14 Refreshing Lakes in the US You Need to Swim in This Summer
Summer calls for trips to lakes where you can escape the heat and enjoy a refreshing swim. Across the United States, there are lakes known for their clear waters and beautiful surroundings, perfect for a summer dip. These lakes are great destinations for those looking to cool off and relax. With options ranging from serene mountain lakes to vibrant urban escapes, there is a perfect spot for every swimmer. Make sure to visit these stunning lakes for an unforgettable summer experience.
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Lake Tahoe (California or Nevada)
Lake Tahoe is located on the border of California and Nevada, nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is the largest alpine lake in North America, reaching depths of over 1,600 feet and covering a surface area of 191 square miles. You can reach Lake Tahoe by car, with major highways connecting it from both California and Nevada. Visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating, while the surrounding area offers hiking and skiing during winter months.
Nearby, the city of South Lake Tahoe provides a variety of restaurants, casinos, and scenic spots. The lake is surrounded by beautiful national forests and provides picturesque views of the mountains. It is also a popular destination for water sports and relaxation during the summer months. Visitors can explore beaches like Sand Harbor and Zephyr Cove for the perfect lake experience.
Clear Lake (California)
Clear Lake is situated in Northern California and is the largest natural freshwater lake in the state. It is about 1,200 feet deep and spans an area of 68 square miles, making it ideal for various water activities. You can reach Clear Lake by car, about two hours north of San Francisco, through scenic highways. It is known for swimming, boating, fishing, and sailing, while the surrounding areas offer camping and hiking opportunities.
The lake is surrounded by wine country, with several vineyards nearby for a unique experience. Clear Lake State Park offers trails and picnic areas for outdoor activities. The lake is also close to the town of Lakeport, which has local shops, restaurants, and annual events like the Clear Lake Classic Boat Show. Visitors can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the area while participating in various outdoor activities.
Lake Michigan (Michigan)
Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes and is located along the coast of the state of Michigan. It spans over 22,400 square miles in surface area and reaches a depth of about 925 feet. To get to Lake Michigan, you can easily access it by car from major cities like Chicago or Milwaukee, with various beaches along the coastline. Swimming, sunbathing, and water sports such as jet skiing are popular activities, especially at beaches like the ones in Grand Haven and Indiana Dunes National Park.
Nearby, tourists can visit Chicago’s waterfront, which offers great dining, shopping, and sightseeing. The lake also has several charming beach towns like Holland and Traverse City that provide local shops and historical sites. Visitors can enjoy scenic boat tours, as well as the famous Navy Pier in Chicago. This lake is a great mix of outdoor activities and urban attractions.
Lake Powell (Arizona or Utah)
Lake Powell is located in the desert of Arizona and Utah, nestled between the Glen Canyon Dam and the stunning red rock landscapes of the region. It has a surface area of 254 square miles and is about 560 feet deep, with crystal-clear water surrounded by dramatic canyons. You can reach Lake Powell by car or by boat, with major access points from the city of Page, Arizona. The lake is perfect for swimming, boating, waterskiing, and fishing, and visitors can explore the picturesque Antelope Canyon.
For hiking enthusiasts, the surrounding Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers trails with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding desert. Nearby, the historic Rainbow Bridge National Monument is a must-see. Visitors can also explore the town of Page, which offers local accommodations and tours. Lake Powell’s remote beauty makes it an ideal spot for an adventurous summer getaway.
Lake of the Ozarks (Missouri)
Lake of the Ozarks is located in central Missouri and is a popular vacation spot known for its stunning views and clear waters. It spans 54 square miles and has a maximum depth of around 130 feet. You can reach the lake by car, and several local airports provide access to nearby cities like Osage Beach and Camdenton. The lake is great for swimming, boating, fishing, and kayaking, and there are numerous marinas and resorts offering rentals and guided tours.
Tourists can also visit the nearby Ozarks, known for hiking trails and natural parks. The area around the lake is filled with restaurants, shops, and golf courses. The lake is also famous for its summer music festivals, making it a great place for both relaxation and entertainment. Whether for water activities or exploring the outdoors, Lake of the Ozarks offers a variety of attractions.
Lake Havasu (Arizona)
Lake Havasu is located on the border of Arizona and California and is known for its vibrant blue waters and stunning desert backdrop. It has a surface area of about 45 square miles and a depth of around 60 feet, making it perfect for a variety of water activities. You can reach the lake by car from Phoenix or Las Vegas, with numerous resorts and parks along the shore. Swimming, boating, water sports, and fishing are some of the most popular activities here.
The iconic London Bridge, relocated to Lake Havasu City in the 1960s, is one of the main tourist attractions. The area offers great camping and picnic spots, and the lake itself is ideal for houseboats and jet skis. Nearby, the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge offers great opportunities for bird watching and hiking. Lake Havasu is a must-visit destination for water sports lovers.
