New England Lake Vacation Getaway Ideas

A seaside vacation is no doubt one of the most attractive propositions for most families. How would you like to plan a family getaway at a resort that is not teeming with other tourists, where the waters are calm enough for the kids to splash around without any ocean surprises? Imagine you and your family at a location that’s breathtakingly beautiful with superb views of lush greenery, a waterfront, and the hills surrounding it. If this sounds like something you’d like to do, a New England lake vacation could be the best option for your next family summer escape.

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Lake Winnipesaukee

Also known as “beautiful water in a high place” by the Native Americans who settled there, Lake Winnipesaukee contains 274 tiny islets and boasts two beautiful resort towns along its edges.

Weirs Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee offers a getaway for families who want to take in the beautiful mountain views on its shores and enjoy a variety of activities including arcades, trolleys, and a classic boardwalk.

To the northwest of the lake is the historical town of Meredith, with Mill Falls, a 19th century linen plant at its hub. While there, you can also spend time at Wolfeboro, which has the distinction of being America’s oldest summer resort. There, you can spend time swimming or paddling in the lake or enjoy a delectable meal at one of the many restaurants. Honeymooners might like to stop by at the lake’s Couples Beach.

While at the lake, you can also delight in one of the Mount Washington cruises, which has been a proud New Hampshire tradition since 1872. You can choose from the Scenic Cruise or the Sunset Dinner Dance cruise depending on your preference. The line also offers private events for birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations.

Visitors who want to take a step back in time would be remiss not to take a ride aboard the antique “Miss Meredith” speedboat. Boat rides last approximately 45 minutes, depart daily, and offer stunning mountain views.

If you are looking for a comfortable yet luxurious getaway while on the lake, Mill Falls at the Lake is an excellent option for you and your family. This charming accommodation offers four distinct inns which all provide a unique set of experiences. Take in the stunning lake views from Church Landing or Bay Point Inn, cozy up next to the fireplace at the Chase House, or enjoy the center of town at the original Inn at Mill Falls. Whatever your taste or preference, Mill Falls at the Lake has you and your family covered.

Weirs Drive-in-Theatre is another option for movie lovers who want to enjoy a film in the cool evening air. Lastly, if you want to keep the kids entertained, be sure to check out “Fun Spot,” which features indoor mini golf, bowling, bingo, and is home to the largest arcade in the world.

Kezar Lake

If you prefer a quieter lake vacation resort that is off-the-beaten track, Kezar Lake, located in the charming town of Sutton is just the place for you. For lodging, you can stay at the Follansbee Inn, a historic bed and breakfast located on the shores of Kezar lake, which boasts 18 individually decorated guest rooms.

All guests have access to the Inn’s kayaks, canoes, rowboat, and sailboat, so be sure to take your family to swim, fish, and boat on the pristine waters of the lake during your stay.

If you’re in the mood to explore, you can take a trip by boat to Blueberry Island, or hop on a bicycle and traverse one of the lake’s beautiful tree-lined trails.

Sunapee Lake

Sunapee Lake is recognized as one of the best vacation lakes in New Hampshire, and features an incredible range of elegant mansions and houses built at the beginning of the 20th century. When it’s time to eat, venture over to one of the several restaurants and cafes that serve traditional New England dishes such as pepper-crusted sirloin, Atlantic haddock fish and chips, and the quintessential BLTs.

For a relaxing stay on the lake, the Mountain Edge Resort offers an idyllic retreat set amidst the picturesque hillsides of the Lake Sunapee region. The resort features an abundance of amenities including an indoor heated pool, a full-service day spa, and plenty of live entertainment for you and your family. Be sure to take advantage of the activities in and around the resort including canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and sailing.

Purity Lake

Families looking for the perfect vacation escape will absolutely love spending time at Purity Lake. Take your kids swimming, hiking, canoeing, fishing, and waterskiing, and relive your favorite summer camping holidays at this New Hampshire gem.

To get the best of what this lake has to offer, hop on over to Purity Spring Resort, which features a number of lodging options from traditional colonial houses, mountainside and slopeside lodges, to lakeside condos and cottages. The resort offers a variety of activities for the whole family including mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, and guided tours. It also grants guests access to all amenities including a beautiful pool and fitness center.

If you’re feeling rather adventurous, zip on over to Monkey Trunks zipline park, which features a zipline course that will have you flying through the trees, and an adventure course that features a fun mix of ziplines and adventure obstacles for all ages.

