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There’s something about a lazy summer by the lake that stirs nostalgia—this is how summers are meant to be, at least if you grew up watching 1980s vacation comedies like I did. The first time I visited one of the Great Lakes (a secluded stretch of Lake Michigan), I was struck by two things: the most stunning shade of blue and the mostly empty shoreline.
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There’s something about a lazy summer by the lake that stirs nostalgia—this is how summers are meant to be, at least if you
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grew up watching 1980s vacation comedies like I did. 'The first time I visited one of the Great Lakes (a secluded stretch of Lake Michigan), I was struck by two things: the most stunning shade of blue, and the mostly empty shoreline.
It’s that quiet calm that draws many people to a lake vacation—the chance to step away, slow down, and relive the summers of our youth.
I’m the director of Nat Geo’s Travel team, and this week we'll take you to 15 of the most beautiful lakes across the U.S., Florida’s Little Greece, and a surprising sparkling wine region that may be the next Champagne.
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OLIVERDEJONGHE/SHUTTERSTOCK
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Crystal-clear waters, laid-back charm, lazy fishing holes—these lakes offer the perfect opportunity to slow down and fill your summer with memories that’ll last a lifetime.
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HALLEY BROWN, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
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Nat Geo’s photo engineering team put a slew of compact cameras through the ringer. Here are the nine that came out on top.
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CHRISTIAN HANDL, GETTY IMAGES
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For a moment, it feels like there are monsters afoot, their shrieks rolling through the forest in waves, engulfing every knotted vine and thick-rooted fig tree. But my guide assures me this is a natural way to start the day. |
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Less than an hour from Tampa, you’ll find authentic Greek food, culture, and history—no passport required.
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AMANDA LUCIER, THE NEW YORK TIMES/REDUX
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With its cool nights and warm summer days, this region has just the right conditions to produce top-notch sparkling wines.
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Myrtle Beach blends classic seaside nostalgia with family-friendly attractions that span from lively boardwalks to laid-back nature escapes. With amusement parks, water rides, beaches, and cultural stops all in one place, it's an easy, do-it-all destination for making summer memories together.
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