Lazy days by the ocean during the middle of summer are a must, but it's not much fun to compete for towels with hordes of other beachgoers. To put it another way, that's where lake life comes in. In contrast, destinations that provide tranquil scenery, picture-perfect lakeside villages, and an abundance of water activities and programs for adults and children are far more appealing.

Towns that are situated on or near a lake have the look and feel of summer resorts, especially when the lake is in close proximity to mountains, hiking trails, and a wide variety of things to do both on and off the water. These 10 picturesque communities provide the most desirable lakeside escape in the United States thanks to the special way in which its citizens have woven together history and culture.

UPDATE: 2023/06/30 16:48 EST BY NOAH STAATS

There Are Now 13 Lake Towns To Explore In The USA!

This article has been refreshed with three new lake towns in the United States worth visiting, as well as information useful for potential vacationers. Whether someone wants to head to California, Nevada, or Upstate New York: the US is packed with lakeside paradises!

13 Mammoth Lakes, California

Mammoth Lakes
Photo by Kvnga on Unsplash
Kayaking at Mammoth Lakes
  • Population of 7,200
  • Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains

Situated in California's Sierra Nevada mountains lies the charming town of Mammoth Lakes. Here, visitors are met with pristine water, nice year-round weather, and plenty of shops downtown. Notably, this town boasts 300 hiking trails, all equally breathtaking. This is a smaller town, with a population estimated to be roughly 7,200.

12 Ithaca, New York

Lake Treman, Buttermilk Falls State Park on a Sunny Day
Photo by Monroe Payne on Dreamstime
Lake Treman, the Top of Buttermilk Falls State Park in Ithaca, New York
  • Located on Cayuga Lake in New York’s Finger Lakes region.
  • Ithaca, NY, features the prestigious Cornell University.

As one of the most mesmerizing lake towns in New York, Ithaca is the place for water lovers. Situated along the iconic Finger Lakes, Ithaca boasts Cornell University, a collection of museums and art galleries, as well as a thriving young population. This town is one of the more fun in Upper New York, often becoming a bustling spot on weekends.

These ten things to do in Ithaca may be worth adding to the itinerary.

11 Truckee, California

Donner Lake Truckee
Photo by Jeremy Stewart on Unsplash
The nearby Donner Lake in Truckee
  • Truckee sits on the famous Lake Donner.
  • Winter sports are prolific here, with many feet of snow annually.

One of the most charming lake towns in the United States is Truckee, California. Known for Lake Donner, this town boasts charming restaurants, hotels, and boutique shops, all within a walkable stretch in the downtown area. The winters here are rough, however, often bringing many feet of snow. That also makes it a perfect ski location for Nevada and California residents!

10 Vergennes, Vermont

Vergennes Falls in Vergennes, Vermont
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Vergennes Falls in Vergennes, Vermont
  • Vergennes is the smallest town in Vermont.
  • Located close to both Burlington and Middlebury.

The first and smallest town in the state of Vermont, Vergennes, is conveniently located close to both Burlington and Middlebury. Vergennes and the surrounding region have an ambiance that is reminiscent of New England's colonial era, which is not surprising given that the city of Vergennes was established in 1788.

Those who are interested in history and a downtown that has been carefully kept will like the central part of this city. On the other hand, those who are interested in a lake vacation may travel directly to Basin Harbor, a resort on Lake Champlain that is celebrating its 135th season.

RELATED: Small Town Stowe: The Ultimate Travel Guide To Things To Do In Vermont's Ski Town

9 Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Lake Havasu, Arizona
Photo by Matt Aylward on Unsplash
Looking out over Lake Havasu, Arizona
  • Lake Havasu is a popular spot for Arizonans.
  • Land activities include off-roading, golfing, biking, and hiking.

Lake Havasu is a popular place for Arizonans and Southwesterners to visit and cool down by swimming, boating, paddling, and fishing. Land activities in the state include hiking, biking, off-roading, and golfing at some of the best courses in the country. One may also choose from a variety of additional lodging options, including houseboat rentals. In addition to this, it is well known for the London Bridge, which was, in fact, constructed in the United Kingdom but was ultimately moved here in the 1960s and assembled piece by piece.

8 Okoboji, Iowa

A group of lake goers enjoying their day on the beautiful waters of Lake Okoboji
Photo by Drew Dau on Unsplash
A group of lake goers enjoying their day on the beautiful waters of Lake Okoboji
  • This lake town hosts Big Spirit Lake: Iowa's largest natural lake.
  • There are amusement parks, racetracks, museums, shopping, and plenty of fun things to so and do here.

Six distinct bodies of water are within driving distance of Okoboji. Big Spirit Lake, Iowa's largest natural lake, flows around the city's outskirts and connects to five smaller lakes. West Lake Okoboji is one of only three blue water lakes in the world, meaning it receives its water supply from a spring underneath the lake's surface. Off the ocean, there are many impressive things to do in Iowa, such as museums, amusement parks, racetracks, and other fun things to do, which makes it an excellent destination for family vacations.

7 Marquette, Michigan

An aerial view of Marquette in Michigan
Photo by Jacob Skowronek on Unsplash
An aerial view of Marquette in Michigan
  • Located on the shores of Lake Superior.
  • The town hosts beautiful waterfalls and hiking opportunities.