Lakes in Vermont

Explore: All Vermont Lake Vacation Resorts and Inns

Lake Champlain

The town of Burlington on Lake Champlain is another excellent New England spot for a family vacation. This lively destination is wonderfully suited for foodies who can check out some of the best diners in the state, such as The Hen of the Wood. After you’ve eaten dinner, be sure to try a taste of the famous Lake Champlain Chocolates. History lovers can also visit the collection of eight shipwrecks in Lake Champlain, known as the best in North America.

If you’re looking to be right in the middle of the action in downtown Burlington, check out the Hotel Vermont, which offers modern, breezy, and sophisticated accommodations for a comfortable family stay. The hotel offers a variety of rooms and suites, including some with living rooms and kitchenettes, that can comfortably host families of all sizes.

If you’re looking for a fun activity your kids will enjoy, head on over to ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, a non-for-profit aquarium which features a variety of hands on exhibits suitable for children up to six years old.

If you want to purchase for a gift for your little ones, be sure to check out the famous Vermont Teddy Bear company located in Shelburne, Vermont, for handcrafted bears of all sizes.

The historical Shelburne Village, listed on the National Register of Historic places, offers visitors a “vintage” taste of Champlain Valley. One of the most exciting things to do in Shelburne Village is to visit the Shelburne Museum, which features 39 buildings including an old circus, jailhouse, blacksmith shop, and more.

Lake Willoughby

Lake Willoughby could very well be one of the most beautiful lakes in New England. Visitors will be blown away by the exceptional natural beauty of the 320-feet deep placid lake cradled between Willoughby State Forest’s mountains. Standing on the northeast edge of the state, this location is perfect for fishing trips where you can snag rainbow trout or go on long hiking trails.

While there, enjoy a stay at the Inn at Mountain View Farm, which has been awarded the prestige of being one of “30 Great Inns,” by Travel + Leisure, and “Inn of the Month,” by Country Living. Located on 440 acres of historic farm estate, this Inn is home to miles of trails that are great for biking, hiking, and taking in the incredible natural views.

The inn features 14 guest rooms and luxury suites that integrate the charm and elegance of the natural surroundings.

Enjoy fishing, horseback riding, biking, croquet, volleyball, and more during your stay at the Mountain View Farm. You can also take your children to see the Mountain View Farm Animal Sanctuary, which provides a home to some of the area’s animals in need.

Lakes in Maine

Find: All Maine Summer Lake Vacation Lakeside Accommodations

Moosehead Lake

Moosehead Lake is Maine’s largest, and makes for a great summer vacation escape. The lake lies within 74,890 acres of greenery and has stunning panoramas that will truly delight any visitor. Spend time fishing, camping, canoeing, and hunting during the summer months, and watch the lake transform into a haven for moose watching, skiing, and snowmobile enthusiasts during the winter.

Sebago Lake State Park

Sebago Lake is Maine’s deepest and second largest lake, and offers a beautiful retreat for those who want to enjoy water sports, fishing, and camping with the whole family. This beautiful state park is located in the charming town of Casco, Maine, and offers incredible lake views, a number of hiking trails, and plenty of soft sand to dig your toes into.

If you’re looking for a getaway, head on over to Migis Lodge, where you can indulge in a wide variety of activities to suit your family’s needs, including Wednesday night bingo, bonfires, karaoke, and you can even delight yourself in a relaxing massage.

Featuring a luxurious main lodge and 35 cabins situated among 125 acres of pine forest, this stay will be one you and your family are not soon to forget.

Rangeley Lake

Voted the #1 Best Place to Live in Maine in the 2016 Readers’ Choice in Down East Magazine, this beautiful lakeside city offers year-round fun for the whole family. Things to do at the serene, crystal clear lake include fishing, camping, sunset views, and sailing.

Rangeley is also known for being the closest dark-belt location close to an urban area in the Northeast. For this reason, stargazing is a must! Without the city lights visitors are able to see a bevy of stars in the pitch black night sky and can observe the Milky Way in all its glory. Visitors can also take in The Northern Lights from August to October.

The Loon Lodge is an excellent choice of accommodations for families who want to enjoy Rangeley Lake in a peaceful, yet majestic setting. Originally constructed in 1899, this lodge has been beautifully restored to accommodate modern tastes, but still maintains an air of nostalgia.

It offers spectacular lake and sunset views and 250 feet of lake frontage with a private swimming beach. Take your family to enjoy hikes, boating, swimming, horseback riding, and much more on the stunning Rangeley Lake.