Summer is the perfect time for a lakeside getaway - days are long, warm and lazy, inviting you to kick back and relax surrounded by natural scenery and water views.
Whether you are looking for a secluded hideaway or a full service resort with activities for kids and grownups, here are some of the best lake vacations in the United States and Canada.
Unique Lake Vacations in North America:
1. Michigan - The Inn at Bay Harbor
I spent a relaxing day on the Lake Michigan shore in a Lakeside Cottage at The Inn at Bay Harbor.
I could have enjoyed that lovely view forever but there was a lot to do there. While I didn't play golf, I took advantage of great spa services and the outdoor pool for a refreshing swim. The hammocks that look out over the lakeshore were a favorite spot of mine as well. If you are a golfer, there are 45 championship golf holes to play!
You have four dining options to choose from. I suggest Sagamore’s Dining Room that overlooks Little Traverse Bay.
2. Minnesota - Grand View Lodge
My second favorite lakeside escape is located on the tranquil waters of Gull Lake in Nisswa, Minnesota. Grand View Lodge is an elegant resort that offers luxurious accommodations, a championship golf course, world-class spa, and an array of activities for the whole family.
Accommodations include cabins, cottages, townhouses, suites, and villas, all of which are fully furnished with chic décor, modern amenities, and have access to all the facilities at the resort.
Tucked away in a tranquil setting amidst pine trees and mineral-rich lakes, the award-winning Glacial Waters Spa will restore mind, body and soul with an array of indulgent treatments, while a nine-hole championship golf course will delight lovers of the game.
Seven restaurants and eateries serve excellent cuisine: have burgers beachside at Loony’s Beach Hut or savor gourmet Italian fare by candlelight at the Italian Gardens. Grand View Lodge is one of the best vacation spots in Minnesota for spa lovers.
3. Washington State - Lakedale Resort
Located on the beautiful San Juan Island in Washington State, Lakedale Resort offers both upscale hotel rooms and affordable accommodations in the form of camping in the summer.
The property overlooks Three Lakes and a forest, offering visitors plenty of privacy. A fun weekend getaway from Seattle, Lakedale can be reached by ferry or floatplane.
Accommodation choices include modern hotel rooms, log cabins with fireplaces, and canvas cabins.
Enjoy scenic lake and forest views from the rooms and common spaces. Vacation activities you can enjoy include swimming, canoeing, whale watching and wine tasting tours. Romantic cabins are relatively cheap.
Romantic Lake Vacations:
4. New York - Belhurst Castle
The Finger Lakes region of NY is home to some of the best lakes on the East Coast.
Belhurst Castle and Winery is divided into three different hotels, giving guests the ability to customize their vacation and decide what style of historic building they prefer to stay in.
The Chambers in the Castle is a stone castle from the 1800s with 11 period guest rooms, 1 ranch home, and 2 cottages with rich woodwork, antiques, and oriental rugs.
The Luxurious Vinifera Inn has a fireplace and whirlpool in each room so you can feel pampered.
To stay in a mansion from the Georgian Revival, select Historic White Springs Manor that has period rooms and a serene pond.
The Isabella Spa lets you relax with a massage, body scrub, facial, hair styling, make-up, or foot and hand treatments. The Belhurst Castle is also a winery where you can indulge in wine tasting. Edgar’s is a restaurant with fine dining within the 19th-century Belhurst Castle. Stonecutter’s serves tavern-style cuisine and has live entertainment.
5. Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa
Located less than two hours from Los Angeles, some may be surprised to find the serene, nature-filled Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa. This premier resort offers over 170 rooms and suites nestled amidst the beautiful lake, forest, and mountain.
Each season brings different activities for every guest, from lounging on the beach and hiking forest trails in the summer to all kinds of snow sports during the winter.
Inside, modern amenities ensure a comfortable stay with luxurious rooms, a rejuvenating spa, and state-of-the-art wellness facilities. Whether looking for adventure or a peaceful getaway, Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa offers something for every vacationer.
Family-friendly Lake Vacations:
6. Oregon - Crater Lake Lodge
The Crater Lake Lodge in Oregon is a historic hotel that first opened in 1915 and still provides an atmosphere that will take you back to the 1920s with its rustic charm.
