From serene retreats to bustling recreational hubs, the U.S. boasts some of the most breathtaking lake destinations in the world. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape into nature or an action-packed adventure with the family, the best lakes in the U.S. offer a multitude of activities that can fit every traveler’s preference. bas
Finding the right lake destination for your trip can be a large task, so it’s important to know your desires and goals. Are you looking for a family-friendly lake, a prime fishing spot or a lively atmosphere? If you plan on renting a vehicle to visit one of these lake destinations, remember as a AAA member Hertz offers the best deals and discounts. AAA spoke with AAA Inspectors across the country to narrow down 13 of the best lake destinations in the U.S., highlighting what makes each one unique and what you can enjoy there.
1. Flathead Lake, Northwest Montana
- Best for: Connecting with nature in the great outdoors
- Where to Stay: The AAA Three Diamond designated Best Western Plus Flathead Lake Inn and Suites on the northern side of the lake.
- Getting there: Fly into Glacier Park International Airport and drive roughly 30 minutes to Flathead Lake.
Get away from it all in Big Sky Country by visiting Flathead Lake. At Flathead Lake, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Swan Range and Mission Mountains. It is also one of the cleanest lakes in the world, as it is the largest, natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi with over 200 square miles of water and 185 miles of shoreline. Bring the family along in the summer, as there are 13 public access sites around the lake with toilets, boat launch, camping, swimming and picnic facilities. Fall is geared more towards adults as the activities revolve around hiking, enjoying the fall foliage and reconnecting with the great outdoors. Our AAA Inspector recommends taking a scenic drive along the east side of the lake to enjoy some spectacular views.
2. Caddo Lake State Park, on the border of Louisiana and Texas
- Best for: Kayaking, canoeing and paddling.
- Where to Stay: Camp on property at the park or make it a day trip from Shreveport, LA
- Getting there: Fly into Shreveport Regional Airport and drive roughly 40 minutes from there.
Located in East Texas, Caddo Lake is a prime destination for kayaking through the picturesque Spanish moss draping over the water. Caddo Lake houses the largest cypress forest in the world, so don’t forget your camera on your trip to Caddo Lake. For those who are passionate about fishing, the 26,810-acre lake harbors more than 70 species of fish.
3. Finger Lakes, Northern New York
- Best for: Wine lovers, hikers, watersports, history/museum lovers
- Where to Stay: AAA Three Diamond designated Glenora Wine Cellars, or the Three Diamond designated Inn at Taughannock Falls, a Victorian mansion property overlooking Cayuga Lake
- Getting There: By car; a 3.5-hour drive from New York City makes it easily accessible for a weekend getaway or extended trip.
The Finger Lakes region in Northern New York is a premier destination for a variety of interests. During the summer it becomes a vibrant vacation spot with numerous festivals, including the Finger Lakes Wine Festival. In the fall, the area transforms into a picturesque landscape with spectacular fall foliage. Known for being one of the largest wine producing regions in the Eastern U.S., it offers a unique blend of outdoor activities, historical attractions and cultural experiences. The lakes are named after the tribes of the Six Nations of the Iroquois, adding a rich historical dimension to the visit.
4. Lake Tahoe, Northern California, Parts of Nevada
- Best for: A premier skiing destination in the winter, popular for hiking, biking and boating in the summer months
- Where to Stay: The AAA Five Diamond designated Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe or the Four Diamond designated Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe
- Getting There: Fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport and drive the roughly 1.5 hours to Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe straddles Northern California and Nevada, making it one of the most popular lake destinations in the U.S. In winter it boasts premier ski resorts such as Heavenly, Sierra and Kirkwood. In summer, it transforms into a haven for hiking, biking and boating enthusiasts. South Lake Tahoe is particularly active with numerous restaurants, shopping opportunities, casinos and nightlife offerings. As the third deepest lake in North America and the tenth deepest in the world, Lake Tahoe's elevation over 6,000 feet requires visitors to stay hydrated to acclimate to the altitude.
5. Crater Lake, South-Central Oregon
- Best for: Hiking, camping and fishing in summer; cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter
- Where to Stay: The AAA Approved Crater Lake Lodge, which sits within the national park
- Getting There: Fly into Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport and drive 90 miles to the lake, making it easily accessible for a scenic road trip
Crater Lake in south-central Oregon is famed for its brilliant blue water and mountainous backdrop. As one of the U.S.'s 63 national parks, it offers diverse activities year-round. Summer brings opportunities for hiking, camping and fishing, while winter is perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Formed by the collapse of the 12,000-foot volcano Mount Mazama, the 6-mile-long lake boasts a unique landscape sight. Stay at the Crater Lake Lodge for easy access and stunning views to this stunning natural wonder.
6. Great Lakes Region
- Best for: Scenic road trips, especially in spring and fall
- Where to Stay: Three Diamond designated Lift Bridge Lodge on Lake Superior or the Three Diamond designated Erie Bayfront on Lake Erie
- Getting There: Multiple international airports nearby within driving distance, including Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Detroit Metro Airport.
The Great Lakes Region encompasses five lakes along the U.S. border and offers an expansive 96,000 square miles of natural beauty. Ideal for road trips, it features AAA-curated road trips like the North Shore Scenic Drive along Lake Superior and the Northern Ohio Road Trip for Lake Erie. The region is the largest freshwater system globally, with interconnected lakes and rivers. Stay at Lift Bridge Lodge for stunning Lake Superior views or Erie Bayfront for elegant rooms overlooking the marina.
