Skip to Content

10 Breathtakingly Beautiful Lakes to Visit in the US

10 Breathtakingly Beautiful Lakes to Visit in the US

We all know the feeling. You’re scrolling through your Instagram feed and see a beautiful photo of a lake with crystal-clear water and mountains in the distance. The caption says something like, “Had to pinch me to make sure this was real!”

You close Instagram and start Googling flights to that destination.

Now, we can’t all jet off to an exotic location every time we see a pretty picture on social media (although wouldn’t that be nice?). But, lucky for us, there are plenty of breathtakingly beautiful lakes right here in the U.S.

So, if you’re looking for a stunning lake to add to your travel bucket list or want some inspiration for your next road trip, here are ten breathtakingly beautiful lakes to visit in the U.S.:

1. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States, and it’s no wonder why. Situated in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe is known for its clear blue waters and stunning scenery. Whether you’re looking to hike, bike, or simply relax by the water, Lake Tahoe is the perfect destination for a summer getaway.

The lake is located in both California and Nevada, so you can choose to stay in one state or explore both. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including swimming, kayaking, fishing, and stand-up paddleboarding. You can also take a scenic boat tour or go for a hike in one of the many nearby state parks.

No matter what you decide to do, you’re sure to have a memorable experience at Lake Tahoe.

Things to do

Lake Tahoe has many things to do, such as hiking, biking, skiing, and swimming. The lake is also home to several different species of fish, including trout and salmon. If you’re looking for a breathtakingly beautiful lake to visit in the United States, Lake Tahoe should be at the top of your list.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Lake Tahoe is during the summer when the weather is warm, and the water is perfect for swimming and boating. However, the area is also beautiful in the winter, when the snow-covered mountains provide a stunning backdrop for the lake.

Lake Tahoe

2. Crater Lake, Oregon

Crater Lake is another one of the most beautiful lakes in the U.S. The deep blue water and the crater walls are incredibly steep. It’s a popular spot for hiking and camping; there’s even a boat tour that takes you around the lake.

When Mount Mazama erupted nearly 8000 years ago, it formed a crater that eventually filled with water creating a land-locked lake. The crystal clear waters allow sunlight to penetrate deep into it, making it a great place to swim, fish, and scuba dive. The scenery around the lake is awe-inspiring thanks to its 2000-foot cliffs surrounding it.

Crater Lake National Park is located in southern Oregon 97604 and is home to various wildlife, such as black bears and yellow-bellied marmots.

Things to do

If you’re looking for a breathtakingly beautiful lake to visit in the US, Crater Lake in Oregon should definitely be on your list. Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the country and is known for its stunning blue waters. There are plenty of things to do in the area, including hiking, fishing, and camping.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Crater Lake is during the summer when the weather is warm, and the lake is at its busiest. However, if you’re looking for a more peaceful experience, the spring and fall months are also lovely times to visit. No matter when you go, you’re sure to be blown away by the lake’s incredible beauty.

Crater Lake National Park Oregon

3. Mono Lake, California

Mono Lake is located near the eastern border of California near Nevada, with 65 square miles of surface area. There are hiking trails surrounding it as well as boat rentals available for those who wish to take advantage of this stunning natural attraction!

Mono Lake is one of the unique lakes in America due to its high salt content and alkaline pH level. It is estimated to be more than 760,000 years old and is home to many species of birds, including gulls, pelicans, and cormorants.

Things to do

Mono Lake is a breathtakingly beautiful lake in California’s Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. The lake is known for its dramatic setting and unique geology. Visitors to Mono Lake can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and bird watching. The lake is also a popular destination for photographers and nature lovers.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Mono Lake is in the summer or fall when the weather is warm and dry. However, even in winter, the lake is beautiful, with its snow-covered tufa towers providing a stark contrast to the blue sky.

Tufa towers rock formation in Mono Lake. Sunrise

4. Diablo Lake, Washington

Diablo Lake is a breathtakingly beautiful lake located in Washington state, United States. It is famous for its brilliant turquoise color, resulting from sediment carried down from glaciers. The lake also provides a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities such as scuba diving, golfing, and wine tasting.

Diablo Lake cuts a narrow 55-mile swath through the eastern hills of the Wenatchee National Forest and lies nestled among steep forest hills dotted with small islands. When snow covers the hillsides for tubing and nordic skiing activities in wintertime, it becomes even more picturesque!

