Enchanting lake destinations are popular choices for memorable vacations. They offer a wealth of scenic beauty, pristine natural surroundings, and a wide range of outdoor activities and adventures. If you’re looking for the perfect setting for an idyllic lake vacation this year, check out these seven outstanding destinations.

Lake Anna, Virginia. Set in Central Virginia, Lake Anna is just a short drive from major metropolitan areas along the country’s Eastern Seaboard including Richmond, Charlottesville and Washington, DC. Spanning more than 13,000 acres, Lake Anna is the second largest lake in Virginia. The lake is a popular destination for boating, waterskiing and fishing. Lake Anna frequently hosts to local and regional fishing tournaments and offers anglers a wide array of fish including Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass, Black Crappie and Bluegill. Lake Anna State Park offers a beach, 15 miles of trails, campsites and multi-bedroom cabins and lodges. Golf courses, wineries, breweries and historic sites are also located nearby. Vacationers can choose from hundreds of lakefront and lakeside rental homes – some featuring pools and private docks.

Grand Lake, Colorado. Located at the western doorstep of Rocky Mountain National Park, the town of Grand Lake is an exceptional choice for a lake vacation. Grand Lake sits at an elevation of over 8,300 feet above sea level and it is Colorado’s largest and deepest natural lake. Grand Lake is a boater’s paradise and it is a popular destination for fishing as well. The Grand Lake area offers a wealth of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, golf, tennis, whitewater rafting and a wide variety of water sports. Vacationers can choose from a variety of accommodations in Grand Lake including vacation homes, hotels and lodges. Set along the shores of Grand Lake, Western Riviera Lakeside Lodging offers a range of accommodations that are perfect for families and multigenerational groups. Grand Lake Lodge is another favorite choice. The historic property features 70 newly renovated cabins and family-friendly amenities including an outdoor pool.

Kentucky Lake, Kentucky. Kentucky Lake is one of the country’s largest man-made lakes, with lots of opportunities for fishing and watersports. Many vacationers have discovered this destination and return year after year to enjoy the myriad of land-based and water-oriented activities. The over 2,300 miles of shoreline offer hiking, biking and horseback trails. In addition, marinas on the 160,000 acre lake offer rentals of fishing boats, ski boats, pontoon boats, jet skis, sailboats and even luxury houseboats. Golfers can play a round at courses just a short drive away, and have their choice of 9-hole executive courses and championship 18-hole courses. Antique and craft stores, biking and hunting are also available in the area.

Lake George, New York. Lake George is a popular vacation spot nestled in New York State's Adirondack Mountains. This 32-mile lake provides a wonderful area for boating, fishing, hiking and other activities. The Lake George area also offers opportunities for horseback riding, golf, white water rafting excursions, and a variety of fairs and events during the summer months. History comes alive at the Fort William Henry Museum, an authentically restored French & Indian War-era British fort built on Lake George by the British in 1755 to block an anticipated French advance from Canada. Lake George Shoreline Cruises offers narrated cruises around Lake George which showcase the lake’s scenery and historic events that took place in the area. Top places to stay around Lake George include The Sagamore Resort, The Lodges at Cresthaven and The Juliana Resort.

Lake Lure, North Carolina. Lake Lure is a beautiful manmade lake located in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina. The dam creating Lake Lure was built in 1927. Since that time, vacationers have been coming to the area to enjoy activities on the lake including boating, waterskiing, tubing and fishing. The 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa and The Lodge on Lake Lure are popular places to stay. Camping is also available at spots around the lake. Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy themselves here, as Lake Lure is home to an abundance of trout, bass and catfish. Water sports, boat rentals, hiking, fishing, golf, tennis and horseback riding are also available. Chimney Rock Park is close by, and it’s an excellent spot for hiking. Climb to the top of the "Rock" for great views and the perfect backdrop for a great vacation photo.

Priest Lake, Idaho. Priest Lake is a 19-mile freshwater lake in located in northern Idaho, just fifteen miles from the Canadian border. It is connected to Upper Priest Lake by a scenic, slow moving thoroughfare. Set at an elevation of 2,500 feet and encircled by the Selkirk Mountain Range, Priest Lake offers vacationers 80 miles of shoreline with sandy beaches and seven islands. The large expanse of public land surrounding the lake ensures its natural beauty for years to come. Waterskiing, kayaking, golfing, excellent fishing, boating, picking huckleberries and tennis are favorite activities at this beautiful vacation destination. Vacationers often stay at Elkins Resort or at the many cabins along the shores of this stunning lake.

Lake Guntersville, Alabama. Vacationers often flock to Lake Guntersville, a 69,000 acre lake in Alabama's northeast corner. Alabama's largest lake features a State Park lodge with 112 hotel rooms and suites, 20 chalets, 15 cottages and an 18-hole golf course. In addition to the lodging available at Lake Guntersville State Park, travelers can take advantage of a variety of accommodations including lakeside campsites, cottages and cabins. This area features over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails, and scenic drives. Lake Guntersville is known for its excellent fishing and it's teeming with largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill. Other leisure activities include golf, swimming, tennis, hunting, boating, waterskiing, sailing and eagle watching. Lake Guntersville has also hosted Bassmaster fishing tournaments and other special events.