You don't have to be seen by the sea to beat the heat during the dog days of summer, because a trip to one of America's amazing lakes can be just as rewarding. Our lakes possess some of the best combinations of sand and scenery in all of the land and the following are 50 of the finest.

Who says man can't compete with Mother Nature? Formed by the damming of the Ouachita River, Arkansas' biggest lake is home to miles of refreshing water fit for all forms of watersports and a refreshing lack of shoreline development.

The lightning bolt shape of Kenai Lake just adds to the allure of this aquamarine beauty on the wild Kenai Peninsula. Make for the lake in summertime to enjoy a host of watersports under a nearly never-setting Alaskan sun.

With shoreline in New York, Vermont and Quebec, Lake Champlain is truly an international attraction. In addition to being one of the most gorgeous lakes in the northeast, the cool waters of the lake are also a hotspot for anglers.

The Sunshine State's sparkling "inland sea", Lake Okeechobee is the second largest freshwater lake located fully within the United States. The lake has played a huge role in the culture of Central Florida and is surrounded by several charming towns and a wonderful walking trail.

One stroll around the Lake Geneva shore path (full of splendid vistas and up-close views of Victorian mansions) and you'll be smitten with this handsome lake in southeastern Wisconsin. Then, spend a day out on the water to seal the deal.

Idaho's largest lake is also the fourth deepest in the nation. Trails, beaches and parks line its shores, with the sensational small town of Sandpoint being the best place to base yourself to make the most of the lake.

Majestically straddling the California/Nevada state line, Lake Tahoe is filled with clear water, lined with sandy beaches and surrounded by the peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains. During winter, the lake serves as the backdrop for some of the best skiing in the country.

The deepest lake in the country, the blue waters of Oregon's Crater Lake are guaranteed to make your heart skip a beat. Formed after snowmelt and rainwater filled a collapsed volcano, the lake is known for extraordinary purity and is the centerpiece of a namesake national park.

The largest lake entirely located within the US, the lapping waters of Lake Michigan are home to delightfully desolate coastal cottages, the bustling metropolis of Chicago, stunning Sleeping Bear Dunes and everything in between.

Sure, this manmade lake near Atlanta can get busy from time to time, but that just makes finding your own quiet cove that much more rewarding.

Nicknamed "The Queen of American Lakes" there is certainly something sophisticated about this spectacular body of water in the Adirondacks. The grandest way to soak in the scenery? From the deck of one of the lake's historic steamboats, of course.

Spanning the border of Utah and Arizona, the water of manmade wonder Lake Powell serves as quite the contrast to the dry Southwest landscape that surrounds it. The lake is popular with all manner of watersports, with staying on a houseboat being an especially popular way to fully experience the wonder of the lake.

Chilling on Lake Chelan-a skinny, 50-mile snake of a lake in Washington state-with a glass of local wine is the epitome of summer in the Pacific Northwest.

The largest lake in the great state of New Hampshire, Lake Winnipesaukee sits at the base of the White Mountains and is a true four-season destination. Foliage makes autumn especially fun, but don't skip the winter, as seeing the lake iced over is a sight to behold.

Created by the damming the Osage River, this massive Missouri lake is said to resemble a dragon. Even before it made it big in Hollywood, it was long known as a May to September recreation haven for Midwest residents.

Technically speaking, we're talking about a trio of teal blue alpine lakes in the Mount Sneffels wilds near Telluride, Colorado, but since they are located so close together, we're lumping them together. Hike to Blue Lakes Pass in summer to take in views of all three lakes at once and a vista full of wildflowers.

The crown jewel of Vermont's "Northeast Kingdom", Lake Willoughby's dramatic surroundings helps make it special. The water is encircled by steep hills on all sides and at the southern end of the lake, you'll find the equally enchanting Willoughby State Forest.

he Iowa Great Lakes are a series of natural lakes in the northern section of the state, with the biggest of the bunch being Big Spirit Lake-followed by East Okoboji Lake & West Okoboji Lake. They offer Iowans endless recreation opportunities, sandy beaches, beach bars and a retro-cool fun in the form of Arnolds Park Amusement Park.

This manmade beauty is one of the proudest achievements of the famous Tennessee Valley Authority. It is a summer playground for residents of the Midwest and when considered with nearby Lake Barkley-which is connected Kentucky Lake via a canal-helps forms the largest body of water between the Gulf of Mexico and the Great Lakes.

Easily the most unique lake on the list, Mono Lake is a saline lake located at the crossroads of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Great Basin. Due to its high salt levels, the lake has no fish, but it is home to unusual limestone formations called "tufa" and small brine shrimp that support vibrant migratory birdlife.

Fed by a family of waterfalls, Hanging Lake owns crystal-clear water tinged with a trace of turquoise. The lake is a rare Rocky Mountain example of a body of water formed by a travertine-depositing hot spring.

Cypress trees, swamps and Spanish moss await at this unique lake on the border of Texas & Lousiana. The best way to take in all the natural splendor? By canoe.

Perhaps the most unsung of the Great Lakes, Erie touches the coast of Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. Retreats along its shores include the likes of Put-in-Bay and the pretty peninsula of Presque Isle State Park.

The twin mountains of Maroon Bells near Aspen are known the world over as one of the most scenic spots in all of Colorado, but they wouldn't be anywhere near as famous without their lake. Maroon Lake reflects the majestic peaks, setting up one of, if not THE most photographed places in the state.

This manmade lake on the border of Arizona and California offers sweet relief to the summer heat from residents of this especially toasty corner of the country. The scenes of water lapping up against the desert are as pretty as the sight of the stately London Bridge (Yep, the real one!) is peculiar.

