Top Lakes in USA

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Lake Tahoe rating icon 9.3

Lake Tahoe, Placer County, California, United States copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 215 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 14 of 256
Popularity Worldwide: 1495 of 29086
Lakes
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Benjamin January 18, 2025

You should check out the dog-friendly trails if you have a furry friend. I found a great one near Emerald Bay, but be prepared for some steep climbs. Totally worth it.

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Justin December 7, 2024

I recommend grabbing a day pass for the local beaches; it totally saves money compared to individual entry fees. Plus some spots have awesome picnic areas where you can relax

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William October 10, 2024

My advice is to check local grocery stores for snacks instead of the pricey eateries. I stumbled upon a lovely deli that had fresh sandwiches and drinks at half the price!

2

Blue Lakes Trail rating icon 8.3

Blue Lakes Trail, Telluride, CO 81435, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 681 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 33 of 256
Popularity Worldwide: 4734 of 29086
Lakes
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Charles March 16, 2025

My tip is to download a trail map beforehand. The cell service can be spotty, and having a map saved on your phone kept me from getting lost!

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Patricia February 22, 2025

My advice is to start your hike around 8 AM. The sunrise is breathtaking and it helps you avoid the afternoon crowd. Plus you'll snag some great selfies!

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Eric December 20, 2024

I think wearing layers is a must! The weather can change in a heartbeat, so pack a light jacket and extra snacks just in case it gets chilly

3

Mirror Lake rating icon 8

Mirror Lake Dr, Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 822 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 47 of 256
Popularity Worldwide: 5833 of 29086
Lakes
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Susan February 19, 2025

I suggest grabbing a coffee and a pastry from one of the local cafes before hitting the lake. It’s a nice way to start the day! I mean who doesn't love a good coffee while admiring the views?

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Betty November 29, 2024

My advice is to explore the nearby trails early around 8 AM. The morning light is gorgeous for photos, and the trails aren’t crowded yet. Trust me, it feels like you have the place to yourself!

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Adam October 25, 2024

If you're into paddle boarding or kayaking, check out rental prices ahead of time. I found a place offering a discount if you rented for two hours instead of just one, which saved me a few bucks!

4

Lake Union rating icon 7.2

Lake Union, Fremont, Seattle, King County, Washington, United States copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1104 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 72 of 256
Popularity Worldwide: 7870 of 29086
Lakes
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Margaret January 22, 2025

For a great view without breaking the bank, I recommend walking along the south side of Lake Union. It’s a lovely pathway, and you can take some breathtaking photos without the crowds.

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Steven December 9, 2024

If you're into seaplanes, try to catch one taking off or landing near the lake around 2 PM when they're more frequent. It was a cool sight, and you can snap some awesome shots!

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Jason October 14, 2024

If you're planning to rent a kayak, I suggest going early in the morning around 9 AM. The water's pretty calm, and you’ll have a better chance at seeing the sunrise—it’s stunning and way less crowded.

5

Beaver Lake Trail rating icon 6.8

Beaver Lake Trail, Beaver Creek, CO 81620, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1316 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 79 of 256
Popularity Worldwide: 9179 of 29086
Lakes
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James March 22, 2025

Bring a refillable water bottle! There are no water stations along the trail so you'll save money and the environment by not buying plastic bottles. I learned this the hard way

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Brandon January 11, 2025

If you can, wear sturdy hiking boots instead of sneakers. I slipped a few times on some of the rocky sections. The right footwear definitely makes the trek more enjoyable.

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Steven November 3, 2024

Plan to spend some time at the lake itself. I initially just planned to hike and rush back, but sitting by the water was the highlight of my visit. Bring a snack and enjoy it there.

6

Blue Hole rating icon 6.1

Blue Hole, Santa Rosa, Guadalupe County, New Mexico, United States copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1600 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 4 of 62
Popularity Worldwide: 3812 of 29086
Diving
Lakes
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Brian March 29, 2025

I think visiting around 10 AM is the sweet spot. Early enough to avoid the crowds, but late enough for the sun to be out and the water warm. I went at noon and it was packed.

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Paul December 24, 2024

I suggest bringing your own snorkel gear if you can. Rentals can be pricey, and having your own feels more comfortable. I wished I had done this on my visit!

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Jason December 9, 2024

One thing I regret is not checking the weather beforehand. It rained during my visit, and it made the experience less enjoyable. Always check forecasts a day before!

7

Lake Merritt rating icon 4.9

Lake Merritt, Downtown Oakland, Oakland, Alameda County, California, United States copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 2074 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 125 of 256
Popularity Worldwide: 14889 of 29086
Lakes
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James March 17, 2025

I suggest grabbing a coffee at a local cafe before you head out – the views around Lake Merritt are so much better with a warm drink in hand! Trust me, it makes all the difference.

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Tyler March 10, 2025

I think you should bring a picnic; there are plenty of lovely spots to sit down and eat. I skipped this and regretted having to grab fast food instead!

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John November 14, 2024

My advice is to check out the local events calendar before your visit. I stumbled upon a small art fair that was going on – it added a fun twist to my stroll around the lake.

8

Crystal Lake Trailhead rating icon 4.9

Crystal Lake Trailhead, Inyo National Forest, Lk George Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 2089 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 126 of 256
Popularity Worldwide: 14937 of 29086
Lakes
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Ryan March 31, 2025

Check the weather before you go! It can change quick, and I got caught in a random shower. Maybe packing a light poncho or windbreaker would’ve saved me from a soggy hike!

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Nathan March 7, 2025

I recommend heading out early, like around 7 AM. The views are magical and you avoid the crowds. Plus, it gets hot later in the day, so you’ll enjoy cooler temps on your hike!

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Karen November 29, 2024

Bring plenty of water—it’s super easy to underestimate how thirsty you’ll get on the trail. I think packing snacks is a good move too; they really help keep your energy up!

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Thomas October 16, 2024

If you can, avoid weekends. My advice is to go on a Tuesday or Wednesday. It was pretty packed when I went on a Saturday, and I wish I had better pictures without people in 'em!

9

Tidal Pool rating icon 4.7

Tidal Pools, Rosario Beach, WA, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 2177 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 129 of 256
Popularity Worldwide: 15622 of 29086
Lakes
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Andrew March 29, 2025

if you're going on a weekend, get there by 8 am to beat the crowds. i wish i had, because by 10 am it was packed and we couldn't find a good spot to chill.

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Steven March 9, 2025

Bring your own snacks and drinks to avoid the overpriced stuff at nearby vendors. I spent way too much on a bottle of water and some chips they had there!

10

Lake Lady Bird rating icon 4.3

Lady Bird Lake, Austin, TX, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 2305 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 136 of 256
Popularity Worldwide: 16695 of 29086
Lakes
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Jill March 24, 2025

I recommend checking the weather beforehand. It got super hot when I visited, and I wasn't prepared with enough water and sunscreen. Bring a hat too, it helps a lot!

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Betty January 20, 2025

I think you should try to make it for the sunset. Seriously, the colors reflecting on the water are stunning, and it’s a perfect way to wind down after a day by the lake. Just be sure to snag a good spot early.

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Brandon December 19, 2024

I suggest bringing your own bike or renting one nearby. The trails around the lake are awesome and renting can be pricey if you're not careful. I spent way too much on a bike rental when I could've just brought my own!

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