There are few things more relaxing than a quintessentially American lake vacation. This is a country crowd full of scenic lakes, from the northeastern shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire and Rangeley Lake in Maine, to the southern California shores of Big Bear Lake. However, there is also a lot to be said for lake towns in America. These lakeside communities help travelers locate exactly where to book a weekly rental or charming inn for their next lake vacation.
These places not only sit on the waterfront of the country's cleanest and most sought-after lakes, but they also have bustling downtowns and vibrant culture within them — and isn't that what makes the best lake towns in America shine? Think beyond boat and paddleboard rentals to consider that these lake towns are also destinations with exciting restaurants, hotels, shopping, and plenty of non-water-based activities.
Whether you're renting a lake house for the summer or looking for a lakeside weekend getaway to book this fall, these are America's 15 best lake towns.
Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
On Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro is quickly becoming the best lake town in the Northeast. The drive to Wolfeboro is about two hours from Boston and just over six from New York. Wolfeboro's downtown is actually right on Lake Winnipesaukee, which offers 72 square miles of water. Your time in Wolfeboro will be filled with sunset dips at Brewster Beach, ice cream cones at Wolfeboro Dockside Grille & Dairy Barand beers at Lone Wolfe Brewing Company. Treat yourself to a boat tour at M/S Mount Washingtonthat has been cruising the lake for over 150 years, and if you're looking for a charming hotel, Pickering House Inn it's just the place.
Greensboro, Georgia
About 75 miles outside of Atlanta lies one of the most charming lake destinations in the South: Lake Oconee. Located right on the 19,000-acre lake, Greensboro is home to an upscale golf community (there are six courses in Reynolds Lake Oconee). Search for a rental property to live your dream south lake sequence or stay in The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee in Greensboro for five-star beachfront accommodations.
Bayview, Idaho
Bayview, Idaho, is a floating village — yes, that's a real thing — on the southern shores of Lake Pend Oreille, with the Coeur d'Alene Mountains across the water. The area is home to the 4,000-acre Farragut State Park, and at Bayview, you have the best land and water activities in the area, from hiking trails and wildlife spotting opportunities to boating and swimming along 42 miles of shoreline. You can rent a cabin with a private dock and boat at MacDonald's Resort in Bayview.
Aurora, New York
The Finger Lakes region is a pristine part of New York State with 11 sparkling bodies of water, each lined with towns with character. Aurora is located on Cayuga Lake, one of the largest lakes known for its amazing wine trail. Here, you're not too far from wineries and can even take a day trip to Seneca Lake for a different perspective. The beauty of Aurora, aside from the gorgeous sunsets on Cayuga Lake, is that you have the culture, incredible food and wine, and water activities at your fingertips. Drive half an hour down the highway to Ithaca, NY for dinner at Maxie's Supper Clubvisit Heart & Hands Wine Company in nearby Union Springs and, of course, stay at Inns of Aurora for a luxurious lakeside getaway at one of its five beautifully curated inns.
Bigfork, Montana
Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, with 200 square miles of water. Along the 185-mile coastline, you'll find the town of Bigfork, Montana, which has an Old West resort-town energy, unlike the ski towns you'll find in the mining country of Colorado. The actual town of Bigfork has a burgeoning arts scene—with an impressive array of galleries, a notable theater presence, and an annual Arts Festival—and is known for great hiking, with many trails offering unique views of the lake. Rent a home right on the shores of Flathead Lake or book an all-inclusive cabin Flathead Lake Lodge for an unforgettable ranch experience mate.
Clermont, Florida
The Clermont Chain of Lakes is a system of interconnected lakes in Florida, but the historic village of Clermont is specifically located on Lake Minneola. About half an hour from Orlando, Clermont is the heart of this multi-lake community and is also close to Lake Louisa, the largest of Clermont's chain of lakes. When you're not exploring the surrounding lakes, enjoy the small-town charm of Clermont, from Downtown Clermont Farmers Market every Sunday shopping along Montrose Street in the historic village of Clermont.
South Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe is one of California's most popular year-round destinations — and when you catch the sunset over the lake in the summer months, you'll see why it's just as enticing in June as it is at the height of ski season. From summer to fall, the weather is perfect for renting a boat, hiking the scenic Rubicon Trail, dining alfresco at Boathouse on the pier, and sunsets with a bottle of wine. Rent a house by the water or stay at Edgewood Tahoethe unique resort right on the water with magnificent architecture, golf and an idyllic pool overlooking the lake.
