Summer Travel: Cool Off in These 30 Gorgeous Lakes Around the World

The steamy months of summer are approaching, and diving into a refreshing body of water is the best way to beat the heat.

Ocean destinations are wildly popular for summer vacations, whether it’s the beaches of the West Coast or East Coast of the U.S., Southeast Asian islands, or Mediterranean coastal towns. But water doesn’t have to be salty to be refreshing.

Consider a freshwater escape for your summer vacation this year at these gorgeous lakes around the world, which range from far-flung reservoirs in stunning natural landscapes and charming European lakes to popular waters you can reach by car from your home.

10 Best Lakes in Europe

Europe’s lakes aren’t always the largest, but they may have the most charm — think quaint U.K. lochs and expansive Italian waters. Here are some of the best lakes in Europe.

1. Lake Garda, Italy

Lake Como gets all the fame, but Garda is actually the largest lake in Italy, surrounded by hilly villages that rise above the lake. The tiny Garda island sits in the middle of the lake, home to a gorgeous neo-Gothic Venetian villa. There are many areas to choose from when staying along the lake, but the village of Sirmione (on the southern banks of the lake) has a medieval castle, Roman ruins, and a pebbly beach.

2. Lake Windermere, United Kingdom

The U.K.’s Lake District is home to many beautiful bodies of water, but Windermere is an excellent choice for families. It’s the largest lake in the U.K., offering much to do and see, including the nearby World of Beatrix Potter and Windermere Jetty Museum. Hike to Orrest Head for the best views of this ribbon-like lake, which runs for 11 full miles.

3. Lake Titisee, Germany

Formed by the Feldberg glacier, Lake Titisee’s location is what makes it so special: The Black Forest. Woodlands rise from the lake, making it the perfect destination for an active vacation where you can hike or do ropes courses. You can also walk around the lake in its entirety, which takes about 4 hours. Hop on the seasonal Ferris wheel to see the lake from high up.

4. Lake Caumasee, Switzerland

Lake Caumasee is famous for its glowing, emerald water, which is part of the Flims rockslide deposits. Swim or paddleboard in the water in the summer months, or simply admire its gorgeous color in the winter months. The lake’s surroundings are pine trees and mountains, ideal for hiking and picnicking when the weather is pleasant. Trek up to the Swiss Grand Canyon point to admire the railroad tracks below.

5. Lake Ohrid, Macedonia

Flanked by old Orthodox churches and verdant hills, Lake Ohrid is reportedly one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes. “The crystal clear, pebble-filled shore is perfect to sit down and relax by any time of the year, ” says Kathryn Schroeder, compliance associate at Upgraded Points.

6. Lagoa do Fogo, Azores, Portugal

Perhaps one of the most unique lakes on the list, Lagoa do Fogo means “Lake of Fire” in Portuguese. It sits at the bottom of a volcanic crater on the island of São Miguel in the Azores. A natural reserve, the lake is completely surrounded by greenery and wilderness. See it by car, shuttle bus, or hike to the lake on foot.

7. Lakes of Covadonga, Spain

The 2 lakes part of the Lakes of Covadonga are Lake Enol and Lake Ercina, which reside in Picos de Europa National Park. Explore them by winding through a precariously steep mountain road, going up, then down, to arrive at the lakes. You drive past grazing cattle and clifftop viewpoints before reaching these striking blue lakes, which seem to suddenly appear out of nowhere. Wander around alongside the sheep, stopping to view the lakes, or plan a hike or picnic.

8. Lake Annecy, France

The charming, cobblestone town of Annecy sits on the banks of Lake Annecy, which is a favorite vacation destination for the French. Rent bikes and cruise along the lakes, swim, paddle, or row in the water, or visit chateaux or wineries in the Rhone Valley. Stay in Talloires-Montmin, an alpine village that overlooks the river.

9. Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland

The largest natural lake in Iceland, Thingvallavatn is a rift valley body of water in the Thingvellir National Park. Because the water is so chilly, it’s more suited for snorkeling and diving. The Silfra Crack, a fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, is one of the most popular places in the lake to snorkel and dive.

Hot Tip:

It’s becoming even easier to use points and miles to reach Iceland, especially since you can now book Icelandair flights using JetBlue points for as low as 17,000 points in economy from New York (JFK) to Reykjavik (KEF). And we’re waiting anxiously to see if or when it might be possible to use Southwest points to book Icelandair flights, as they have a new partnership.

10. Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

Lake Bled is popular with tourists, but Lake Bohinj is the largest and most impressive lake in Slovenia, part of Triglav National Park. Here, you can do the typical lake activities like swimming, paddling, or hiking around the lake, but the cable car, which takes you to Vogel, is one of the best ways to get a memorable, panoramic view of this freshwater paradise.

