Coastal beach towns tend to receive a great deal of attention, which is understandable. However, the interior of the United States is speckled with numerous stunning lakes, ranging from Utah's massive salty body of water to New York's collection of eleven smaller lakes. With a vast expanse of lakeshore to discover, there are several delightful lake towns that are perfect for visitors. So, get ready with your floaties and sunhat as we explore the finest lake towns to visit in the US this year. Let's get to the point!
Are you missing out on these lakeside escapes in the USA?
1. Ithaca, New York
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Located at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca is a thriving college town that serves as an ideal starting point for enjoyable lakeside activities. Ithaca is situated within the Finger Lakes region, a collection of eleven long lakes found in Upstate New York. These lakes, which were carved by glaciers, are distinctive in that they run from north to south and resemble a pattern of jagged lines etched into the earth by a bear. The nearby vineyards are a major attraction in this fertile, agricultural area, and wine enthusiasts shouldn't miss the opportunity to explore the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, which features a dozen wineries. Those who are not keen on wine can visit the Ithaca Beer Company for their selection of craft brews or indulge in a treat at Purity Ice Cream, which is rumored to be the birthplace of the ice cream sundae. To counterbalance any indulgences by the lakeside, there are 150 waterfalls in the vicinity, waiting to be discovered at Buttermilk Falls State Park and Taughannock Falls State Park.
2. South Lake Tahoe, California
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Lake Tahoe is considered one of the most stunning lakes in North America, and South Lake Tahoe serves as the ideal base for discovering its wonders. Immerse yourself in the outdoors by embarking on exhilarating hikes, engaging in fishing activities, or enjoying paddleboarding and clear kayaks to gain a unique perspective of the crystal-clear waters. Renowned for its deep depths, second only to Oregon's Crater Lake, Tahoe's enchanting indigo color is complemented by the captivating turquoise shallows and the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains that surround it. When you've had your fill of lake adventures, take the opportunity to explore the local breweries along the Lake Tahoe Beer Trail and indulge your taste buds. For a magnificent dining experience with breathtaking mountain views overlooking the lake, you can't go wrong with Beach House Tahoe.
3. Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
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Located just south of the Idaho Panhandle, Coeur d'Alene is a tranquil town nestled beside a glistening lake bearing the same name. With its abundance of seasonal activities, visitors will be captivated as they explore the town's tree-lined streets during the summer and glide across the ice at the lakefront rink during the winter. If you're seeking a dining experience that offers breathtaking views of Coeur d'Alene Lake, make sure to visit Cedars Floating Restaurant. Winter visitors to CDA will find joy in the nearby ski resorts, such as Schweitzer Mountain, as well as a heated indoor waterpark and festive holiday events, including Santa's visit to the town.
4. Bigfork, Montana
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Located in the center of Montana on Flathead Lake, Bigfork is ideally positioned between Glacier National Park in the north and the town of Missoula in the south. This charming destination, known for its stunning lake and rich Native American heritage, entices visitors with its snow-covered peaks and a wide range of water activities. Grab your kayak or stand-up paddleboard and venture out to one of the lake's 12 islands, with Wild Horse Island being the largest and home to majestic big-horned sheep and untamed stallions. Surrounded by mountains, the water in the lake remains refreshingly cold as it's fed by a combination of river and snow runoff. Flathead Lake is recognized as the largest freshwater lake in the western United States, west of the Mississippi River. Don't forget to keep a lookout for the legendary lake monster rumored to inhabit its depths as you explore the lake on your kayak or paddleboard.
5. Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
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Known as "America's Oldest Summer Resort," Wolfeboro is an authentic American lakeside town nestled in New Hampshire's lush White Mountains. Located on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, also lovingly called Lake Winni, this area has been a popular destination for the wealthy and famous for a long time and gained additional fame through the movie What About Bob. The real charm of this New England lake town lies in its quaint atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy sailing on the peaceful waters, engage in salmon fishing, or have a picnic on one of the picturesque beaches. In the town itself, there are charming storefronts perfect for leisurely window shopping and delightful ice cream parlors like the Yum Yum Shop, offering delicious treats. During the winter season, both Wolfeboro and Lake Winni showcase their beautiful side with activities, such as snowshoeing, ice fishing, and sled dog races.
6. Page, Arizona
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Page stands out among other lakeside towns because of its extraordinary red rock landscapes and the fact that it's technically located on a vast reservoir. Lake Powell, which spans from Arizona to southern Utah, may be man-made, but its natural beauty is simply breathtaking. Page is perfectly situated for exploring slot canyons, such as the renowned Antelope Canyon, as well as geologic formations like the Rainbow Bridge and Horseshoe Bend. While Page serves as a great base for enjoying lake activities, renting a houseboat provides visitors with a truly unforgettable experience, allowing them to discover the hidden inlets and secret bays for which Lake Powell is famous. And when you're ready to take a break from exploring the lake's incredible sights, immerse yourself in the city's rich Navajo heritage through its food and culture at the Red Heritage Indigenous Entertainment Hall.
7. Munising, Michigan
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Munising can be considered as one of the lesser-known jewels of the Great Lakes. Located in Lake Superior, this charming town has a population of only 2,000 and is situated right next to the breathtaking Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. During your visit, make sure to spend your days marveling at the numerous waterfalls and venturing along the coastline dotted with picturesque lighthouses. Then, in the evenings, retreat to a cozy cabin by the lake. It's hard to believe, but just off the shores of Munising, you can find sunken shipwrecks waiting to be discovered on a glass-bottom boat tour. For adventure-seekers, Grand Island is just a ferry ride away and offers a fantastic day trip option in both summer and winter. The sea caves on the island are a must-see in the warmer months and transform into ice caves by January, creating a dazzling natural wonder that is easy to explore. After your lake vacation adventures, be sure to celebrate with a craft brew from ByGeorge Brewing Co. back in town.
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In addition to our comprehensive travel guide, we would also like to convey some more useful information on traveling, which will be handy for those who prefer doing this by air.
If you use your own car to reach the airport, you know it is critical to park it safely for the duration of your trip. Almost every airport has special on-site parking for this purpose. However, travelers aren't ready to spend a lot of money at the beginning of their trip, as this option is pretty costly. So what should we do then?
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What is actually off-site parking, and which advantages has this parking type, you may ask? So let's take a closer look at this question.
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Secondly, off-site parking services are faster. It might seem that it's faster to park your car at the airport, but that's not always the case. Off-site parking offers you the following convenience: when you drive directly up to the entrance, a staff member pulls your luggage out of your vehicle and loads it into the shuttle. Then they park your car for you. After your baggage is loaded, you can take your seat in the shuttle, which will bring you and your bags to the airport. It is a hassle-free option that is usually faster.
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Thirdly, it's much more convenient. People are always stressed before the trip, as there are many things you should keep in mind. Not to be late when taking off, fighting traffic, finding a parking place, wondering how long the shuttle service will take, and more can leave you annoyed before you step foot inside the airport. If you choose off-site parking, you are using the assistance of a private company that caters to travelers' needs. Such services can make your trip much more comfortable when you arrive at the airport and return home.
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Let's look at an example. Imagine that you live in Jacksonville, Florida. If you're planning a trip to Bigfork, Montana, you can choose cheap parking near JAX Airport. If you're coming from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the situation is the same – you can use affordable MKE long-term parking. So it depends just on where you are flying from.
On our official website, you can find the best deals, domestic airport parking charges, and other information connected with parking near US and Canadian airports.