At over ten miles long, Lake McDonald is the largest lake inside Glacier National Park and offers a wonderful vista from which to enjoy the majesty of the park. Don't be surprised if you're joined by goats, sheep and bears stopping to admire the view, too.

Born from the construction of the Diablo Dam in Washington state, this turquoise lake is arguably the most striking manmade lake in the nation. The area is crisscrossed by hiking paths, with seemingly each vantage point offering an angle on the water more impressive than the last.

Located on the outskirts of Charlotte, lovely Lake Norman is the largest manmade freshwater lake in the state. It's also known for being a cool place to spend a hot summer day, with lake sports like jet skiing, SUPing and boating being popular pastimes.

It may be shallow, but boy oh boy is it spectacular. Lake Mille Lacs stretches to the horizon and is home to anglers in all seasons as the ice fishing here is legendary. The shores of the lake are also home to a fine beach, which is located inside Father Hennepin State Park.

Connected to Lake Michigan via the Straits of Mackinac, handsome Huron is home to Mackinaw Island and miles of idyllic shoreline. Seeing the sun come up over Huron is hands down one of the most iconic experiences you can have on the Great Lakes.

The lake where Austin goes to let loose, this sprawling body of water was formed by the damming of the Colorado River of Texas and has blossomed to the perfect place to cool off and catch some rays for the day.

Fed by refreshing Appalachian Rivers, Lake Jocassee is home to hidden waterfalls and some of the finest trout fishing in the state. The shoreline remains welcomingly undeveloped as the only access point to the lake is through Devil's Fork State Park.

It's a little known fact that Maryland is the only state to not have a natural body of water big enough to qualify as a lake. It's no secret though that the manmade Deep Creek Lake-located in the far west of the state-is a paradise for boaters and nature lovers.

Located around 100 miles northeast of LA, Big Bear Lake offers a breath of fresh air and relief from the heat. Hit the lake to fish and take part in watersports then spend the rest of your time admiring the view of the water from the numerous hiking trails in the area.

A manmade wonder in California's true north, this lake is stocked with fish (bass and several varieties of trout are among the most plentiful) and offers sweeping views of spectacular Mount Shasta.

Over 25 miles in length, this gorgeous lake is the second-largest in northern Idaho. Boating, wildlife watching and fishing are the most popular pursuits as is getting to know the atmospheric town of the same name (Coeur d'Alene) on its shores.

Long considered the finest of the Finger Lakes, Skaneateles is famed for the clarity & cleanliness of its water and the attractive lakeside town that shares its name. Surely there is no better place to be in summer in the entire Empire State.

Not all the fun in the Mountaineering State is up in the hills or involves extreme sports. No, the fun of spending a lazy day on stunning Summersville Lake is one of the state's best-kept travel secrets.

The largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior's waters wrap around the northern sections of Minnesota & Wisconsin in addition to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Perhaps nowhere is its splendor more on display than at Apostle Islands National Seashore, a collection of 22 rocky isles just off the coast of Wisconsin's Bayfield Peninsula.

Located in northeast Minnesota, Lake Vermilion is ringed by rugged north forest and is home to well over 300 pine-covered islands. The lake is sought-after for its fishing and annual splashes of fall color.

Located a stone's throw from Robbinsville in North Carolina, Lake Santeetlah is a peaceful place to get away from it all and just enjoy the majesty of Mother Nature. Just don't forget to look up when you're out on the water, as the lake is surrounded by enchanting Smoky Mountain scenery at every turn.

Pickwick has shoreline in Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi and is yet another recreational playground we have as a result of the historic Tennessee Valley Authority initiative. Appreciate the scenery on the lake by day before making for the cute town of Florence-the heart and soul of Alabama's The Shoals region-at night.

Trout fishing, kayaking and the many trails that surround the lake are just three of the best reasons to see California's Lake George with your own eyes. The other big reason? Seeing the lake framed by alpine scenery is sure to knock your hiking boots off.

The largest lake in Alabama, Guntersville Lake is heaven for anglers and those angling for just a lazy day on the beach or boat. The region is also home to excellent golf courses and quality resorts.

The largest lake in America's flagship national park, no trip to Yellowstone is complete with taking time to appreciate the splendor of its namesake lake. If you're lucky, you may spot a moose or two hanging out in the marshes.

The largest of Madison's quartet of lakes, Lake Mendota is one of the best "city lakes" in the Midwest and a mecca for anglers. SUPing, kayaking and beach-bumming are also popular activities on the lake, which is popular with students, locals and travelers alike.

Straddling the Missouri/Arkansas state line and surrounded by inspiring Ozark Mountains scenery, Table Rock Lake is a dream come true for lake lovers. In addition to all the classic watersports opportunities, the lake is located a short hop to entertainment hotspot Branson.

The largest natural lake by surface area west of the Mississippi (in the Lower 48), Flathead Lake offers gorgeous glacial water that is famous for its clarity. Boating, sailing, fishing and swimming are popular pursuits and in the summer the lake plays hosts to quaint roadside stands that sell all manner of fresh fruits and snacks to lake goers.

Not to be confused with an entirely different Echo Lake in another part of the state, Echo Lake in Franconia Notch is the epitome of idyllic. Dig your toes in the sand at the beach to admire the best view of the water and surrounding mountains.

This stunning alpine lake lies in the shadow of Mount Rainer near the top of the famous Chinook Pass. Visit in summer to see a riot of romantic wildflowers and increased chances of spotting local wildlife.