The 9 Best Lake Towns in the US

Have You Considered A Lake Town Getaway?

There’s nothing like taking a relaxing quintessential American lake vacation. We live in a country that’s chock-full of beautiful lakes, from the northeastern shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and Rangeley Lake to the southern California shores of Big Bear Lake.

And this time around, we specifically wanted to hone in on the best lake towns in the US to help travelers decide where to book a rental for the week or a charming bed and breakfast for their next lake getaway.

These lake towns are not just right on the waterfront of the country’s clearest and most sought-after lakes, but they also have bustling town centers and lively culture. And isn’t that what makes the best lake towns shine?

They’re not just waterfront havens where you can rent a boat for the day. They’re also destinations with exciting restaurants, hotels, boutiques, and plenty of non-water-based activities.

Whether you’re renting a lake house for the summer or looking for a long lakeside weekend to book this fall, these are America’s 9 best lake towns.

Michigan: Copper Harbor

Along Lake Superior at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, Copper Harbor is an excellent gateway for fun on the water. You can even visit Michigan’s only national park in this lake town, Isle Royale.

While copper mining was once this town’s claim to fame, tourists today can explore its history at Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, which maintains a military outpost and includes the beautiful 1866 Copper Harbor Lighthouse.

You’ll have endless possibilities for hiking and scenic drives. Brockway Mountain Drive offers some of the most breathtaking views east of the Rockies, including Lake Superior from up to 1,300ft above sea level.

New Hampshire: Wolfeboro

Wolfeboro is quickly becoming one of the best lake towns in the Northeast. It’s about a two-hour drive from Boston and five from New York City. The town center of Wolfeboro is placed directly on Lake Winnipesaukee, which offers an expansive 72sqmi of water.

Your getaway in Wolfeboro will be filled with sunset swims at Brewster Beach, cooling off with an ice cream cone at Wolfeboro Dockside Grille & Dairy Bar, and relaxing beers at Lone Wolfe Brewing Company.

We recommend you treat yourself to a boat tour aboard the M/S Mount Washington, which has been giving tours for nearly 150 years, and if you’re looking for a charming place to stay, Pickering House Inn is just THE place!

Georgia: Greensboro

The stunning town of Greensboro sits along one of the top most beautiful lakes in the South.

Around 75 miles away from Atlanta, Lake Oconee is a 19,000-acre lake that provides some of the best fishing, boating, and a few other water recreations, including wakeboarding and kayaking, in the area.

This lake town is bounded by the Oconee National Forest, providing fabulous views for residents and its visitors alike.

The town of Greensboro offers lots to do as well, including some of the country’s top-rated golf courses and deliciously gourmet restaurants sure to satisfy after a day out…And don’t forget to pack your swimsuit!

Idaho: Bayview

You won’t believe this, but Bayview, Idaho is an ACTUAL floating village… yes, that’s a thing, on Lake Pend Oreille. The district is nestled between the southern shores of the lake and the foothills of the Coeur d’Alene Mountains.

And since this lake town is right on the water, you’ll be greeted with a northwestern island feel. It’s also home to the 4,000-acre Farragut State Park.

You get the best of land AND sea activities here, from hiking trails and wildlife spotting possibilities to boating and swimming along 42 miles of picturesque shoreline. We recommend renting a cabin with a private dock and a boat at MacDonald’s Resort in Bayview.

North Carolina: Lake Lure

Many mountains, streaming rivers, and a serene lake is what awaits you in the lake town of Lake Lure. You can enjoy its many charms and even take advantage of the romantic setting for a getaway with your significant other.

There’s lots of history to explore and outdoor adventures that await you. You might want to spend the day out on the water, boating, fishing, or kayaking. Or, if you need a break from the water, go hiking in the woods, do some mountain biking, or maybe even rock climb!

No matter what your sport is, you’ll probably find it here and plenty of friendly hospitality. And don’t worry. There’s a wide range of shopping, dining, and lodging options in town. All can be enjoyed among breathtaking scenic beauty at every turn.

Montana: Big Fork

Flathead Lake is considered one of the top lake town destinations in Montana. But it’s also the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. It covers over 200sqmi with 185mi of gorgeous shoreline and crystal-clear blue waters.

One of the most unique towns to visit in the state is Bigfork, known for its Old West feel, with lodgings comparable to what you’d find in Colorado’s mining country.

There are plenty of modern delights to enjoy as well, including a theater, art galleries, and festivals like their annual Festival of the Arts.

Besides the water sports like swimming, fishing, and paddling, there are endless miles of trails for hiking that will provide you with panoramic views of the lake. Plus, you’ll have many accommodation options, including cabin rentals, hotels, and resorts.

Texas: Lakeway

We all love Austin. But consider driving just a bit further, and you’ll find Lakeway along the southern shores of Lake Travis. The light turquoise waters in the area attract visitors from all around the country.

You can choose to drive 30 minutes to Austin to dine or enjoy some live music. But for some downtime, unwind in the quieter suburb of Lakeway, where you’ll still find great barbeque and Tex-Mex. Lakeway Resort & Spa is considered THE place to be in the area.

Not just for those who are looking for a beautiful lakeside hotel, but for those renting in the area who want to take advantage of a spa day or dinner at the resort.

New York: Lake Placid

Lake Placid may be famous for hosting the Winter Olympic Games, but it’s a fabulous lake town for EVERY season. This is the ideal spot for heading out in a canoe, kayak, or paddleboat during the warmer months.

But Autumn is jaw-droppingly gorgeous, with the densely forested mountains that surround it featuring the splashes of rich colors, including oak, birch, maple, and beech trees that will be bursting with brilliant yellow, orange, and crimson red.

There are many fall festivals, as well, including the Flaming Leaves Festival hosted in early October, featuring juicy BBQ, craft vendors, lawn games, and much more.

If heights aren’t an issue, you can even take a chairlift up to the top of the 120m ski jump to view the area’s striking natural beauty.

California: Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is one of California’s most popular destinations because, much like Tahoe, it transforms from a booming ski town in the winter to a magical lake town in the summer. Hotels aren’t what you should be looking for here!

The name of the game in this lake town is renting a house on the water and spending your days swimming, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking.

Travelers will find constant entertainment within the small village of Big Bear. Start with brunch at Teddy Bear Restaurant and then check out the microbrews at Big Bear Lake Brewing Company.

For some more great ideas on where to book your next big adventure, we recommend: 7 Underrated Florida Vacations You’ll Love