The lodge is seasonal, open between late-May and mid-October, and offers 71 guest rooms. As a historic building designed to bring guests in touch with nature and take them back in time, do not expect a TV or phone in your room, and some rooms have tubs instead of showers.
There is, however, free Wi-Fi available as well as guest laundry and bell services.
Make the most of Crater Lake by going fishing, on a boat-tour, bird-watching, hiking, running, biking, backpacking and rock-climbing. There are educational, family and children’s programs.
The Crater Lake Dining Room serves local Oregon favorites, Annie Creek Restaurant & Gift Shop is buffet-style, while Rim Village Cafe is perfect for a quick bite to eat on the go.
7. Ohio - The Lodge At Geneva-On-The-Lake
The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake is located in Ohio's wine country overlooking Lake Erie. The resort is now in its second decade of providing relaxation, fun, and romance for guests. There are a total of 109 rooms at this resort, offering modern conveniences such as mini-fridges and high-speed internet.
You can also get a room with a roll-away bed, crib, or microwave and there are nine room types of accommodations to choose from, including those with whirlpools, lake views, or balconies.
The resort has pools both indoors and outdoors, allowing guests to go swimming year-round and relax in hot tubs. The fitness center has everything you need to stay in shape during your vacation and although there is no on-site spa, the Lodge works with Lakehouse Inn & Spa which is just 0.25 miles away and offers a discount for Lodge guests.
You can take the wine shuttle to nearby wineries or rent bikes. There are educational programs, including guided tours and the Conversation Series. The main restaurant is the Horizons Restaurant & Lodge, serving dishes prepared with local produce as well as exclusive wines. The Terrace Grille is on the outdoor patio overlooking Lake Erie and serves grilled specialties.
8. West Virginia - Stonewall Resort
The Stonewall Resort in West Virginia covers 1,900 acres of land, offering the perfect combination of outdoor recreation, adventure, and relaxation.
The highlight is the Adirondack-style lodge with architecture from the 1920s and modern amenities in the 191 guest rooms. Families may prefer to stay in one of the cozy lakeside cottages in the saltbox style instead, each with hardwood floors, exposed wood beams, private decks and a gas grill.
There is an indoor/outdoor pool on site as well as a daily 100-passenger excursion boat, and many opportunities to swim, bike, hike, canoe, kayak, boat, fish, geocache, and golf.
There are over 16 miles of trails for hiking and you can rent bikes or Segways as well. Rent pontoons at the Marina. TJ Muskies Lounge offers a relaxed environment for good drinks with a pool table and music. Lightburn’s Restaurant at the Palmer Course is in the golf course’s clubhouse and serves light gourmet meals. Stillwaters is the signature restaurant with local, fresh cuisine.
9. Arizona - London Bridge Resort
The London Bridge Resort is a gorgeous, full-service hotel right on the edge of Lake Havasu, making it a perfect getaway. There are 122 spacious suites, including studio, resort suites, and deluxe suites, with one or two bedrooms.
All suites include fully-equipped kitchens, Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Within the resort, you will find three pools as well as a whirlpool spa. There is also a splash pool with a 94-foot waterslide.
The resort has an on-site marina, boat dock, and watersport rentals such as kayaks, paddleboats, and jet skis.
Throughout the property, you will find scenic walking paths or you can use up your energy at Kokomo Havasu, the largest of the Southwest’s dance clubs with 21 bars and 10,000 square feet of space.
There is an on-site fitness center and a shoreline walking trail. The London Bridge Day Spa offers massages, facials, body scrubs, and more. Martini Bay has drinks, DJs, pork tenderloin, shrimp, and a casual atmosphere with outdoor seating.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Why is summer the perfect time for a lakeside getaway?
- Summer offers long, warm, and lazy days, making it an ideal season to relax by the lake, enjoy natural scenery, and take in stunning water views.
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What types of lake vacations are available?
- Whether you're looking for a secluded hideaway or a full-service resort with activities for both kids and adults, there are plenty of options to suit different vacation styles.
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Where are some of the best lake vacations?
- Some of the best lake destinations can be found across the United States and Canada, offering breathtaking scenery and a variety of recreational activities.
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