13 Stunning U.S. Beaches That Aren't On The Ocean

Ocean beaches get all the love, but the U.S. is also sprinkled with gorgeous lakes surrounded by stunning beaches. Find your perfect lake getaway with Expedia.

1. Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada:

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The shore of Lake Tahoe, spanning the border of California and Nevada, is lined with tons of gorgeous beaches perfect for swimming. The calm waters are also perfect for stand-up paddleboarding.

2. Sebago Lake, Maine:

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Sebago Lake is the place in Maine for all kinds of boating, and the beaches are perfect for swimming and picnicking. Plus, the surrounding park is filled with amazing hiking and biking trails.

3. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana:

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Indiana may not be the first place that comes to mind as a beach destination, but the Indiana Dunes on the southern end of Lake Michigan span 15 miles of beaches perfect for swimming, sandcastle-making, and strolling.

4. Hungry Mother State Park, Virginia:

Virginia State Parks / (CC BY 2.0) / Via Flickr: vastateparksstaff

Hungry Mother State Park's lake has a sandy beach with a bathhouse and fishing boat, canoe, kayak, and paddleboat rentals. And the views in autumn cannot be beat.

5. Great Salt Lake, Utah:

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Antelope Island, surrounded by Utah's Great Salt Lake, is home to unbelievable views and wildlife, including bison, antelopes, and birds. Picnic on the beach or rent a kayak.

6. Siltcoos Lake, Oregon:

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Siltcoos is the largest lake on the Oregon Coast. It's a popular fishing destination with a variety of fish, including salmon, and visitors can camp right on the sand.

7. Tenaya Lake in Yosemite National Park, California:

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Tenaya Lake in the High Sierra of Yosemite National Park is surrounded by granite domes. Although the water is chilly, the beach is popular for boating, fishing, and picnicking, and the area is surrounded by hiking trails.

8. Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire:

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Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in New Hampshire, is pure New England. In fall, when the beach is too cold for swimming, the foliage makes for an unforgettable sunset.

9. Lake George, New York:

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In addition to having beautiful beaches for swimming, Lake George in the Adirondacks is the destination for every imaginable outdoor activity: boating, birding, golfing, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and more!

10. Lake Havasu, Arizona:

Dorian Wallender / (CC BY-SA 2.0) / Via Flickr: akfoto

Lake Havasu in Arizona (and partly in California) is particularly unique as it happens to be a lake within a desert. In addition to its calm water and pristine beaches, the lake has two dozen mini lighthouses, replicas of famous lighthouses around the U.S.

11. Lake Lure, North Carolina:

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Biking, hiking, sailing, and swimming near the spotless beaches are the main attractions at Lake Lure. And the views of the Blue Ridge mountain range in the background aren't bad either.

12. Put-in-Bay, Ohio:

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Ohio is (surprisingly) home to a number of islands, including Put-in-Bay in Lake Erie. In addition to visiting the beaches, boating and other water sports are the things to do on this island.

13. Torch Lake, Michigan:

abarndweller / (CC BY 2.0) / Via Flickr: barndweller

Torch Lake is famous for its unusually clear water, which often appears turquoise. The area is surrounded by lovely vacation rentals, and a number of quiet beaches line the lake.

No need to head to the coast to hit the beach this summer! Plan your next vacation with Expedia.

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