Top Lakes in USA

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.

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

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!

I suggest bringing a reusable water bottle! The trail has spots where you can refill, and staying hydrated is key. Trust me, you'll need it!

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!

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!

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

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?

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

If you're into birdwatching, don’t miss the early morning hours around 7am. I was blown away by the diversity of birds, plus it was pretty quiet and peaceful – the perfect start to the day!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!