Flathead Lake (Montana)
Flathead Lake is located in northwestern Montana and is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States. It spans over 200 square miles and has a depth of 370 feet, making it a great spot for swimming and other water activities. You can reach Flathead Lake by car from Missoula or Kalispell, with several public access points along the lake. Popular activities include swimming, kayaking, fishing, and boating.
The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking in nearby Glacier National Park. The charming town of Bigfork is located on the lake and provides excellent dining and shopping options. The lake’s pristine waters and beautiful mountain scenery make it a peaceful retreat for visitors. Flathead Lake offers a tranquil setting for both adventure and relaxation.
Shasta Lake (California)
Shasta Lake is located in Northern California and is the largest reservoir in the state, covering 30,000 acres with a depth of over 500 feet. The lake is accessible by car, with highways leading from nearby cities like Redding. Popular activities include swimming, fishing, boating, and houseboating, with several companies offering houseboat rentals on the lake. The surrounding area is perfect for hiking and exploring, with beautiful forested areas.
The lake is located near the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, which offers camping and nature walks. Mount Shasta, a prominent volcanic peak, offers scenic hiking and ski opportunities in the winter. Visitors can also check out the nearby Shasta Dam and enjoy local historical sites. Shasta Lake offers a peaceful retreat in nature, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Lake Superior (Michigan)
Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes, located on the northern border of Michigan. It has a surface area of 31,700 square miles and is known for its cold, clear waters, with depths reaching up to 1,332 feet. You can reach the lake by car from nearby cities like Duluth, Minnesota, or Marquette, Michigan. While swimming in the cooler waters may not be for everyone, it is perfect for a refreshing dip during hot summer days.
Lake Superior is surrounded by beautiful national parks, such as Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which offers scenic hiking and kayaking opportunities. The nearby towns of Duluth and Marquette are great for local dining, shopping, and sightseeing. The lake also offers plenty of historic lighthouses and shipwreck sites to explore. It is a great destination for nature lovers and those seeking outdoor adventures.
Lake Winnipesaukee (New Hampshire)
Lake Winnipesaukee is located in central New Hampshire and is the largest lake in the state. With a surface area of 44 square miles and depths reaching up to 180 feet, it is ideal for swimming and water activities. The lake is easily accessible by car, with several towns along its shores offering public beaches and boat rentals. Activities on the lake include swimming, sailing, fishing, and cruising.
The area is also known for its charming lakeside villages, such as Meredith and Wolfeboro, which offer restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. Mount Washington, the highest peak in the region, is nearby and provides great hiking and sightseeing opportunities. Lake Winnipesaukee offers a peaceful environment with both outdoor activities and relaxing lakeside views.Big Bear Lake (California)
Big Bear Lake (San Francisco)
Big Bear Lake is located in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California. It covers an area of 2.5 square miles and has a maximum depth of 72 feet. The lake is easily accessible by car from Los Angeles and is popular for its recreational activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, and paddleboarding. The surrounding area is great for hiking and biking, making it a perfect summer destination.
The town of Big Bear Lake offers plenty of dining and shopping options, as well as cozy cabins and hotels. Visitors can also enjoy the nearby Big Bear Alpine Zoo or take part in annual events like the Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest. The lake’s clean water and scenic surroundings make it a favorite spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal place for swimming and enjoying nature.
Lake Champlain (Vermont or New York)
Lake Champlain is located on the border of Vermont and New York, offering 120 miles of shoreline and a depth of up to 400 feet. The lake is accessible by car from cities like Burlington, Vermont, and Plattsburgh, New York. Activities on the lake include swimming, sailing, kayaking, and fishing. The lake’s clear waters make it a great spot for all types of water sports.
Lake Champlain is surrounded by beautiful parks, including the Adirondack Mountains to the west and the Green Mountains to the east. Visitors can explore historical sites, such as the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum and the remnants of historic Fort Ticonderoga. The area offers plenty of hiking and wildlife-watching opportunities as well. Lake Champlain is an excellent place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
Lake Lanier (Georgia)
Lake Lanier is located in northeastern Georgia and covers 38,000 acres, with a maximum depth of 160 feet. The lake is easily accessible by car from Atlanta, making it a popular weekend destination for city residents. Swimming, boating, jet skiing, and fishing are common activities on the lake, and visitors can enjoy numerous marinas and beach areas. The lake is also surrounded by parks and hiking trails.
Nearby, the city of Gainesville offers shopping, dining, and other attractions. Lake Lanier is a great spot for family-friendly activities and watersports, and it has become a favorite for holiday celebrations like the annual Lanier Islands Festival. The lake is known for its clean water and relaxing environment, making it an ideal spot to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
These lakes are perfect destinations for anyone looking to enjoy a refreshing swim and outdoor activities during the summer months. From crystal-clear waters to stunning surrounding landscapes, each lake offers something unique for visitors.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.