Given their location, lakeside towns are naturally peaceful and scenic, and it’s no surprise that they often double as popular vacation spots. Indeed, with their recreational activities, thriving artisan communities, access to wildlife, and overall tranquil vibes, it’s difficult to find the negative side of a lakeside retreat. Nonetheless, certain lake towns stand out from the pack. Here are 12 of the most beautiful lake towns in the U.S. to visit this summer.

Lake Lure, North Carolina

Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, Lake Lure is a tiny lakeside town with just over 1,400 residents. The town is best known as a filming location of the 1987 movie Dirty Dancing; many scenes were filmed around the lakefront cottages of Firefly Cove. Aside from its appeal for film buffs, the town provides easy access to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, where you can enjoy boating and kayaking on the lake or hiking in nearby Chimney Rock State Park. 

One of Lake Lure’s most distinctive features is the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, a former highway bridge that has been transformed into a pedestrian garden filled with flowers, landscaped pathways, and art installations. Lake Lure also has a human-made sandy beach right on the lakefront, which is popular in summertime.

Saugatuck, Michigan

Michigan lays claim to four of the five Great Lakes — Erie, Superior, Huron, and Michigan — plus around 11,000 other lakes. All that to say, if it’s a pretty lake town you seek, the Mitten State won’t let you down. Part of Michigan’s “Art Coast,” Saugatuck is an especially quaint lake town that earned Midwest Living’s Best Beach Town award in 2021. 

Saugatuck brims with beauty both natural and human-made, from the strip of art galleries and restaurants in old Victorian buildings that line the town’s historic main drag to the golden sandy shores of Oval Beach on Lake Michigan. Away from the water, Saugatuck offers a host of nature activities in Saugatuck Dunes State Park, such as swimming, wildlife viewing, and miles of pretty hiking trails that traverse the coastal dunes and adjacent forest. 

Sandpoint, Idaho

Sandpoint is a laid-back town set along the shores of northern Idaho’s Lake Pend Oreille, one of the deepest lakes in the country. Surrounded by mountains and forests, Sandpoint has an outdoorsy feel and a walkable downtown with local bookstores, breweries, and art galleries.  

In summer, many visitors come for boating, paddleboarding, swimming, hiking, and biking, while winter brings skiing and snowboarding at nearby Schweitzer Mountain Resort. For a small town, Sandpoint has a surprisingly strong arts and music scene, with well-known festivals like the Festival at Sandpoint drawing visitors each summer for outdoor concerts by the lake.

Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

The natural beauty of New England is no secret, and the small town of Wolfeboro showcases it spectacularly. Wolfeboro claims the crown of the “Oldest Summer Resort Town in America,” with a history dating to when the colonial governor of New Hampshire built his summer home on Lake Wentworth in 1763. A testament to Wolfeboro’s timeless appeal is the annual seasonal population increase — from around 6,500 permanent residents to a whopping 25,000 in the summer. 

On the opposite side of town is Lake Winnipesaukee, the biggest lake in New Hampshire. Visitors flock to this 72-square-mile body of water to swim off one of the many beaches, boat to one of the hundreds of islands, explore craggy coves, or embark on one of the many epic hikes in the foothills of the famous White Mountains that encompass the lake.  

Bayfield, Wisconsin

The smallest city in Wisconsin happens to sit on the banks of the world’s largest freshwater lake by area. Bayfield — a town of fewer than 600 people — borders Lake Superior, which spans an incredible 31,700 square miles. Bayfield’s charm comes from its colorful harborfront, historic inns, sailboats bobbing in the marina, and relaxed atmosphere surrounded by nature and water. 

Kayaking along the shoreline, boating trips to the nearby Apostle Islands, hiking, and spending time in the town’s cafes and local art galleries are among the most popular activities in and around town. The area is also known for its apple and berry orchards scattered throughout the countryside. Fall is an especially popular time to visit, as people come for apple picking, fresh cider, and beautiful views of the foliage.

