From sandy beaches and waterfront dining to LGBTQ+-friendly culture, Saugatuck is the place to be for a summer escape on the shores of Lake Michigan. Enjoy a vintage paddleboat experience out on the water or head to Mount Baldhead Park for panoramic lake views. The Saugatuck area, just 45 minutes from Grand Rapids by car, is also home to four wineries, which offer tastings and tours for visitors and locals, as well as combo boat and wine-tasting adventures.

Lake Havasu City is the perfect place for outdoor buffs and fishing enthusiasts looking to explore the famed 19,000-acre (7,690-hectare) water oasis smack in the Mojave Desert. A few hours away from Las Vegas by car, the town’s landmark is the famous London Bridge, which originally spanned the River Thames in London, England. Besides boating and fishing, visitors can also head to the Lake Havasu Museum of History, home to obscure artifacts like McCulloch chainsaws.

Wolfeboro is that quintessential east coast, lakeside town, just an hour north of Portsmouth. From community lakefront concerts to storytelling sessions for children and boatbuilding classes for adults at the New Hampshire Boat Museum, there are numerous activities to do if you tire of lake swims. Known as “The Oldest Summer Resort Town in America,” visitors will love the downtown area, which has peaceful bookshops, inviting boutiques, and the Yum Yum Bakery, which still bakes from scratch.

Less than two hours away from Duluth, Minnesota, Bayfield is known for being “America’s Best Coastal Small Town” and the “Berry Capital of Wisconsin,” but—accolades aside—its foliage and historical buildings perched on the shores of Lake Superior are also picturesque. Besides enjoying the lake's chilly waters in the summer, head to the Apostle Islands—a group of 22 islands in Lake Superior with enchanting caves.

A short drive and ferry ride away from Cleveland, Put-in-Bay is located on South Bass Island in Lake Erie. Although cars are allowed on the island, renting a golf cart is the best way to get around and the family-friendly island offers a variety of things to do, from discovering underground caves and taking winery tours to cruising around the island by tourist train. Don’t miss the opportunity to head to The Put-In-Bay Butterfly House, home to hundreds of butterflies and cocoons.

While Tahoe City is one of Lake Tahoe’s most popular towns, Carson City—just a 20-minute drive from the lakefront—is worth a visit. It’s actually the capital of Nevada, dating back to 1858, and history buffs can enjoy museums such as the Nevada State Railroad Museum and the Capitol Building, before walking the 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) Kit Carson Trail, a self-guided stroll that takes you past key landmarks. And, of course, you can test your luck at various Carson City casinos, too.

The old-world town of Geneva, NY is located on one of the largest of the Finger Lakes in New York—Seneca Lake. The region is known for having more than 100 wineries, and Geneva itself is home to many quaint shops and cafés. Local activities include swimming and picnicking at Seneca Lake State Park, known as the ideal spot for outdoor recreation. For those wanting to see more of the region’s natural wonders, Geneva is under two hours away from Niagara Falls by car.

Abita Springs—situated just across Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana—is perfect for a day trip or a long weekend. Besides strolling the southern-inspired Main St., visitors can shop at the Abita Springs Farmers and Art Market every Sunday or sample the fruity Purple Haze beer at the Abita Brew Pub. Nearby, explore the Abita Creek Flatwoods Preserve or Honey Island Swamp. Visitors hoping to spot gators can always boat along the lake or kayak near the bayous.

Perched on the shores of Flathead Lake with Montana’s Rockies in the distance, Bigfork is one of the most idyllic mountain towns. Bigfork offers plenty of outdoor recreational activities both on and off the lake, from hiking, camping, cycling, horseback riding, and hunting to fly fishing, kayaking, and paddle boating. While visiting in the summer, take a stroll at Wayfarers State Park, known by locals as the best place along Flathead Lake to watch the sunset.

Buford’s Main St. is the heart of the town, lined with shops, restaurants, and businesses that show visitors what friendly, small-town living is about. And given that it’s located just under 40 minutes from Atlanta, Buford is apt for a weekend getaway or a day trip from Georgia’s capital. There, make sure to visit Buford Dam Park, which offers a short hiking trail and tranquil lake views. For angling bass, head over to the Buford Fishing Pier, or swim at Lanier Park Beach.