8 Best Lakes in North America

Looking for a lake closer to home? These North American lakes are fairly well-known, but you may not have considered them for a summer escape. Here’s where to go.

1. Lake Michigan, United States

Bordering Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana, Lake Michigan is one of the most popular and beloved Great Lakes. Christine Krzyszton, a senior finance contributor for Upgraded Points, suggests exploring the lake’s piercing blue waters in Michigan via “Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire Bluffs, and Pierce Stocking Drive.” As a native Chicagoan, I personally love the golden sand beaches of Indiana Dunes State Park and Chicago beaches like Oak Street Beach and North Avenue Beach, backed by the city’s iconic skyline.

2. Lake Superior, United States and Canada

Another one of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior has a depth of more than 1,300 feet, and its cool waters are especially refreshing on a hot, humid Midwestern summer day. Nick Ellis, a Michigan native and an Upgraded Points senior editor and content contributor, says, “History buffs will love it, as it’s the watery grave for around 350 maritime wrecks. On the southern shore of Lake Superior, you can witness the beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, a stunning array of sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, sand dunes, and more.”

3. Lake Champlain, United States

According to Chris Hassan, the social media and brand manager for Upgraded Points, “Lake Champlain has a storied history dating back to the Revolutionary War.” And it’s true — the lake is allegedly home to the world’s largest fossil reef and a dinosaur-like creature affectionately known by locals as Champ or Champy. Dinosaur or not, these days, the lake, which touches New York, Vermont, and Canada, is “a leisure destination year-round, with beaches, cliffs, and amazing views of the Adirondack Mountains,” he says.

4. Lake Tahoe, United States

Lake Tahoe is in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, bordering California and Nevada. While its waters are perfect for a summer break, visitors can enjoy the destination year-round — blooming flowers in the spring, foliage in autumn, and skiing in the winter. In summer, besides kayaking and swimming, there are plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails that offer picturesque lake views.

5. Lake Joseph, Canada

Set upon acres and acres of forest in the Muskoka region, Lake Joseph is perfect for boating and water sports. Michael Y. Park, senior editor and content contributor at Upgraded Poitns, explains that while it’s famous for its exclusivity, the real draw is the “low-tempo, waterfront-in-the-woods lifestyle, filled with low-key boating, fishing, and just hanging out on the dock of your cottage all by yourselves in the middle of one of the most beautiful regions in Canada.”

6. Lake Louise, Canada

Lake Louise in Banff National Park has one of the longest ski seasons in North America, and you can also skate on its frozen waters each winter. But in the summer months, Lake Louise is pristine and calm, perfect for hikes, walks, or just admiring its beauty, backed by the spectacular Canadian Rockies. Get prime views of the lake and the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel at Fairview Lookout, a viewpoint that requires a short, uphill trek.

7. Lake Bacalar, Mexico

Mexico is home to many lakes, but Lake Bacalar is the only one nicknamed the Lake of 7 Colors for its stunning hues of green and blue. Not too far from easy-to-reach destinations like Cancún and Tulum, this lake is a fun alternative to a more traditional, all-inclusive stay along the Riviera Maya (or something to tack on at the end). You can swim, boat, and kayak on the lake or just admire the ever-changing water tones from the shore.

8. Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Lake Atitlán sits within a volcanic crater in the southwestern Guatemalan highlands, home to blooming flowers and traditional Maya villages. The deepest lake in Central America, Lake Atitlán is a magnet for spiritual travelers looking for wellness, rest, and relaxation. Do lakeside yoga, birdwatch, or take a lancha (a traditional wooden boat) from village to village to explore.

4 Best Lakes in South America

South America has some very special lakes in incredible natural settings, home to unique flora and fauna you might not see in other parts of the world. Here are the lakes you should visit on your next trip to South America.

1. Lake Llanquihue, Chile

No, you’re not in a tiny hamlet in the Alps, but it might feel like it during a visit to Lake Llanquihue, where traditional German architecture and cuisine meet the stunning natural beauty of Chile’s volcanic landscape (the area was once a German colony). Stroll to the edge of Frutillar Pier for the best views of the lake and volcano, then head into one of the villages for beer and bratwurst.

2. Lake Conceição, Brazil

Many of the lakes on our list are popular, well-known destinations, but some are hidden gems, like Lake Conceição in Florianopolis. According to Daniel Ross, senior content contributor at Upgraded Points, “It’s a picturesque lake in the middle of an island surrounded by green hills and lined with secluded beaches only accessible by boat.” After your lake visit, go sandboarding on the Dunes of Joaquina or hike to the Costa da Lagoa waterfall.

3. Laguna Colorada, Bolivia

Laguna Colorada is a Bolivian salt lake within the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. Flamingos flock to the lake, thanks to its abundance of plankton, and you can also spot alpacas and llamas in the area. The lake looks pink in some light, red in others, and muddy brown or blue sometimes, too — it’s fun to admire the ever-changing tones of the water in different light.