Rangeley, Maine

Located roughly 2.5 hours north of Portland, Rangeley is a backwoods country town flush with the rugged beauty Maine is known for. Rangeley’s 55 square miles are sparsely populated with around 1,200 residents, but the town’s location on its namesake lake has been drawing visitors to western Maine for decades. Rangeley Lake is a popular fishing hub for trout and salmon in the summer and a base for many avid skiers and snowboarders seeking fresh powder at Saddleback Mountain in the winter. 

If you’re not into casting a line or extreme downhill sports, there’s still plenty to pique your interest. Waterfalls beckon to be discovered, and kayak, canoe, and boat rentals are available to explore the lake. Meanwhile, wildlife such as loons and bald eagles abound, and the hiking is some of the best Maine has to offer.

Lake Placid, New York

Lake Placid is a small village in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. Set between lakes and forested peaks, it offers stunning mountain views and serene surroundings. Contrary to what the name suggests, the town of Lake Placid actually sits beside Mirror Lake, with Placid (the lake) located to the north. 

Despite its small population of around 2,300 people, the town has a big reputation as a former two-time Winter Olympics host city, and today it still draws visitors for skiing and snowboarding in winter. Summertime pursuits are just as worthwhile, including hiking, biking, and kayaking. Afterward, explore the charming Main Street lined with cozy coffee shops, a variety of restaurants, and artisan shops selling locally made jewelry, decor, and handmade gifts. 

Lakeway, Texas

A welcome retreat for Austinites during the hot summer months, Lakeway is located 40 minutes northwest of the capital on the shores of Lake Travis. Lakeway was once a sleepy town that attracted retirees and second-home owners, but the lake’s golden sands, warm waters, and verdant surroundings have caught the attention of many more tourists in recent years. Boat tours, party coves, and plenty of amenities encircle the lake, but if you’re seeking peace and quiet, Lakeway offers cottage rentals, access to Lake Travis parks, and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere.

Whitefish, Montana

Located on the picturesque shores of northwest Montana’s Whitefish Lake, Whitefish is a short drive from Glacier National Park. The town is known for its stunning alpine scenery, quaint downtown, and laid-back vibes. During winter, visitors come to enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Whitefish Mountain Resort; in warmer months, people enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, and paddleboarding. Whitefish’s walkable downtown is filled with cafes, boutiques, breweries, art galleries, and restaurants — plus, the town regularly offers events like Restaurant Week, Gallery Nights Art Walks, and live music at local venues through the summer. 

Breaux Bridge, Louisiana

If you’re looking for an introduction to Cajun country, look no further than Breaux Bridge. Located 5 miles from Lake Martin, the town of approximately 7,500 is known as the “Crawfish Capital of the World.” Breaux Bridge claims to have invented the crawfish etouffee and continues to host an annual crawfish festival. Needless to say, sampling crawfish while in town is a must. 

Breaux Bridge is also a great jumping-off point to explore the surrounding bayou landscape. Swamp tours on Lake Martin and Atchafalaya Basin offer excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife including heron, barred owls, turtles, osprey, and alligators. Meanwhile, you can admire the majestic cypress trees with moss-draped branches that grow straight out of the lake floor. In addition to water activities, nearby hiking and walking trails — such as the Lake Martin Loop Trail and the Cypress Island Nature Trail — are tranquil alternatives to soak up the beauty of the bayou.

Kimberling City, Missouri

Kimberling City is a quiet lakeside town in the Ozark Mountains set right along the shores of Table Rock Lake. Most of the activity here revolves around the lake, with boating, fishing, and swimming among the biggest draws. Visitors can even take a scenic tour of the lake aboard an authentic paddlewheel cruiser departing from a nearby marina. A few miles south, you can explore Dogwood Canyon Nature Park on guided adventures by Jeep, horseback, bike, or foot.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Eureka Springs, a small town of around 2,200 people, may seem like a blip on the map, but it has long attracted droves of visitors in the summer months. Eureka Springs is nestled in the Ozark Mountains and located within a few miles of Beaver Lake and Lake Leatherwood. Both of these lakes offer visitors cottage or campsite rentals and a plethora of recreational activities such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking. 

