Live that lake life: The best summer lake vacations in the U.S.

Lounge chairs sit next to outdoor pool facing Lake Michigan

Norris Lake, TN lakefront vacation rental

Home
Blog
Discover
Live that lake life: The best summer lake vacations in the U.S.

Dreaming of summer days spent on sun-drenched shores, surrounded by mountains or forest, or gliding across sparkling waters? America’s lakes are calling. With over 3 million lakes nationwide, there’s a perfect getaway for everyone—from peaceful retreats to high-energy adventure.

Here are some of the best U.S. lakes for summer vacations, each offering unique scenery and activities.

Lake Tahoe, CA/NV

A sparkling alpine lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Can't miss summer activities:

Paddleboarding or kayaking at Sand Harbor
Sunset cruises for unforgettable photo ops
Hiking the Rubicon Trail or Eagle Lake for panoramic views
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival (July–August) – live outdoor theater
Farmers markets & local wine tasting events
Full Moon kayak tours

Featured summer rental: Donner Lake Dream Cabin

Explore Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals

aerial view of lake arrowhead in california showing docks and boats and forest surrounding the lake

Lake Arrowhead, CA

Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, Lake Arrowhead is peaceful, forested, and perfect for a mountain-lake escape.

Can't miss summer activities:

Boating, waterskiing, or paddleboarding
Hiking in the San Bernardino National Forest
Shopping and dining in Lake Arrowhead Village
Summer Concert Series & Tunes in the Trees – live music in a scenic forest setting
Fourth of July Fireworks over the lake
Guided nature hikes and wildlife spotting

Featured summer rental: The Chateau

Explore Lake Arrowhead Rentals

Lake Michigan

With shoreline across four states, Lake Michigan combines urban energy with tranquil beaches and dunes.

Can't miss summer activities:

Biking Chicago’s Lakefront Trail or sailing along the coast
Exploring the Indiana Dunes or Sleeping Bear Dunes
Visiting coastal towns like South Haven or Traverse City
Taste of Chicago (July) – a foodie festival by the lakefront
Visiting lighthouses and nature preserves along the shore

Featured summer rental: Leisure On The Lake

Explore Lake Michigan Rentals

private docks and lake homes pepper lake of the ozarks in aerial shot on a sunny day

Lake of the Ozarks, MO

With over 1,100 miles of shoreline, Lake of the Ozarks is a mix of water sports, family fun, and local culture.

Can't miss summer activities:

Boating and tubing at Party Cove
Exploring Ha Ha Tonka State Park and Bridal Cave
Fishing tournaments and lakeside concerts
Aquapalooza (July) – boating festival with music and vendors
Hot Summer Nights classic car show on the Bagnell Dam Strip
Ziplining and mini-golf for a family day out

Featured summer rental: Unforgettable Lake Memories

Explore Lake of the Ozarks Rentals

private dock on norris lake with seating and rooftop terrace with chairs

Norris Lake, TN

Famed for its sparkling emerald waters and secluded coves, Norris Lake is the perfect getaway for those craving a peaceful summer retreat or endless water adventures.

Can't miss summer activities:

Boating, jet skiing, or houseboating on calm waters
Hiking at Norris Dam State Park
Fishing for bass and crappie
Summer concerts at local marinas or the Norris Lake Amphitheater
Island picnics and wildlife spotting

Featured summer rental: Lakin' It Easy

Explore Lake Norris Rentals

Lake Champlain, VT

Bordered by the Green Mountains and Adirondacks, Lake Champlain blends nature with small-town charm.

Can't miss summer activities:

Sailing, kayaking, or paddleboarding
Visiting historic sites like Fort Ticonderoga
Burlington Waterfront Concert Series (June–August) – free music along the lake
Farmers markets and food festivals
Scenic bike rides along the Island Line Trail

Featured summer rental: Thayer Beach Lakehouse

Explore Lake Champlain Rentals

lounge chairs face several boats anchored on Lake Winnipesaukee on a summer day

Lake Winnipesaukee, NH

The largest lake in New Hampshire, surrounded by forests and mountains.

Can't miss summer activities:

Cruising on the M/S Mount Washington
Swimming or kayaking around islands
Visiting Weirs Beach and Meredith Bay
Lake Winnipesaukee Summer Concert Series – music on select weekends
Hiking nearby trails with lake views
Ice cream tours and small-town festivals

Featured summer rental: The Tree House

Explore Lake Winnipesaukee Rentals

aerial view of lake travis winding its way through texas hill country on a summer day

Lake Travis, TX

Just west of Austin, Lake Travis combines hill country views with high-energy summer fun.

Can't miss summer activities:

Swimming at Mansfield Dam Park
Ziplining or parasailing adventures
Renting a pontoon for day-long lake trips
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
Evening sunset dining at The Oasis
Paddleboarding and wakeboarding competitions

Featured summer rental: Lago Vista Retreat

Explore Lake Travis Rentals

view of flathead lake in montana on a sunny summer day

Flathead Lake, MT

The largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, surrounded by mountains and orchards.

Can't miss summer activities:

Exploring Wild Horse Island State Park
Sailing or paddleboarding in calm waters
Sampling cherries at local farms
Flathead Cherry Festival (July) – local foods, music, and family fun
Kayaking and wildlife photography trips
Biking scenic lakeside roads

Featured summer rental: Whispering Pines Point

Explore Flathead Lake Rentals

view from a sandy beach of a sailboat with two people on board on bear lake in summer

Bear Lake, UT/ID

Famed for its turquoise waters and summer family fun.

Can't miss summer activities:

Swimming, jet skiing, and paddleboarding
Hiking Limber Pine Trail
Pickleville Playhouse Summer Musicals
Raspberry shakes at local cafes
Beach volleyball and lakeside bonfires

Featured summer rental: Peaceful Bear Lake Home

Explore Bear Lake Rentals

waterfront homes and private docks along Lake George in New York

Lake George, NY

Located in the Adirondacks, Lake George offers mountain-lake adventure with history and charm.

Can't miss summer activities:

Swimming at Million Dollar Beach
Hiking Prospect Mountain for panoramic lake views
Steamboat cruise on the Minne-Ha-Ha
Lake George Music Festival - An immersive classical music experience
Visiting Fort William Henry
Parasailing, tubing, and lakeside adventure parks

Featured summer rental: Eagles Landing

Explore Lake George Rentals

Summer lake vacation FAQs

The amenities you should look for in a lake vacation rental to make your stay even more memorable and comfortable include:

Decks or patios with comfortable seating and outdoor dining options
Fully equipped kitchens
Cozy fireplaces
Hot tubs
Proximity to local trails or villages for easy exploration
Gorgeous lake views

Many of our lake vacation rentals come with water equipment, including kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. While some vacation rentals are located close to watersport rentals, including jet skis, pontoon boats, and more. It's essential to check the specific rental details for these amenities.

Yes, many lake cabins and homes welcome pets, but policies differ by property. Look for listings labeled “pet-friendly” and confirm rules for number, size, or breed. This is especially common at family-oriented lakes like Lake Winnipesaukee and Norris Lake.

For peak summer months (June–August), booking ~6 months in advance is recommended, especially for popular destinations or large groups. For a quieter experience, consider late May or early September.