Best Lake Getaways

Peyto Lake

View from the Icefields Parkway's highest Lookout Point over Peyto Lake in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. The glacier-fed lake has a bright, turquoise color.

Lake of the Ozarks

Anderson Hollow Cove at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri is a haven for both spring breakers and summer revelers alike. More popularly known as “Party Cove,” it’s considered the oldest established permanent floating bacchanal in the country.

Plitvice Lakes

A footbridge hangs over the blue-green waters of Plitvice Lakes in Croatia hidden by thick vegetation and connected by hundreds of waterfalls. The largest national park in Croatia, it attracts over a million visitors each year.

Lake Annecy

Lake Annecy in the French Alps is a popular destination for tourists. Enjoy water sports before refueling at lakeside restaurants and bars.

Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlan is situated in the Guatemalan highlands at the foot of 3 volcanoes including the San Pedro volcano pictured above.

Crater Lake

Wizard Island sits in Oregon's Crater Lake, which was formed by the collapse of a volcano. Not only is this the deepest lake in the United States at 1,943 feet, but it's also famous for its deep blue color and crystal-clear waters.

Loch Lomond

Hikers take in the sunset over Loch Lomond, Scotland, which is dotted with islands and medieval castles.

Lake Garda

Windsurfers ride Lake Garda, one of Italy's most popular vacation spots, featuring resort towns, hot springs and terra-cotta-roofed hotels.

Lake Havasu

Lake Havasu, on the border between Arizona and California, brings in 3.5 million visitors a year, and, thanks to its floating party scene, it's a major spring break destination for coeds.

Lake Nakuru

Don't go diving into the picturesque waters of Lake Nakuru in Kenya -- the mass of pink flamingos are one of the few species that can stand the hostile conditions. Visitors can spot up to a million birds wading side by side as well as baboons and black-and-white rhinos. 

Crystal Lake

View of the clear waters and sandy beaches of Crystal Lake from the town of Beulah, MI.