
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You may believe you’ve entered another world as you paddle your boat through the sunken cypress trees and swampy marshes of Caddo Lake. Travel and Leisure points out the world-renowned wetland has been the site of many Bigfoot sightings. Another world may not be far off.
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