7. Lake Okeechobee, Florida
- Best for: Boating, fishing and airboating adventures
- Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Okeechobee
- Getting There: Being a bit away from airports, with Palm Beach International Airport being the closest, it is best reached by car, offering flexibility to explore the surrounding areas and access the lake's various points.
Nicknamed "The Inland Sea," Lake Okeechobee is the largest freshwater lake in Florida, spanning 30 miles in every direction. It offers excellent boating and fishing opportunities, particularly for largemouth bass and speckled perch. If you are looking for one of the best bass fishing lakes in the U.S., Lake Okeechobee would be a great destination to visit. The lake connects to both the East and West Coasts, allowing for scenic cruises from Stuart/Fort Lauderdale to St. Petersburg. It is important to note that Lake Okeechobee should not be visited if swimming is a priority, as there have been multiple health department warnings on swimming in the waters.
8. Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
- Best for: Family friendly summer vacations and serene getaways
- Where to Stay: The AAA Three Diamond designated Mill Falls at The Lake
- Getting There: Easily accessible by car from major cities like Boston, NYC and Portsmouth
Being the largest lake in New Hampshire, Lake Winnipesaukee is a top choice for a relaxing family lake vacation. Accessible from numerous major cities nearby, it offers a variety of activities perfect for all ages. Here you can enjoy easy hikes, swimming, beach time and boating on the lake. For a great stay, Mill Falls at The Lake provides family friendly amenities such as smores, paddleboarding, bike rentals and aquacycles. With its tranquil setting and diverse recreational options, Lake Winnipesaukee is an ideal spot for a memorable summer escape.
9. Bear Lake, Utah
- Best for: Family-friendly fun and water activities
- Where to Stay: The AAA Three Diamond designated Lodge at Big Bear Lake, Holiday Inn Resort offering an atmospheric stay while walking distance from Bear Lake.
- Getting there: Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport and drive roughly 2.5 hours to Bear Lake.
Bear Lake, often referred to as the "Caribbean of the Rockies" is one of the best lakes in the U.S. for anyone looking for aquatic activities. With over 160 square miles of stunning blue water and 70 miles of shoreline, Bear Lake is perfect for water activities such as boating, fishing and swimming. Bring the family during the summer to take advantage of the numerous beaches, watercraft rentals and scenic picnic spots. Winter at Bear Lake offers a quieter experience, ideal for ice fishing in the winter, snowmobiling and enjoying the wintry landscape.
10. Great Salt Lake, Utah
- Best for: Unique natural wonders and salt flats exploration
- Where to Stay: The AAA Four Diamond designated Hyatt Centric Park City, offering luxury and convenient access to the lake and nearby attractions.
- Getting there: Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport and drive roughly 20 minutes to Great Salt Lake.
Discover the unique beauty of Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. Known for its high salinity, which allows visitors to float effortlessly, this natural wonder spans over 1,700 square miles. Summer is ideal for exploring Antelope Island State Park, where you can hike, bike and enjoy the picturesque landscapes. In the fall, visitors can explore the vast Bonneville Salt Flats nearby, perfect for photography and land-speed racing enthusiasts.
11. Lake Powell, Utah
- Best for: Water sports and stunning red rock landscapes
- Where to Stay: The AAA Three Diamond designated Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell for a comfortable stay with easy nearby lake access.
- Getting there: Fly into Page Municipal Airport and drive roughly 15 minutes to Lake Powell.
Lake Powell, a massive man-made reservoir on the Colorado River, serves as a prime example of nature’s beauty. Stretching over 186 miles, Lake Powell offers incredible views of red rock canyons and clear blue waters. Summer is the perfect time for bringing the family along for boating, jet skiing and paddleboarding adventures. With nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of spots for camping, swimming and picnicking. Meanwhile, fall is a great time to explore the dramatic scenery with cooler weather and scenic hikes.
12. Grand Lake, Colorado
- Best for: Scenic beauty and outdoor adventures
- Where to Stay: The AAA Three Diamond designated Aloft Denver North Westminster offering charming accommodations with stunning lake views.
- Getting there: Fly into Denver International Airport and drive about 2 hours to Grand Lake.
Situated near the western entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake is a picturesque destination surrounded by majestic mountains. This natural glacial lake spans over 500 acres and boasts nearly 4 miles of pristine shoreline. In the summer, families can enjoy activities like boating, fishing and swimming, while the town of Grand Lake offers a charming boardwalk with shops and restaurants. Fall is perfect for hiking and soaking in the serene mountain atmosphere.
13. Lake George, NY
- Best for: Family-friendly activities and historical sites
- Where to Stay: The AAA Four Diamond designated Saratoga Arms Hotel, located only half an hour from Lake George.
- Getting there: Fly into Albany International Airport and drive roughly 1 hour to Lake George.
Lake George serves as a fantastic family-friendly destination with a charming village filled with shops, waterfront restaurants, and top-notch mini-golf courses like the whimsical "Goony Golf" and "Around the World Golf." Summertime activities include a scenic cruise on the iconic Minne-Ha-Ha paddlewheel steamboat or enjoying the recommended weekly fireworks from Million Dollar Beach on Thursday nights (suggested by our AAA Inspector). Winter brings the delightful Winter Carnival, featuring ice sculptures, horse-drawn wagon rides and racing events on the frozen lake. Other popular events include the annual car show with classic cars parading down Main Street and the "Americade" motorcycle rally, attracting bikers from across the country.
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