Lakeway, Texas
On the outskirts of Austin lies Lakeway, near the southern shores of Lake Travis. The light turquoise waters attract vacationers from all over the country. You can drive 45 minutes to Austin for dining or live music, or relax in the quieter suburb of Lakeway, where you'll still find great BBQ and Tex-Mex. Lakeway Resort & Spa is the place to be in the area — not just for those looking for a great lakeside hotel, but for those renting in the area who want to book a spa day or resort dinner.
Charlevoix, Michigan
Charlevoix is the perfect Lake Michigan getaway. While Charlevoix offers both seaside attractions and inland charm, beachgoers will love the six miles of shoreline at Fisherman's Island State Park and Beach. For those who don't want to sink their toes into soft white sand, Charlevoix is also home Lavender Hill Farmwith idyllic fields filled with 30 varieties of lavender, and Farms of the Castle, a real stone castle in northern Michigan. This lakeside town is filled with charming accommodations, from the modern era Earl Hotel on the waterfront Edgewater Inn & Suites.
White Lake, North Carolina
Backed by natural spring and rainwater, White Lake is a 1,200-acre body of water in North Carolina that welcomes 200,000 tourists each summer. It's all about water sports in White Lake City, and tourists come to swim, boat, ride a subway, jet ski, wakeboard, and the like. That said, you will also find one Marine Park in the city and a picturesque 18-hole golf course in nearby Elizabethtown. Come for the whole summer or just for the annual White Lake Water Festival held in May.
Rangeley, Maine
When it comes to American lakes, Maine has game. Maine is home to thousands of lakes and ponds, from its largest lake, Moosehead, to lakes like Sebago Lake located next to Portland and Rangeley Lake near the northwest corner of the state. Rangeley Lake is known for its amazing fishing – it's a trout and salmon center – swimming, canoeing and kayaking. Rangeley Lake State Park features 869 acres of mountainous terrain, making the area a perfect hiking destination as well. Water sports aside, Rangeley itself is a small town, but you can find great cabins nearby and fun shops to check out in town, like the great bookstore Books, Lines and Thinkers. Don't leave without eating at Parkside & Main.
Osage Beach, Missouri
If you're looking for the perfect Lake of the Ozarks vacation town, look no further than Osage Beach. The famous man-made lake is known for its speedboat resorts and beach resorts, but Osage Beach claims a shore that is especially welcoming to families looking to take a beach vacation. While the town of Osage Beach only has about 5,000 residents, there are a variety of restaurants, bars and parks that attract visitors every summer. Think about it Margaritaville Lake Resort for a family vacation in Osage Beach.
Chelan, Washington
The Pacific Northwest is full of pine-covered bodies of water, but when it comes to lake towns that offer both water activities and inland charm, Chelan is one of the best seaside enclaves in the PNW. On the southeast shore of Lake Chelan, this resort town is nestled on the water, not far from the Cascade Mountains. There's something for every travel palette in this town, from the boutiques and local restaurants to the surrounding 9,000-foot peaks with hiking and mountain biking trails and water sports opportunities galore in the clear blue waters of Lake Chelan.
Vergennes, Vermont
Vermont's first and smallest town, Vergennes, is a short drive from both Burlington and Middlebury. Vergennes and the area bordering Lake Champlain have an old New England feel, which makes sense since Vergennes was founded in 1788. Those looking for history and a well-preserved downtown will enjoy exploring the heart of this town while those who want a holiday at the lake can head straight Port of Lekanisa resort on Lake Champlain that has been around for more than a century.
Big Bear Lake, California
Adrian Rudd/Travel + Leisure
Big Bear Lake is a year-round California destination because, like Tahoe in Northern California, it doubles as a ski town in the winter and a lake town in the summer. Big Bear is less of a hotel town and the name of the game here is to rent a house on the water and spend your days fishing, hiking, swimming and mountain biking. Guests will find endless entertainment in Big Bear Village, from brunch to Teddy Bear Restaurant to noon microbreweries at Big Bear Lake Brewing Company.