4. Lake Paron, Peru

Lake Paron’s bold waters, sandwiched between the icy Peruvian Andes, are worth visiting, but it’s not easy to get there. The best plan is to base yourself in Huaraz or Caraz and take a day trip. Once there, you can take a short walk to the lake’s edge, hike up to the main viewpoint, or get out onto the vibrant-colored water via a rowboat or kayak.

4 Best Lakes in Asia

From temples to exotic blooms, lakes in Asia have all sorts of wonders. From Indonesia to Nepal, here’s where to go on your next Asian lake vacation.

1. Lake Beratan, Indonesia

Home to a Balinese Temple overlooking misty hills and rice paddies, Lake Beratan’s peaceful waters feel almost spiritual. Get out onto the water by taking a Jukung (a type of Indonesian outrigger), and make sure to check out Danu Beratan Temple, dedicated to the goddess of water.

2. Rara Lake, Nepal

You can reach the Rara Lake area by car, but many visitors trek to the lake on several-day hikes that take them through a variety of landscapes. Travelers are often wowed by this pristine body of fresh water that’s sandwiched between juniper trees and hills. The lake is also part of Rara National Park, which features abundant endemic wildlife, like the Himalayan black bear and more than 200 bird species.

3. Cheow Lan Lake, Thailand

The magical Cheow Lan Lake (also known as Cheow Larn Lake) is part of the Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani. Catch views of Thailand’s beloved limestone karst cliffs, leafy jungle foliage, and perhaps even a wild elephant. You can swim or boat on the lake, and make sure to explore the park’s hiking trails and waterfalls on foot, too — just keep an eye out for gibbons, Malayan sun bears, and even tigers.

4. Erhai Lake, China

Home to a tiny island with the Little Putuo Temple, Erhai Lake in China’s Yunnan province has a year-round moderate climate. Tiffany Eastham, compliance associate at Upgraded Points, enjoys the lake for its consistent rotation of flowers and lush vegetation. “It’s an alpine lake perfectly placed between a backdrop of mountains on one side and the bustling Dali Old Town on the other. In the early mornings, it has this ethereal mist, and you’ll often see locals standing on its edge to fish.”

4 Best Lakes in Africa and Australia

Africa and Australia feel far-flung, and their lakes do, too. From flamingo-frequented Kenyan waters to shallow, swimmable Australian lakes, here’s where you can get your freshwater fix in Africa and Australia.

1. Lake Malawi, Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania

One of the deepest lakes in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lake Malawi is often compared to the Galapagos Islands for its hundreds of endemic fish species. It might be best to skip swimming in the lake (there’s the possibility of bacteria in the water), but you can still lounge on its soft, sandy banks. You can also kayak or sail on the lake. Combine a visit to the lake’s southern shores with a safari in Liwonde National Park to spot wildlife like black rhinos, elephants, and lions.

2. Lake Nakuru, Kenya

One of Kenya’s rift valley lakes, Lake Nakuru is part of Lake Nakuru National Park. The park features game viewing and camping, and one of the lake’s highlights is its flamingo population — these pinkish birds flock to the lake for its high algae content. Birdwatching is an excellent way to enjoy the landscape, as the area has more than 450 native bird species, including 2 different kinds of flamingo.

3. Lake Victoria, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya

Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake, bordering Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. It’s best to boat or fish on the lake rather than take a dip in it, as tropical parasites (and crocodiles) could feast on swimmers. You can pick any of its bordering countries as a base, but I recommend Tanzania, as the lake is only a few hours away from the Serengeti, the perfect safari destination.

Hot Tip:

Tanzania is one of the top countries in Africa for a safari. And if you want to utilize your points and miles for a safari vacation, now is a great time to pick up a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card, like the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card (it offers a generous welcome bonus offer and Platinum Elite status). Save up those Marriott Bonvoy points to stay at the JW Marriott Serengeti Lodge, reportedly opening in 2026, or take a beach break at the Le Meridien Zanzibar, opening in 2025.

4. Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora), Australia

Part of Great Sandy National Park, Lake McKenzie’s sand is silky and white thanks to an abundance of white silica. The lake is also perched, meaning it’s only fed by rainwater, not groundwater. It’s best to use a 4-wheel-drive vehicle to access the lake and its accompanying sand dunes. You can also camp, canoe, and fish in the park.

Final Thoughts

“Salt life” is a popular summer motto, but a lake visit can make for the ideal summer (or even fall, spring, or winter, depending on the destination) vacation. From popular lakes close to home, like Tahoe and Michigan, to Europe’s charming lake villages and Africa’s reservoirs, consider a vacation to a freshwater lake this summer and beyond.