From coast to coast, and throughout the Midwest, America is full of picturesque lakes and charming communities that surround them. Imagine spending day after day at the lake fishing, swimming, or simply cruising around in your powerboat. While the shimmering waters are a huge draw, these waterfront havens feature just as much to do on land as they do in the water. Are you planning a summer getaway? Are you looking for your next destination to call home? Either way, you should find a suitable location on Boatmart’s list of 17 of the best lake towns in the U.S.
Burlington, Vermont
Vermont’s most-populated city, Burlington, is known for its brick-paved pedestrian mall, outdoor cafes, and lively evening entertainment. However, Burlington’s waterfront calls for different experiences. Soak up the sun on one of Burlington’s lakeside beaches or let your sails guide you along Lake Champlain’s miles of shoreline. If you visit, be sure to ask about the resident Loch Ness Monster, along with the Revolutionary War remnants at the bottom of the lake.
Sandpoint, Idaho
Up in the panhandle of Idaho, nestled between the Selkirk Mountains and the Coeur d’Alene Mountains, is Lake Pend Oreille. Its crystal-clear waters stretch roughly 43 miles—111 miles of shoreline—and dive more than 1,100 feet deep. Boating season stretches from late spring to early fall, and boaters will find several public boat launches. Two of the more popular are Sandpoint City Beach and Hope Marina. Once you’re on the water, check out the lake’s many coves, secluded beaches, and scenic vistas. And bring your watersports equipment and fishing gear, because the lake is big enough for anything. If you’re hungry at the end of the day, be sure to visit one of Sandpoint’s dock-and-dine restaurants.
Grand Lake, Colorado
Find wildlife and postcard-worthy scenery all around Grand Lake, Colorado. With proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park and Arapaho National Forest, the area is teeming with miles of lakes and rivers. The historic Grand Lake was formed 12,000 years ago by glaciers and is the largest, deepest natural lake in Colorado. When the weather is warm, you’ll find swimmers, anglers, and boaters alike exploring the lake.
Chelan, Washington
Chelan is a small town in central Washington state that appeals to all manner of outdoorsy types, including boaters. Serious hikers enjoy Chelan Butte and the Sawtooth Wilderness. The less adventurous types can walk around Chelan’s historic downtown area. If you’re more into wine tasting, several wineries are a short distance away. Boaters have access to Lake Chelan, a deep, clear body of water that stretches about 50 miles. If you like an on-water activity, you can do it on Lake Chelan.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Tucked away between the Sawtooth Mountains and the north shore of Lake Superior, Grand Marais, Minnesota, is an opportunity for exploration. Hike to rushing waterfalls and along rocky cliffs, or traverse the harbor-side shops, restaurants, and galleries in town. Lake Superior is home to world-class fishing and panoramic views that you can take in while canoeing or sailing.
Greensboro, Georgia
Founded in 1786, Greensboro, Georgia, perfectly illustrates small-town charm. Historic downtown Greensboro is brimming with locally owned shops and restaurants, as well as exquisite antebellum homes. Greensboro is also known as “Lake Oconee’s Hometown.” Casually cruise around this 19,000-acre lake or reach high speeds on a personal watercraft. You can even pull your boat up to the famous 10-foot-tall Jumping Rock and make a splash.
Lakeway, Texas
Lakeway is a laid-back destination located on the southern shores of Texas’ Lake Travis. While the city started as a community for retirees and second-home owners, Lakeway is now home to full-time residents of all ages that are drawn to the lake lifestyle. You’ll often find locals, as well as weekenders from nearby Austin and farther, taking in the panoramic views of Lake Travis from a pontoon or speedboat.
Cedar Lake, Indiana
Are you interested in towed watersports? Paddling in a picturesque small-town environment? Fishing all day—largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and northern pike are common catches—before eating at a dockside restaurant? You can do all of that and more in Cedar Lake, a destination spot less than 40 miles from Chicago. Check out Cedar Lake’s events calendar and time your visit with a community event. You will find fishing tournaments, watersports competitions, poker runs, and more. Think about visiting for the July 4 celebration, which includes a boat parade. Join locals for a meal at The Waterfront Restaurant. Just dock your boat right there and eat your dinner while you look out over the water.
Lake Placid, New York
Its cultural heritage includes the Winter Olympics. Its backdrop features the beauty of the Adirondack Mountains. And its boating opportunities include cruising, sailing, kayaking, fishing, and unbeatable autumn leaf peeping. Lake Placid is a small can’t-miss lake town far from the hustle and bustle. Launch ramps are spread around the 2.7-square-mile lake, but you can rent a boat locally if you don’t want to tow your own boat upstate. Either way, take your fishing gear because the lake is known for its lake trout.
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Known as “Arizona’s playground,” and one of our best spring break boating destinations, Lake Havasu City attracts over one million visitors every year. Whether you’re attending one of the hundreds of annual events or seeking a beach getaway, Lake Havasu has no shortage of activities. Launch your boat to explore the 60 miles of uninterrupted waterways. Or charter a yacht to one of the secret lake coves and swim in the turquoise water.
Osage Beach, Missouri
Osage Beach is a quaint city located on the Lake of the Ozarks and definitely one the the country’s best lake towns. The city itself is home to picturesque resorts and a local distillery, but the real fun is on the water. Lake of the Ozarks features more than 1,100 miles of shoreline, including public beaches. The lake is always buzzing with fishermen, boaters, and sunbathers, which is why it’s one of Missouri’s top destinations.
South Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
South Lake Tahoe is shared by both Nevada and California and is the largest city around the lake. The Nevada side features dazzling casino resorts, while the California side is home to Heavenly Village, which is filled with walkable restaurants, shops, and outdoor entertainment. What both areas share is access to clean, sandy beaches and the largest alpine lake in the country—a boater’s paradise.
Summersville, West Virginia
Summersville is the perfect lakeside hideaway, located in the West Virginia mountains. This modest city plays host to annual fairs and festivals, including the West Virginia Bass Federation fishing tournaments. The 2,800-acre Summersville Lake is a prime destination for fishing, boating, rock climbing, and even scuba diving to explore the intentional wreck. The lake was constructed for hydroelectric power generation, so its temperatures are relatively warm.
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City is one of the towns located along Lake Michigan, showcasing a different side to the state. Sip a local vintage at one of the area’s wineries or take a stroll through the hills to view the beautiful cherry blossoms. You can hike the Sleeping Bear Dunes or make your way to one of the beaches for windsurfing, wakeboarding, or cruising around the lake.
Conway, New Hampshire
Tucked into the Mount Washington Valley in inland New Hampshire, Conway is a small town with access to Conway Lake and the Saco River. Silver Lake is just a short distance away, too. Conway Lake has a public boat launch on Mill Street and allows powerboats—mind the speed limits—and paddled craft. If your boating tends more toward kayaks and canoes, Conway’s popular pastime involves paddling down the Saco River and camping overnight. Maybe catch a few bass, perch, or lake trout during the day and grill them on the sandbar at night.
Winter Haven, Florida
While Florida is known for its coastal beaches, central Florida shouldn’t be overlooked for its waterside attractions. It’s where you will find the state’s best lake towns. Winter Haven, home to LEGOLAND Resort, was appointed the Chain of Lakes City. Grab a bite to eat at one of the lakeside restaurants then catch a show at the community theater. Winter Haven’s Lake Eloise is the water ski capital of the world, where you can learn or watch the Cypress Gardens Waterski Team.
By visiting one of these scenic places on our list of best lake towns, you’ll quickly understand why so many people boast about “lake living.” Life’s simple pleasures are amplified when you have the backdrop of a stunning waterfront view.