Have a Blissful Summer Vacation in 1 of These Charming Lake Towns, All Right in Our Backyard

The striking national surroundings of this California town in the Sierra Nevadas will leave you speechless. Surrounded by mountains, soaring limestone towers, granite cliffs, and towering pines, Mammoth Lakes is also a great jumping-off point to explore Yosemite National Park. It's also one of the few ski towns to have lifts open through Memorial Day, so if you're itching for one last snow-shredding session of the season, rejoice!

This quaint Colorado mountain town is nestled along the largest fresh body of water in the state. Check out Adam Falls for an exhilarating hike to a waterfall (located in the walls of a gorge!), get active on the lake with water sports and boat rentals, and get an authentic taste of Colorado mountain living with rustic accommodations.

Tucked alongside Moosehead Lake (the largest fresh body of water in Maine), this scenic village emerges from the thick brush of the Maine forest and is a hub of outdoor recreation. Hike, fish, camp, have a lakeside picnic, and, like its name suggests, get ready for potential moose spottings!

Standing proudly on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, this idyllic Nevada lake town is marked by famous mansions (and celebrity sightings), award-winning restaurants, state parks and picturesque harbors, and (of course) breathtaking views of the lake. Sunbathe, shop, dip your toes in the azure waters, and drink in the tranquility of the peaceful surroundings.

A hidden gem in Northern Idaho, Sandpoint is a wonderland of dramatic mountain views, lush bike trails, a vibrant downtown and cultural scene, and a beautiful shoreline along Lake Pend Oreille.

A hub of culture and arts, Burlington blends the vibrancy of a chic city with the peace and quiet of the lakeside retreat. Perched alongside the banks of Lake Champlain, the New England village offers stellar dining and shopping options along with breezy lakefront accommodations with exceptional water views.

Like its name suggests, Lake Lure will pull you in with its tranquil charm. Visit the highly Instagrammable Chimney Rock (a 315-foot granite peak), the water park at Lake Lure Beach, and the walking-only garden bridge, Lake Lure Flowering Bridge.

On the north side of Flathead Lake just South of Glacier National Park lies the laid-back community of Bigfork. The surrounding wilderness is untouched and untamed — explore, go boating, and camp under the stars. If you're up for an adventure, compete in the annual Bigfork White Water Festival. (Don't worry, being a spectator is just as exhilarating!)

Spread over a peninsula between the great Green Bay and Lake Michigan, this lovely slice of the Midwest is famed for its long, serene shoreline, state parks dotted with trails, and calm, peaceful waters. Sip on local wines, swim in the clear waters, fish, check out the limestone towers in Potawatomi State Park, and enjoy the start of North Midwest Summer.

Narrow but long, this crystal-clear freshwater lake slices through Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, offering breathtaking vistas on all sides of the mountains and forest. Take in its beauty on the famous Lady of the Lake boat tour, hang out on the sandy shores of Lake Chelan State Park, get in on the action at Slidewaters amusement park, and enjoy the stillness of the stunning PNW.

The south side of the lake is where the Memorial Day action is, namely parties along the water, cruises through Emerald Bay, and a rocking restaurant and bar scene. Trek through Van Sickle Bi-State Park for tree-lined trails and stellar water views, and sit down for a picnic on El Dorado Beach.

On the banks of the glacier Lake Winnipesaukee, this high-end village is the oldest Summer resort town in the USA. Escape to a breezy, laid-back oasis for a weekend of relaxation — stay in a historic B&B on the water, enjoy classic New England fare, kayak, jet ski, and enjoy the peace and tranquility.

Tucked away on the Western mountains of Maine, Rangeley captures the quintessential charm of New England with its stunning natural beauty and vivid hues of deep green and blue. The lake offers a variety of outdoor activities while the surrounding wilderness is brimming with scenic vantage points, overlooks, waterfalls, museums, hiking trails, and even moose sightings.

Ah, New England in the early Summer. This quaint waterfront town comes to life on Memorial Day Weekend, as rafts and kayaks dot the glacier Lake Winnipesaukee and lakeside restaurants open their outdoor patios. Taste local wines, take the Winnipesaukee Local Railroad, and stay on a historic inn on the water.