Things to do

This stunning lake is surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests, making it the perfect place to enjoy nature at its finest. There are plenty of things to do in the area, including hiking, camping, fishing, and kayaking. Diablo Lake is a truly magical place and should definitely be on your list of lakes to visit in the U.S.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Diablo Lake is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. During this time of year, the lake is teeming with activity as people come to enjoy the stunning scenery and pleasant conditions.

Diablo Lake Washington

5. Lake McDonald, Montana

Lake McDonald is a beautiful lake due to its location amidst the snowy alpine peaks of the Lewis and Clark Range and its crystal clear water that often provides perfect reflections of these mountains. The lake is also surrounded by beautiful forests and wildlife, such as Grizzly Bears, that add to its natural beauty.

Lake McDonald can be accessed by hiking two miles on the Trail of the Cedars from Avalanche Campground or taking a boat ride from Lake McDonald Lodge. It is located in Glacier National Park in northern Montana near several campsites where visitors can stay overnight if they wish.

Things to do

Located in Glacier National Park, Lake McDonald is one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States. The lake is 10 miles long and over 500 feet deep, making it a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and boating. There are also numerous hiking trails in the area that offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Best time to visit

Lake McDonald’s is one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States, and it’s a great place to visit any time of year. However, some times of year are better than others for enjoying all the lake offers. The best time to visit Lake McDonald is during the summer when the weather is warm and sunny, and the water is most inviting.

Boats Dock Lake McDonald

6. Lake Powell, Arizona

Deep in the heart of the American Southwest, Lake Powell is one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. Lake Powell spans 1,932 miles from southern Utah to northern Arizona and is surrounded by the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. In addition to hiking and water sports activities, Lake Powell is famous for its natural landmark – Rainbow Bridge National Monument – one of the world’s largest natural bridges.

Things to do

This stunning body of water is perfect for a variety of activities, from swimming and sunbathing to fishing and boating. And if you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the sunset, you’ll be treated to one of the most stunning views in all of Arizona.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Lake Powell is from May to September when the weather is warm, and the water is perfect for swimming and boating. You can also enjoy the stunning views of the red rocks that surround the lake.

Powell lake

7. Maroon Lake, Colorado

Maroon Lake is one of the most popular lakes in Colorado, and it’s easy to see why. The lake is located in western Colorado in the Elk Mountains and is surrounded by two 14,000-foot peaks known as the Maroon Bells. Beautiful mountains surround the lake, and it has a perfect reflection that makes it look like a painting. Its reflective surface offers photographers and sightseers a unique perspective on the rock formations, while its high elevation creates an even more, majestic atmosphere.

Things to do

Maroon Lake is a stunningly beautiful lake located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The area surrounding the lake is full of hiking trails, making it the perfect place to explore nature. There are also several restaurants and cafes in the area, so you can grab a bite to eat after a day of hiking.

Best time to visit

Maroon Lake is a beautiful lake located in Colorado. The best time to visit Maroon Lake is during the summer months when the weather is warm, and the water is calm. During this time of year, the lake is perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating. The Maroon Bells mountain range provides a stunning backdrop for this idyllic setting.

Maroon lake

8. Deep Creek Lake, Maryland

Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, is a breathtakingly beautiful lake due to its 69 miles of shoreline, four state parks and forests within a 15-mile radius, and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, canoeing, and waterskiing. The lake offers tranquil waters that visitors can explore in the fall when the trees turn red and gold.

Deep Creek Lake is located in Western Maryland, twisting through dense forests offering plenty of coves for boating or just bobbing about in deep water. Kids can dig in the sand at Deep Creek Lake State Park with its Discovery Center, which houses injured owls, hawks other birds of prey no longer able to survive in the wild.

Things to do

Deep Creek Lake is located in the western part of Maryland, and it is one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States. Mountains surround the lake, and there are many activities to do in the area. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, and kayaking. The lake is also a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Best time to visit

Deep Creek Lake is a beautiful lake located in the state of Maryland. The best time to visit Deep Creek Lake is during the summer when the weather is warm and sunny. The lake is perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating during this time. There are also several hiking trails in the area that are perfect for exploring on a summer day.

