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

Unsplash | Emiliano Bar

Spending Memorial Day weekend on the banks of a lake is a tradition as deep-seated as fireworks on the Fourth of July and pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving. What better way to welcome the start of the Summer season than spending your afternoons in the beautiful outdoors — boating with family and friends, firing up the grill, and enjoying the tranquility of the natural surroundings. Charming lakefront villages are sprinkled throughout our beautiful country, from the New England coast to the mountains of California. If a long weekend relaxing by a crisp body of water, aquatic sports and activities, and watching the stars as they light up the night sky sound like your dream Memorial Day getaway, keep reading for 20 of the country's most idyllic lake towns.

Mammoth Lakes, CA
Flickr user Don Graham

Mammoth Lakes, CA

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!

Grand Lake, CO
Flickr user Don Graham

Grand Lake, CO

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.

Big Bear Lake, CA
Unsplash | Jeremy Bishop

Big Bear Lake, CA

This rugged slice of California brings the adventure in full speed. Hike the numerous winding mountain trails, explore San Bernardino National Forest, rev up a jet ski, go pontoon boating, and take the Snow Summit Scenic Sky Chair for sky-high views of the surrounding wilderness.

Greenville, ME
Flickr user Amy Meredith

Greenville, ME

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!

Lake Geneva, WI
Getty | Matt Anderson Photography

Lake Geneva, WI

This lovely resort town is famed for its picturesque Gilded Age mansions that sprinkle the shoreline, but its charm goes so much deeper than opulent architecture. Get your thrills on a zip line and rope course, embark on a cocktail cruise boat tour, and spend the day grilling out at Big Foot Beach State Park.

Incline Village, NV
Flickr user Reno Tahoe Territory

Incline Village, NV

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.

Sandpoint, ID
Flickr user David Taylor

Sandpoint, ID

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.

Lake Placid, NY
Getty | Joseph Plotz

Lake Placid, NY

Nestled in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains lies Lake Placid, a colorful alpine village that offers late Spring visitors a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing, paddling, mountain stream fishing, and camping under the stars. If sleeping outside isn't your bag, check out the downright lovely lakefront accommodations at Lake Placid Lodge.

Burlington, VT
Flickr user Chris Collins

Burlington, VT

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.

Lake Lure, NC
Flickr user dconvertini

Lake Lure, NC

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.

Bigfork, MT
Flickr user Always Shooting

Bigfork, MT

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!)

Door County, WI
Flickr user Tony Webster

Door County, WI

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.

Saugatuck, MI
Getty | Photograph by Tudor ApMadoc

Saugatuck, MI

This scenic town just a few hours from Detroit is loved for so many reasons, namely its long stretch of sandy shoreline, coastal dunes, and welcoming, artistic vibes. Watch the sunset from Oval Beach, consistently voted one of the top Midwest beaches in the country; get adventurous with the Saugatuck Dune Rides; explore Mount Baldhead Park; and relax after a full day at a local brewery or cafe.

Lake Chelan, WA
Flickr user Tom Collins

Lake Chelan, WA

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.

South Lake Tahoe, CA
Flickr user Mike Lee

South Lake Tahoe, CA

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.

Wolfeboro, NH
Flickr user jeremiah hagler

Wolfeboro, NH

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.

Lake Havasu City, AZ
Getty | suraark

Lake Havasu City, AZ

Widely considered one of the best party lakes in the country, this waterfront gem in the middle of the Arizona wilderness offers Memorial Day weekenders a host of beaches, trails, canyons and scenic sights, and the perfect marina for celebrating the long weekend on the clear blue waters. London Bridge (actually relocated from England) links the mainland to the marinas and the famed "island."

Rangeley, ME
Flickr user motoxgirl

Rangeley, ME

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.

Okoboji, IA
Getty | Philip Nealey

Okoboji, IA

There's so much to do on the Western banks of Okoboji Lake. Go parasailing or flyboarding (aka strapping a water jetpack that will propel you 50 feet into the air), play at the iconic Arnolds Park Amusement Park right on the waterfront, go zip lining and waterskiing, and play volleyball right on the beach.

Meredith, NH
Flickr user NNECAPA Photo Library

Meredith, NH

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.