If you have never seen sapphire stars twinkling in the water at twilight, here is an invitation to visit some of the most breathtaking blue water lakes in the U.S. You don’t have to travel to the Caribbean to get a taste of sapphire waves. America is dotted with hidden spots that have an almost otherworldly beauty and absolutely pristine waters, just waiting for you to explore. Here are some of the most shockingly blue waters you’ll ever see in some of the prettiest lakes in the U.S.
Diablo Lake looks like something from another planet. Located in the North Cascade Mountains of Washington, this lake gets its surreal coloring from a fine rock powder carried to the lake via creeks and suspended in its waters. You can fish, camp, kayak and canoe here, as well as explore the myriad other beautiful spots in Ross Lake National Recreation Area. This is easily one of the most beautiful blue lakes in the United States.
Amethyst Lake is located in the High Uintas and is one of the most gorgeous natural spots in Utah. You can reach this stunning lake via a 12-mile out-and-back hike through flower-filled meadows and hilly terrain. The water is clear, chilly and sparkling. It is one of the prettiest lakes in the U.S.
As you might have gathered from the name, this lake is gorgeous but frigid. Located in the scenic San Juan Mountains of Colorado, Ice Lake is perched at nearly 14,000 feet and covered by snow nearly eight months out of the year. A summertime visit to this spot might be your best bet.
Sapphires come from underground, and that’s just where you’ll find these two startlingly blue lakes. Cosmic Cavern is located in Berryville and is the largest privately owned show cave in Arkansas. It’s home to two crystal-clear underground lakes that are said to be bottomless. You can explore the cavern and check out South Lake on a one-hour tour of this beautiful blue lake.
Lake Helen is a beautiful glacial lake located in Lassen Volcanic National Park. It’s fed by melting snow and has some of the most pristine, turquoise waters you’ll ever spy. The lake has the unique mineral content of the surrounding terrain to thank for its stunning hue. It's easily one of the top glacial lakes in the U.S.
Head to Glen Canyon area in Arizona for a taste of one of the most celebrated lakes in the country. Lake Powell is known for being a popular vacation destination, due in no small part to how its startlingly blue waters are set off beautifully by the intense reds and yellows of the dramatic northern Arizona landscape. Enjoy relaxing and taking in the view at this beautiful blue lake.
Okay, so this lake is no secret. But it's hard to truly appreciate how "great" the Great Lakes really are until you're standing on their shores. Lake Michigan has many moods, but on a clear day it can transform into something almost resembling a tropical pool. One public access to this lake is in Pleasant Prairie.
Lake Tahoe is the highest alpine lake in the country and sits at a staggering 6,225 feet above sea level. Its colorful waters and beautiful shoreline draw thousands of visitors a year, but the foot and boat traffic hasn’t done anything to dampen the splendor of this beautiful blue lake.
Torch Lake is spread over Antrim and Kalkaska counties and is a great alternative to the famed Great Lakes. With pure, cool waters of a Caribbean hue, it'll be a real struggle to pull yourself away from this beautiful blue lake.
Lava Lake is located in Oregon’s Deschutes National Forest and rimmed by a volcano. If that unforgettable setting isn’t enough to inspire a visit, the lake’s waters are a clear cerulean that stands out beautifully against the snow-capped peaks in the distance.
Are you convinced to set out to at least one of these gorgeous blue water lakes in the U.S.? If you like the idea, there are hundreds of places to explore in the United States along the way. For more of the most unforgettable scenery in America, check out these 18 dazzling mountain views that will leave you breathless. To discover more of the most beautiful lakes across the United States, check out the short video below that answers the question, "What is the prettiest lake in America?"
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
There’s nothing more wonderful than settling in to unwind along the waterfront. A particularly peaceful beach can truly rejuvenate the spirit and refresh the mind, and the United States is home to its fair share of stunning shorelines. When you’re searching for a few hidden gems to explore, delightful beaches throughout America make great options. Here are six of the best hidden gem beaches in the U.S.
If you’re seeking a quiet, relaxing beachfront getaway with plenty of charm, Cumberland Island might be the perfect spot for you. The island itself can only be accessed by ferry, making it one of the most private beaches in the U.S. and one you’ll find easy to avoid massive crowds during your visit. In addition to fascinating history and opportunities for camping, Cumberland Island offers some of the prettiest shorelines in the country. Some folks even call it one of the weirdest places to visit in Georgia.
Make your way to Maine for a ruggedly beautiful experience at Roque Bluffs, which features delightful dunes, a laid-back atmosphere, and an uncrowded shoreline that’s perfect for a bit of outdoor exploration. Whether you’re using the beach as a starting point for a day of kayaking or simply lounging along the water, you’ll quickly fall in love with this under-the-radar locale.
California is home to some of the world’s most famous beaches, but Enderts Beach has managed to remain relatively unknown among tourists. When you visit this breathtaking spot within Redwoods National Park, you’ll find everything from enchanting tide pools to driftwood and rocky patches. There’s a sense of otherworldly beauty here that will immediately steal your heart. You'll have to visit to really understand why this hidden beach in Northern California is such a wonderful gem.
In the mood for a Florida getaway but not thrilled about the idea of sharing your space with hundreds of other beachgoers? We’ve got just the solution: St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. Stroll along soft white sands, observe sea turtles and other wildlife, or take a walk through beautiful dune lands. Whether you spend the day along the water or simply catch a sunset, you’ll be amazed. The nearby town of Port St. Joe also makes for a wonderful small town in Florida to explore.
Despite its proximity to the breathtaking Great Lakes, Michigan is frequently underrated as a beach vacation destination. While some of its more famous shoreline spots attract attention, including Sleeping Bear Dunes and Holland State Park, many of its beaches retain an untouched charm that sets them apart. One such spot is Olive Shores, which features forested splendor, freshwater beauty, and so much more. Visit this beautiful beach in Michigan for the ultimate adventure!
Situated just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge Beach is the perfect place to unwind and get away from the stresses of everyday life. Snap some photos along the shoreline, curl up on the sand with a good book, or enjoy a dip in the cool waves. Whether you rent a condo on the beach or simply stop by for a day trip, you’ll never forget this lovely spot. See why this secret beach in Virginia is easily one of the best beaches in the U.S.
We’ve listed six of America’s most delightful hidden beaches, but we want to hear from you! Have you ever been to any of these exciting locales? Are there any other underrated spots or secluded beaches in the United States that we should know about? Which beaches do you think are among the best hidden beaches in the U.S.? Be sure to drop us a line and share your best suggestions in the comment section below!
If you’d like to explore hikes around these hidden beaches, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.
If you’re still in the mood for more U.S.A. adventures, take a look at this video about our National Parks:
Curious about more dreamy beaches in the U.S.? Be sure to sign up for our Bucket List newsletter for a weekly dose of inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.