However, the main draw here is the access to multiple natural mineral springs that encircle Eureka Springs and were discovered in the 19th century. Within walking distance of the town center, you’ll find bathhouses and spas supplied with the natural spring water, but the most popular is Palace Hotel and Bath House, the only one of the town’s former historic bathhouses still in use today. Whether you choose to spend time on the lake or in the healing mineral waters, a visit to Eureka Springs is a sure bet for a memorable summer getaway. 

By definition, an island is a body of land that’s entirely surrounded by water. Islands are typically accessible by aircraft or boat, but around the world there are some islands that are technically only islands at high tide. When the water levels are low, they become connected to the mainland by sandbars, natural pathways, or causeways. So, lace up your favorite walking shoes, wait for low tide, and walk to these seven fascinating islands. (Just don’t get stuck when the water starts to roll in again.)

Mont-Saint-Michel – France

Mont-Saint-Michel rises like a floating Disney castle out of a bay shared by the French regions of Normandy and Brittany. This UNESCO World Heritage Site first caught the eye of pilgrims in the eighth century, when St. Aubert was divinely guided to build a hilltop church. The Duchy of Normandy and French royals later funded the construction of the island’s spectacular Benedictine abbey. 

Cars can drive continuously over a causeway, but the more adventurous way to arrive is to walk across the bay at low tide. Setting foot on the island is akin to stepping back in time to a medieval village. Visitors can stroll the zigzagging alleyways to discover taverns, restaurants, and gift shops — or even stay overnight at one of the island’s handful of hotels and guesthouses.

Bar Island – Maine

Located off the coast of charming Bar Harbor, Bar Island is part of Acadia National Park, the first national park established east of the Mississippi River in 1919. Twice a day, a short strip of sand, rocks, and pebbles called Land Bridge provides access to the island, which was once inhabited by farmers before it became part of the national park. 

The best time to avoid getting your feet wet is about an hour and a half before or after low tide. Several plant and animal species, including starfish, appear in natural tide pools on the bridge. On the island itself, the Bar Island Trail is a 1.9-mile out-and-back route that traverses through serene forest and wildflower meadows. Keep an eye out for the remains of old buildings and enjoy views back toward Bar Harbor and over Frenchman Bay. It’s a nine-hour wait between tides, so pay attention to the time to avoid getting stranded. 

Brough of Birsay – Scotland

Part of Scotland’s remote Orkney Islands, Brough of Birsay was home to Pictish and Norse settlements from around 600 to 1200 CE. A causeway provides access to this picturesque island from the village of Birsay and the chance to explore the 10th-century ruins of a Norse hamlet. 

A replica of a carved stone on the island shows four Pictish symbols, including a crescent and an eagle. (The original is located at the National Museum of Scotland.) Also of interest are the remains of the Romanesque-style St. Peter’s Chapel, which dates to the 12th century. A whitewashed lighthouse stands solemnly on one side of the island, and all around are views of deep blue Atlantic waters and craggy cliffs, where guillemots, puffins, and razorbills nest. 

Haji Ali Dargah – India

According to legend, after the Muslim saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari died on a pilgrimage to Mecca, his casket floated back to a rocky islet on Mumbai’s western shoreline. To honor this miraculous event, a mosque and a dargah (tomb) were erected in the 15th century and named Haji Ali Dargah. 

Today’s structure mostly dates to the 19th century, and for much of the day it’s a glistening, fairy-tale-like scene of brilliant white domes and minarets. As the water recedes, worshippers form an orderly line across a stone causeway to pay their respects to the revered merchant and spiritual teacher. It’s worth the walk to admire intricate mirror work and mosaic decorations, in addition to the saint’s opulent marble-enclosed floating tomb. 

Holy Island of Lindisfarne – England

The Holy Island of Lindisfarne sits on the faraway and windswept coast of Northumberland, in northeastern England. It was here in 635 CE that St. Aidan arrived from Iona and established a monastery, which later became home to the admired saints Cuthbert and Oswald, before vikings plundered the island in the eighth century. 

