Summer doesn’t feel like summer without a day (or ten) at a lake. And adventurers looking for a slice of the good lake life should trek to New York, home to some of the best-rated lakes in the United States. Four waterways in Upstate New York have been named among the top lake vacations in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The winning spots include two Adirondack gems; one famous region comprised of 11 lakes; and an island-filled stretch of a river that touches two nations. The ranking by U.S. News included 33 waterways within or bordering 24 states. Spots in New York, California and Michigan all landed four times on the list, making the three states the best places in the nation for travelers to book an unforgettable trip to a lake. Here are the four mighty Upstate New York waterways ranked among the best lake vacations in the U.S. Lake George One day simply isn’t long enough to fully experience all that Lake George has to offer. The gem of a lake in the eastern Adirondacks has won plenty of accolades, from being named the cleanest lake in the U.S. to earning a laurel for boasting some of the bluest water in America. In its recent ranking, U.S. News recognized Lake George as a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts. “Travelers seeking a lake vacation with lots of adventure should turn to Lake George in Upstate New York, a top spot for weekend getaways from the city,” the magazine wrote. U.S. News encouraged travelers to hike up Sleeping Beauty Mountain, explore the lake by kayak or paddleboat, or cycle the Warren County Bikeway. We also recommend visiting the Lake George mystery spot; parasailing above the stunning lake; and fueling up with a meal at one of chef and Upstate native Rachael Ray’s favorite dining spots in the Adirondacks. Finger Lakes Come to the Finger Lakes for the wine. Stay for the breathtaking scenery. The Finger Lakes, a stunning region close to the heart of the Empire State, offers enough activities to “fill a weeklong itinerary,” U.S. News wrote in its review. The beloved area is noted for its year-round beauty, including a community recently named the most beautiful county in New York. The plethora of wineries that dot the region are certainly part of the main draw. (Take note, wine lovers: The Finger Lakes have been voted one of 10 must-visit wine regions in the U.S.) But the outdoor opportunities provided by the storied lakes also make up much of the region’s allure. U.S. News named the waterfall-rich Watkins Glen State Park on the southern tip of Seneca Lake as a good park for travelers to enjoy when visiting the Finger Lakes. We also encourage vacationers to spend time in Hammondsport, a charming village on Keuka Lake that has been listed as one of the 40 best small lake towns in America. Lake Placid Lake Placid is known as New York’s “Olympic Village” — a title the Adirondacks community proudly owns. The village and its namesake lake have twice hosted the Winter Olympics and have been named the “Plan B” site for part of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Famed for winter activities like skiing and tobogganing, Lake Placid has been listed as one of the most beautiful winter towns in the U.S. and one of the nation’s most “Christmassy” towns. But as U.S. News notes, Lake Placid is good in all seasons, including in autumn when colorful fall foliage appears. “Tucked away in the Adirondack Mountains, almost 300 miles from New York City, Lake Placid is replete with outdoor activities, from mountain hikes to kayaking and paddleboarding on Mirror Lake and Lake Placid,” the magazine wrote in its ranking. Thousand Islands Despite making a list of the nation’s best lake vacations, the Thousand Islands aren’t part of a lake. The region in the North Country is on the St. Lawrence River and stretches from Lake Ontario to Lake Champlain. As the name suggests, the Thousand Islands are home to 1,864 islands spread between Upstate New York and Ontario, Canada. But like any good lake, the sprawling Thousand Islands region offers plenty of outdoor adventures — ranging from “top-notch freshwater scuba diving” to fishing and boating, U.S. News wrote. The magazine urged visitors to book a boat tour on the St. Lawrence River and admire the infamous Boldt Castle on a heart-shaped island in Alexandria Bay. We advise adventurers to book a camping trip on Wellesley Island, home to one of the top-rated state parks in the nation, and spend a day exploring Clayton, a small riverside village that has been recognized for having the No. 1 small town cultural scene and one of the top small town arts scenes in the nation.