By Last Updated on August 14, 2023
They’re called the ‘dog days of summer’ – you know, those hot, sultry, almost unbearable days when the heat just seems to sap all of our energy.
What’s the best way to combat this last hurrah of summer before autumn provides us welcoming, cooling relief? Get in the water!
If you’re a beach person, you can head to those wide stretches of your favorite sands. If you’re not, or live too far away for a beach escape, why not head to the lake for ?
It’s estimated that the U.S. has about three million lakes (the majority of these being in Alaska), but even the lower 48 states have about 125,000. Let’s look at some lakeside vacation rentals that may tickle your fancy for a getaway to escape the hottest summer in recorded history.
Door County Waterfront Bay House: Luxemburg, WI
If you’re looking for a serene waterfront setting in peaceful southern Door County, this Green Bay vacation rental is perfect.
Guests will enjoy bay views from the living room, kitchen and master bedroom. The two-bedroom, one-bath single level home also includes a wraparound deck and firepit.
The kitchen features wood flooring and stainless appliances while the living room offers the use of a gas fireplace and a wall of windows to “ooh” and “aah” over picturesque Lake Michigan Bay.
Eagle’s Nest Cabin on Fish Lake: Leavenworth, WA
This charming cabin in the forests of the Northwest invites guests to lounge or fish on its private dock, or hike in the cool surrounding state parks and national forest.
The cabin has three-bedrooms, one-bath with shower, a full kitchen and a loft. A spacious deck features a barbeque, gas firepit and picnic table.
If needed (or just for the ambience), the vacation rental is also stocked with wood for toasty fires in the stone fireplace. You’ll love the tranquil sunsets from the dock.
Edge of the Lake: Lake Placid, NY
Overlooking Lake Placid Lake and Paradox Bay, this three-bedroom, two-bath Adirondak-style condo is exactly what you’d expect for an idyllic vacation rental in this magnificent part of the state. Take along your besties or family since the property sleeps six.
The home’s cathedral great room includes a stone gas fireplace and island kitchen with granite counters. Two large master bedroom suites with private baths include jetted tubs and a walkout balcony.
Views of the water are absolutely spectacular.
Lakefront Boathouse: Lake Lure, NC
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina where Forrest Gump and Dirty Dancing were filmed, Lake Lure is one of the South’s most beautiful lakes.
If you’re looking for a lakefront cottage, this one sits along the shores of Snug Harbor Cove with stunning lake and mountain views. The two-story boathouse sports three-bedrooms with two full baths. The living room offers a stone fireplace along with the natural aroma of fresh cedar paneling with collar beams.
There’s plenty of outdoor deck room for sunbathing, diving and fishing.
Lake Front Cottage on Lake Lanier: Gainesville, GA
This gorgeous two-bedroom, three-bath cottage can sleep up to five guests with a king room upstairs and two queens downstairs. The price point for this expansive 3,500-square-foot home is extremely budget firendly!
The gourmet kitchen has both separate wine and coffee bars. Beyond the kitchen, family and friends will love the TV/game room with a pool table, ping-pong table and a 70-inch smart TV with lots of seating for a ‘movie night at the lake.’
A screened-in porch off the great room offers more space for lounging and dining.
The cottage’s two-slip boat dock with party deck is just down an easily-walkable path and if you don’t have your own boat, you can rent one at the marina.
Lake of the Ozarks Getaway: Sunrise Beach, MO
Dewey’s Dream is a four-bedroom, two-bath lakefront home located in a Lake of the Ozarks cove. The home offers gorgeous views from spacious two-level decks and a stone patio with a firepit and a space for grilling. It’s a great house for families given the king and queen rooms downstairs with a queen sofa sleeper in the family room. The upstairs bedrooms offer a king bedroom and a fourth room with two twin bunk beds.
Guests will especially appreciate the private dock with an open 10×24 slip and a swim platform in a deep-water cove.
Perfect Lakefront Vacation Getaway: Lake Wildwood, CA
This is a vacation rental where you’ll want to include friends and family in on the deal! The lakefront home is located in a gated community in the Sierra Foothills, just 15-20 minutes from Grass Valley and Nevada City and only an hour from Lake Tahoe.
Guests can jump right into the lake from the backyard or dock of this four-bedroom, three-bath home that can sleep up to eight. The property features an open deck with patio dining and stunning sunset views.
Everything you’ll need for a perfect lake vacation is included in the rental price. This includes six kayaks, three paddle boards, inflatable water loungers, innertubes, and life vests, fishing poles and tackle. If you’re into outdoor games, you’ll love the shuffleboard, volleyball/badminton and tetherball sets, along with horseshoes.
Twin Bay Lodge: Lake Arrowhead, CA
Lake Arrowhead is often called “The Alps of the Pacific” for its picture-postcard vistas. There’s no better way to experience the beauty of this region than a stay right on the lake itself.
Twin Bay Lodge is a private residence offering million-dollar panoramic views of the deep sapphire-colored waters. The three-bedroom, two-bath home can sleep up to six guests offering a king, queen and twin bed accommodations.
With soaring cathedral ceilings, a grand fireplace, hardwood floors, two fully-furnished decks and a host of impressive amenities, this is one of the best California destinations you’ll find for a lovely summer lake escape.
So, when you’re tired of another weather report calling for record-high temperatures, you may want to consider a lake getaway offering a much ‘cooler’ vibe.
What do you think?