Swimming is often exactly what New Yorkers crave on a hot day. When they can, many residents want to escape the city and find a quiet, cozy place in nature, a place with clean lakes, scenic views, forests, and parks. This kind of getaway helps you recharge and leaves you with unforgettable memories, especially when you’re with friends and family. To spend some time by a lake, you only have to drive an hour or two outside the city. Learn more on new-york.name.
Keuka Lake
The small town of Keuka Park has several recreation areas, one of which is Keuka Lake. It’s considered one of the most popular in the U.S. because of the incredible natural scenery surrounding it, including vineyards, rolling hills, forests, flower gardens, and huge rocks along the shore.
There are also several hotels nearby where you can stay. In addition to swimming, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like boating, watching for fish and birds, and playing sports on the beach.
Skaneateles Lake
This is a favorite among many New Yorkers because it’s known for its clean, clear water. Its color is stunning and amazes everyone who sees it for the first time. There are plenty of places to relax and walk around the lake: a pier, a forest, and wooden benches and houses. Peace and quiet are all around you.
Minnewaska State Park
Minnewaska is the name of both a state park and a lake in New York. This is a must-visit for hiking enthusiasts, as it offers a variety of trails with different difficulty levels. Some of them lead to mountain peaks with breathtaking views of the surrounding nature.
Overall, the Minnewaska area has tons of incredible places: cliffs, caves, and a massive oak forest. You can also relax by the waterfall or on the shore of Lake Minnewaska. Nearby, you’ll find picnic tables and areas, all surrounded by unique and picturesque landscapes. In the summer, the water in the lake is warm, and the beach is always open to visitors.
Oneida Lake
This is the largest lake located entirely within New York State. It’s considered a prime spot for fishing and relaxing by the water. Along the shore, you’ll find several recreation areas, restaurants, and shops. The coastline is about 55 miles long.
It’s a great place for walking, boating, birdwatching, and visiting the islands and other spots around the lake. Everyone can find something they enjoy and have a wonderful time in a peaceful atmosphere, in harmony with nature.
Lake George
This is one of the most popular places for a getaway outside of New York City. The summer resort village of Lake George is located on the lake. Every year, about 50,000 people visit here.
This picturesque spot has many islands, campgrounds, public beaches, and marinas for yachts, boats, and other vessels. You can also visit restaurants and tourist spots, such as the southeastern foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. All of this makes it an ideal place for a water-based vacation and a great time.
It’s worth noting that the water in Lake George is very clean. It’s so pure you can drink it, and it comes from 141 springs, so it always stays clear and full of healthy minerals.
Nine Corner Lake
If you want a quiet time by the water, then Nine Corner Lake is the place to go. This is a hidden gem in the Adirondack Mountains. You’ll rarely find tourists here. All you’ll see is nature and many unique spots for walking. For example, you can hike to a waterfall, climb a mountain, ride a rope swing, or stroll along the lake’s shore.
Fresh air, lush greenery, clean water, and peaceful surroundings—all of this will help you quickly recharge and have a great time. You can take beautiful photos against the backdrop of the lake and landscapes.
Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain is one of the largest lakes in the U.S. Tourists usually come here for a few days to fully enjoy being by the water: fishing, swimming, boating, and walking in the fresh air.
The area around the lake is stunning, with endless space, huge cliffs, and islands. The unique views, with their changing colors throughout the day, always catch your eye. This place feels like a nature preserve far from the noisy metropolis.
Lake Champlain is also a popular spot for hiking. It’s surrounded by small towns and historical sites. A walk or car trip is a great way to see the beauty of the local landscapes, buildings, and waterfront recreation areas.
Around the lake, there are many beaches with long shorelines and walking paths. Here you can watch the sunrise or sunset, have a picnic, ride a bike, play badminton, and do so much more.
Green Lake and Round Lake
New York State is home to Green Lakes State Park, which is where you’ll find these two bodies of water: Green Lake and Round Lake. They attract tourists with their clean water, unusual blue-green color, and wide shorelines.
Green Lake and Round Lake are located in different parts of the park. To get to them, you can rent a bike or walk. They also offer tours and yoga classes, and you can even learn to play golf here.
Near the lakes, there are campgrounds with wonderful views of the water and landscapes. You’ll also see forests, cliffs, and islands nearby. These are all great spots for walks in the fresh air and will leave you with lasting memories. This area is perfect for relaxing with family and friends.
Otsego Lake
This lake is located in an incredibly scenic area surrounded by forests, mountains, and huge rock formations. It feels like a pocket of wilderness where tourists rarely go. In the summer, everything here seems to come alive: trees are green, flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and you can feel the warmth and natural freshness.
On the shore of Otsego Lake, there are wooden houses and picnic areas, as well as a cool stone tower that is several hundred years old. You can have a wonderful time here in an atmosphere of peace and harmony with nature.
The water in the lake is very clean, just like the landscape around it. It covers a huge area and has a unique turquoise color. That’s why it’s one of the best places for a summer getaway.
Great Sacandaga Lake
This is a large lake located in the Adirondack Park. Nearby, you’ll find many towns and villages, as well as countless amazing places in nature. To see as many of the local sights as possible and have a great time, it’s worth coming here for a few days.
In the summer, Great Sacandaga Lake becomes a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and boating. It’s a great opportunity to see the area from different angles, breathe in the fresh air, and visit the islands and other spots on the lake. There are also restaurants and cafes nearby where you can grab a bite to eat and enjoy the views.
Chautauqua Lake
Looking for a cozy place to relax by the water? Chautauqua Lake is a great choice. On its shore, you’ll find many wooden houses for tourists. Unlike other lakes, you can always find some alone time here, ride various boats, play sports or have a picnic outdoors, and even watch the sunrise and sunset over the horizon without leaving your house.
This place of harmony and inspiration is sure to amaze you with its beauty. Its shores have many beaches and parks. Here you can walk, take photos, and see a wide variety of plants, trees, landscapes, and landmarks.