At low tide, the 3-mile-long Pilgrims Way reveals itself to create a scenic walk to the island. Visitors can stroll in the footsteps of monks at Lindisfarne Priory and explore the Tudor-era Lindisfarne Castle. A community of fewer than 200 people lives here permanently, and you can experience village life at the island’s cafés, pubs, specialty shops, and guesthouses. Holy Island is the last stop on St. Cuthbert’s Way, a 62-mile walking trail that begins in the Scottish town of Melrose. 

Ministers Islands – New Brunswick, Canada

Fascinating First Nations heritage, historic buildings, and epic hiking trails await on the 500-acre Ministers Island in Canada’s eastern New Brunswick province. This unique island is linked to the mainland by an ocean-floor gravel passage rather than a sandbar or human-made causeway. This allows for both pedestrian and vehicle access from the town of St. Andrews. First inhabited by the Passamaquoddy peoples, the island later became the summer home of Canadian railroad pioneer Sir William Van Horne from 1890 through the mid-20th century. 

Now a designated National Historic Site of Canada, the island welcomes visitors to explore the 50-room Van Horne mansion, a bathhouse, a former creamery, and other preserved buildings. A 12-mile network of hiking and biking trails cuts through dense forest and along picturesque shorelines. Late April to May and August to mid-October are great times to spot birds on their spring and fall migrations. 

St. Michael’s Mount – England

An emblematic image of the Cornish coastline, St. Michael’s Mount is steeped in history and mythology. Since the fifth century, legends have been told of a mermaid on the island guiding seafarers to safe passage. Another island tale tells of Jack the Giant Killer defeating the beast Cormoran. In the 12th century, Benedictine monks — the same ones who worked at the sister abbey on Mont-Saint-Michel — began construction of the island’s church and abbey. 

These days, a castle occupies the summit of St. Michael’s Mount and is the home of the St. Aubyn family. Below it, cafés and shops in old stone buildings overlook the harbor. To access the island, a cobblestone causeway crosses Mount’s Bay to the town of Marazion. Walking is the only way to get here in winter, but a ferry service operates during the summer months.

Travelers from all over the world come to America’s national parks for their breathtaking natural landscapes. But once you’ve hiked through forests, scaled mountains, or spent time stargazing, you need a place to rest and recharge. Fortunately, the towns located near these parks are more than up to the task. Here are seven of the most charming towns near U.S. national parks that make the perfect home base for a nature getaway.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee – Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park attracts more visitors than any other national park in the U.S., but the nearby town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a delightful destination in its own right. Offering far more than just souvenir shops, Gatlinburg is home to a vibrant folk art scene, including numerous art galleries and creative workshops, a slew of southern barbecue restaurants and pancake houses, and a scenic chairlift that takes riders to a 1,800-foot overlook of the mountains. 

Gatlinburg even has its own 400-foot-tall version of Seattle’s Space Needle, where visitors can soak in 360-degree views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city — no hiking necessary. The area also boasts the only ski resort in the state, as well as countless hikes to the mesmerizing Laurel Falls and Rainbow Falls, Ramsey Cascades, and the historic ghost town of Elkmont. The abandoned former logging camp is now considered one of the hidden gems of the Smokies. 

Flagstaff, Arizona – Grand Canyon National Park

Several appealing towns skirt Grand Canyon National Park, but none brim with more character than Flagstaff. With an attractive historic downtown, a plethora of quirky shops and museums, and hotels housed in converted turn-of-the-century buildings, the city — which dates back to 1881 — is not to be missed.

Located just over 70 miles away from the canyon’s South Rim, Flagstaff is chock-full of craft breweries and restaurants dishing a rangy of tasty, creative cuisines — perfect for capping off a long day hiking the canyon. And few places on Earth offer clearer stargazing than the Lowell Observatory. At night, enjoy fantastic views of the starry sky, or visit during the day to explore hands-on science exhibits and walking tours.

Bar Harbor, Maine – Acadia National Park

Bar Harbor is a quintessential seaside town often obscured by a salty mist sweeping only lighthouses into view. Quaint, historic wood cottages dot the town’s rolling green lawns, while seafood restaurant tables scatter out onto the docks along the narrow streets in warm weather. On the menu, you’ll find an abundance of fresh, local seafood prepared in every fashion, from buttery lobster rolls to crisp, crab cakes, spicy bisques, creamy chowders, and raw oysters plucked right from the sand skirting the coast. 

