For those who live far away from the beach, going to the lake is a good option to get into the water and experience nature.
In the United States, there are plenty of notable lakes, with Lake Tahoe, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie and others as common destinations.
In June, the USA Today Reader's Choice Awards were revealed for the best lake in the United States, and it wasn't any of those mentioned above.
It was Big Bear Lake, located in Southern California.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_an2adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_in2adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframe"Whether you visit during peak summer or the most frigid depths of winter, there's a massive array of activities to enjoy across Big Bear Lake, the largest recreational body of water in Southern California. During the snowy season, the region is particularly popular for skiing and snowboarding, while summer brings top-tier fishing opportunities, with anglers gathering to search for rainbow trout," the article read.
Here is how the top 10 are ranked in the best lakes in the U.S.
Big Bear Lake (California)
Elkhart Lake (Wisconsin)
Lake George (New York)
Marion Lake (Minnesota)
Lake Michigan (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin)
Lake Erie (New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania)
Lake Superior (Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin)
Lake Cumberland (Kentucky)
Lake Champlain (New York and Vermont)
Lake Havasu (Arizona and California)
The only other California lake to make the cut was Lake Havasu, which is in Arizona as well.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_d72adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_l72adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframeThis ranking was started through nominations by an expert panel, and from there, readers voted for the best lakes.
Per the official website, Big Bear sees 3 million visitors each year, and it is a popular destination in summer and winter.
Related: America’s ‘Most Boring’ City Named in New Study
This Lake Was Just Named The Best In The United States first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 16, 2025