Deep Creek Lake

9. Lake Superior, Minnesota/Michigan

Lake Superior is a stunning lake due to its immense size and variety of wildlife. With over 2,700 miles of shoreline spanning across three states and into Canada, it is the largest freshwater lake in the world. Anglers can find everything from smallmouth bass to walleye here, while nature lovers can enjoy the scenic views of towering sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, sea caves, and sandy beaches. Additionally, weather conditions at certain times of the year create ocean-like waves that are perfect for surfing on Lake Superior’s North Shore area.

Things to do

If you’re looking for a breathtakingly beautiful lake to visit in the U.S., look no further than Lake Superior. This massive lake is located on the border of Minnesota and Michigan, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. You can go swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking in the summer. And in the winter, you can go ice fishing or snowmobiling. There’s something for everyone at Lake Superior!

Best time to visit

One of the most popular lakes in the U.S., Lake Superior, is unsurprisingly beautiful. Located on the border of Minnesota and Michigan, this lake is perfect for a summer getaway. The best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is warm, and the water is perfect for swimming.

Seagull flying over foggy blue Lake Superior waters

10. Flathead lake, Montana

Flathead lake is another excellent choice for a lake vacation. This lake is known for its clear water and stunning scenery. The best time to visit Flathead Lake is during the summer months when the weather is warm, and the water is perfect for swimming.

The lake offers endless activities, including sailing, powerboating, fishing, and waterskiing, for visitors to enjoy. Additionally, it is located in an area known for its dude ranches, including Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge, which offers horseback riding lessons, trail rides, and cookouts.

Things to do

Flathead lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States. It is located in Montana and is known for its clear waters and stunning scenery. There are many things to do at Flathead lakes, such as swimming, fishing, hiking, and boating. The lake is also great for relaxing and enjoying the incredible views.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Flathead Lake is from June to September when the weather is warm, and the water is calm. The lake is located in northwestern Montana and is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River.

Flathead lake, Montana

What makes a lake beautiful?

Lakes can be some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world, with their glassy surface and spectrum of colors that can showcase water’s mesmerizing qualities. Lakes can be found all around the world, each one unique in its own way.

Lakes also offer a variety of wildlife that can be attracted by their unique settings. Furthermore, lakes provide opportunities for relaxation and recreation in some of nature’s most stunning settings, with activities such as boating, swimming, and fishing.

Tips for enjoying a visit to lakes in the U.S.

Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, as well as an insect repellent, as lakes can be pretty sunny and buggy. Beach towels and chairs are also essential for lounging by the water. Bring a life jacket or inflatable raft if you’re planning on swimming, and don’t forget the fishing gear if you’re hoping to catch dinner. Finally, be sure to pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up while enjoying a day in nature.

FAQs

What state has the most lakes?

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, California has the most lakes of any state, with over three million in total. Alaska comes in second with over two million lakes, followed by Wisconsin and Michigan with over one million each. Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, and Texas all have more than half a million lakes each.

What state has the most beautiful lakes?

There are many beautiful lakes to visit in the U.S., but which state has the most? That’s a tricky question to answer, as there are so many stunning lakes spread across the country. However, if we’re basing it purely on natural beauty, then the state of Montana has to be up there. After all, it is home to some of the most iconic lakes in America, including Glacier National Park’s Lake McDonald.

Other contenders for the most beautiful lake state include Alaska (with its glacial lakes), Colorado (with its Rocky Mountain lakes), and Oregon (with its stunning Crater Lake). Whichever state you choose to visit, you’re sure to find some breathtakingly beautiful lakes.

What is the clearest lake in the USA?

The clearest lake in the USA is Lake Tahoe, located in California and Nevada. It is known for its crystal-clear waters due to its deep depths and high mountain backdrop.

Lake Tahoe is located within the Sierra Nevada mountain range between Reno, Nevada, and Sacramento, California. It covers an area of roughly 100 square miles (259 square kilometers) and has a maximum depth of 1,645 feet (501 meters).

What lake has the bluest water in the USA?

The lake with the bluest water in the USA is Tahoe, located in California and Nevada. Tahoe is known for its pristine emerald water and fresh air, which makes it one of the most scenic lakes in America. Scientists believe that its waters are some of the purest in the world, making it an ideal spot for swimmers looking to cool off after completing a mile-long hike to the access point.