If someone told you to plan a summer vacation, chances are you’d waste no time looking into the best beach to set up shop. While beaches are the number one go-to when the temperatures rise, we at Winner love heading to a lake instead. Here are some of our favorite spots:
Lake Crescent
This eight square-mile lake in Washington’s Olympic National Park is the second-deepest lake in the state and boasts some of the clearest water on the West Coast. The area is perfect for family fun, from canoeing to fishing to browbeating and more. Plus, you’ll get beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Where to stay: We recommend staying in the Lake Crescent Lodge, a beautiful hotel dating back to 1916 that’s filled with historic charm.
Lake Clark
If you love the wilderness, there’s no better lake getaway than Lake Clark in Alaska’s Lake Clark National Park. In addition to various species of fish and birds, you’ll find bears, swans, caribou, wolves, moose, and more wildlife wandering throughout the area. And the best part is - you’ll have to hike through the bush, dogsled, or fly in by floatplane to get to the lake.
Where to stay: Head to the secluded Island Lodge, a beautiful cabin nestled in the snowcapped mountains; complete with cozy fireplaces and rustic decor.
Big Bear Lake
For some fun in the sun, head to Southern California’s Big Bear Lake. Here, you’ll find dozens of visitors wake-boarding, jet-skiing, kayaking, and more. Plus, there are more than 400 acres of terrain between Bear Mountain and Snow Summit that you can explore on foot, mountain bike, or four-wheeler. And in the summer, check out the area’s concert series.
Where to stay: For a full-service Adirondack-style hotel stay, head to the Northwoods Resort & Conference Center. If you’re looking for more of a lakeside cottage feel, check out one of the area’s many resort cabins.
The Finger Lakes
What’s better than a lake vacation in wine country? The Finger Lakes in upstate New York boast more than 100 vintners and is considered one of the best wine regions in the U.S. With 11 lakes to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy a great Riesling or Cabernet Sauvignon paired with dinner from one of the area’s fine restaurants.
Where to stay: A getaway like this calls for a cozy bed & breakfast, so we suggest the Victorian-style Bella Rose B&B in historic Canandaigua.
Lake Michigan
Perhaps the most popular of the Great Lakes, Lake Michigan borders four different states and offers more than 1,600 miles of shoreline to locals and visitors alike. No matter what your ideal lake vacation, you’ll be able to find it here - from boardwalks to wild rolling dunes to secluded scenic shores and more.
Where to stay: The Inn at Bay Harbor in Petoskey offers lakeside luxury that’s perfect for a family vacation or a romantic getaway.
Lake Coeur d’Alene
With over 109 miles of shoreline, this Idaho Panhandle lake attracts visitors from all over. The lake is nestled into beautiful pine forest hills and offers plenty of water activities like boating, fishing, kayaking, and more. There are even secluded inlets and sheltered covers. And if brewpubs or art galleries are your thing, the town of Coeur d’Alene has plenty.
Where to stay: Our Philadelphia Airport parking members recommend the McFarland Inn Bed & Breakfast for a taste of hospitality. The b&b dates back to 1905 and has just five quaint, cozy rooms (with breakfast included).
No matter where you decide to go on your lake vacation this summer, don’t forget to make your parking reservation with us. We offer safe and secure valet parking with Philadelphia Airport parking rates that can’t be beat.