Marquette is a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Superior, renowned for its beautiful lake views and extensive path system. The location is beautiful; there are many waterfalls within hiking distance to explore and many places travelers should see in Michigan. The lake, the biggest body of freshwater in North America, remains comfortably cold even in the hottest summer months, making it ideal for a refreshing swim.

Boating, fishing, and sunbathing on the vast shoreline are the most common activities there. Located in a charming downtown area, the city's various restaurants, theaters, galleries, eccentric boutiques, and one-of-a-kind museums make it an art and cultural hotspot.

RELATED: 10 Magical Winter Activities To Do In Michigan This Season

6 Lake Placid, New York

Aerial view of Lake Placid, New York at dawn
Photo by Kelly Vohs on Unsplash
Aerial view of Lake Placid, New York at dawn
  • This lake town sits among the Adirondack Mountains.
  • Whiteface Mountain towers over the town at a staggering 5,343 feet.

There are many things travelers will appreciate when visiting Lake Placid. While attempts to populate the area began as early as 1800, it wasn't until 1850 that the town truly took off as a summer destination due to improvements in agricultural technology. Lake Placid boasts a picture-perfect location on both its eponymous lake and the larger Mirror Lake. The Adirondack Scenic Railroad is perfect for leisurely strolls through the colorful fall foliage as the sun sets behind the Adirondack Mountains. Over 40 mountains, including Whiteface Mountain, tower over the town, with the largest being 5,343-foot Mount Marcy. This gives the area a distinct atmosphere.

5 Lake Lure, North Carolina

Overview of Lake Lure from Chimney Rock
Image by Greg Waskovich from Pixabay
Overview of Lake Lure from Chimney Rock
  • This town boasts roaring rivers, mountains, natural attractions, and history.
  • Lake Lure is among the top places to visit while in North Carolina.

Lake Lure is like arriving at a cathedral made up of towering mountains, roaring rivers, a placid lake, and many things to do in North Carolina. Visitors may appreciate all it has to offer and maybe even use the intimate atmosphere to savor some alone time with their significant other. There is a wealth of culture to learn about and outdoor activities to relish. Someone might spend the day fishing, boating, or kayaking. Alternatively, one may go mountain biking, rock climbing, or hiking in the woods. One may expect to discover a welcoming environment and opportunities to participate in their favorite sport here.

4 Big Fork, Montana

Blue Heron Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
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The abandoned Blue Heron mining site in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
  • Big Fork hosts Flathead Lake, the biggest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi.
  • The town is known for its Western charm.

Flathead Lake, the biggest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, is a popular tourist attraction and one of Montana's most popular lakes. The area is 200 square miles in size, and it features 185 miles of stunning coastline and sapphire blue oceans. Bigfork is one of the greatest places to set up camp since it retains much of its Old West charm and features hotels and motels reminiscent of those found in Colorado's mining region. There are several contemporary entertainment options, including museums, a performing arts center, and events like the yearly Festival of the Arts.

RELATED: Top Slopes: These Are The 10 Most Iconic Ski Resorts In Montana

3 Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Coeur d'Alene sunset
Photo by Ty Downs on Unsplash
Sunset in Coeur d'Alene Idaho
  • Coeur d'Alene is situated on the shores of the eponymous lake.
  • This town also hosts the greatest nesting population of osprey in the Western US.

The town of Coeur d'Alene is a special place situated on the shores of the eponymous lake. Its clear blue waters are framed by rolling hills covered with pine trees and towering peaks in the distance. Northern Idaho's 26-mile-long lake and 125-mile shoreline have made it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. The southern part of the island is serene and remote, with protected coves and peaceful inlets, while the northern part is home to several brewpubs, art galleries, and resorts. With the greatest nesting population of osprey in the western United States and regular sightings of bald eagles, the whole region is a birdwatcher's heaven.

2 Chelan, Washington

Lake Chelan Washington
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Lake Chelan Washington
  • Chelan is known as the region's most charming lakeside town.
  • Boutique stores, restaurants, and other businesses line the streets.

Pine trees border many of the lakes and rivers in the Pacific Northwest, but Chelan stands out as one of the region's most charming lakeside communities. Chelan, a popular tourist destination, sits on the southeast bank of Lake Chelan, between the lake and the Cascade Mountains. Boutique stores and locally owned restaurants sit beside hiking and biking paths on peaks higher than 9,000 feet, and the crystal blue waters of Lake Chelan offer almost endless choices for boating and water sports.

1 Osage Beach, Missouri

View of a sunset over Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, USA
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View of a sunset over Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, USA
  • This is one of the better towns in the Ozarks to visit.
  • The man-made lake is popular for water sports and boasts countless resorts.

Tourists seeking the ultimate vacation town on Lake of the Ozarks need to go no farther than Osage Beach. The man-made lake is popular for water sports and resorts along its shores, but Osage Beach stands out for its expansive 420 acres of beachfront that are perfect for families looking to relax and unwind. While the municipality of Osage Beach has only 5,000 people, there are a variety of restaurants, bars, and parks that draw visitors every summer. Family-friendly lodgings in Osage Beach can be found at Margaritaville Lake Resort.