Set on Mount Desert Island, adjacent to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor offers spectacular scenery at every turn. Along the town’s beloved Shore Path, a splattering of tide pools promise hours of outdoor fun for families and nature lovers. There are also views of distant, pine-scented islands — and one is even accessible by foot via a sandbar at low tide. (Just remember to watch the time and tide when planning your return to town.)

Jackson, Wyoming – Grand Teton National Park

At the rim of Grand Teton National Park (and not far from Yellowstone), the small town of Jackson has long been known for its historic hotels, classic steakhouses, cowboys bars, and independent boutiques. Hand-constructed log cabins nestled between aspens and evergreens and elk-antler arches greet visitors at each corner of the old Town Square. 

After you’re done exploring the national park, Jackson offers several opportunities for soaking in local culture — including the nearby National Museum of Wildlife Art, the Historical Society and Museum, and the Jackson Center for the Arts. Rodeos are another popular attraction in the area. Beyond world-class skiing available in the Tetons, Jackson abounds with hiking paths that meander up the wooded slopes around Ski Lake and over rushing streams. Rafting on Snake River is also a treat for thrill-seekers visiting in warmer months.

Red Lodge, Montana – Yellowstone National Park

Another noteworthy gateway town to Yellowstone National Park is the former mining settlement of Red Lodge. The town was once frequented by the likes of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, and it still has a whole lot of Wild West charm leftover. Meanwhile, a growing number of upscale cafés and steakhouses keep the active community and tourists well-fed. And with arts and crafts shops, climbing and fishing gear stores, bookstores, and more, Red Lodge is the perfect place to take it easy before venturing into the great outdoors. 

The local Carbon County Historical Society and Museum displays impressive rodeo collections, offers ecology and geology tours of the historic Beartooth area, and contains a fascinating interactive coal mine exhibit. Nostalgic wagon and sleigh rides pulled by draft horses are also available in town. Red Lodge serves up its own slew of exciting outdoor attractions, too. From fly fishing and kayaking adventures to white-water rafting, skiing, horseback riding, and mountain biking along Wild Bill Lake, this town offers something for everyone year-round.

Visalia, California – Sequoia National Park

Northern California’s Sequoia National Park protects some of the largest living organisms on the planet — namely, the park’s impossibly tall, 3,000-year-old evergreen trees. Nearby Visalia, which is roughly 40 minutes away, is the park’s main gateway town. Visalia offers its own array of wonders, with the Sierra Nevadas right at its doorstep. From white-water rafting to hiking and biking, the great outdoors provide countless opportunities for white-knuckled or relaxed fun around here. 

Visalia makes good use of its location in the heart of the country’s most fertile agricultural zone, with locally grown produce featured on the tasty menus of the town’s many farm-to-table restaurants. But history and culture flourish here, too. Much of it can be taken in from a scenic trolley ride through the downtown district, which stops at historic California mission buildings, the Fox Theater (where music performances and classic-film showings are held), and several of the city’s colorful art galleries.

Palm Desert, California – Joshua Tree National Park

Among California’s most popular destinations, Joshua Tree National Park is remarkable for its miles of interesting-shaped cacti, mountains of boulders that are perfect for amateur climbers, and lush palm forests. But the Coachella Valley east of the park shelters its own enticing oasis in the middle of this desert landscape. Palm Springs, known as a midcentury modern design mecca, is a hub of culture and attractions. There’s a wide array of shopping and dining options here, along with a notable art scene, popular music festivals, and rolling green golf courses. 

The city retains its Old Hollywood glamor, which is still evident on a tour of the Movie Colony. It once served as a welcome escape for the rich and famous, who were looking for a remote haven far from the drama of Los Angeles. Meanwhile, nearby Mount San Jacinto features the Cactus to Clouds trail, regarded as one of the state’s toughest hiking trails. There are also many easier hikes that skirt the town, such as the trail to Palm Canyon and the picturesque Painted Canyon. The nearby Salton Sea is another notable natural wonder not to be missed.