It’s summer. It’s hot. What better way to cool off than to get on the water? Here’s five places where you can “float away” and beat the heat.
Shasta Lake
Houseboating is one of the best ways to spend a cool summer vacation, and Shasta Lake has been named one of the top 10 houseboating lakes in the nation.
The lake covers 30,000 acres and offers great fishing, relaxation, swimming and sightseeing. It is surrounded by 360 miles of stunning mountainous landscape, which includes beautiful waterfalls, impressive caverns and secluded trails it’s a great place to dock your houseboat and explore.
Houseboating is a great family vacation. Renting a houseboat is like staying in a deluxe hotel suite … but on the water. Houseboats are equipped with full kitchens, air conditioning, bathrooms, living rooms and various sleeping areas.
Grill outside on the BBQ while the kids glide down the swim slide into the water. Pull the houseboat up onto the beach and explore the scenery, build a sand castle or fish from the shore. Houseboating offers flexible fun, even for those with limited boating experience.
Info https://lakeshasta.com/houseboats-shasta-lake
Lake Berryessa
Lake Berryessa in the Napa Valley is a beautiful hidden gem that offers everything you’ve ever wanted in a houseboat vacation. It is also a great option if you want to rent a dog-friendly houseboat, as well as enjoy a unique wine tasting adventure.
Enjoy one of California’s largest bodies of fresh water with more than 165 miles of shoreline. Summer water temperatures reach 75 degrees, making it the perfect place to swim, water ski, canoe and kayak.
Dozens of vineyards and wineries surround Lake Berryessa.
In addition, there are eagles, hawks and songbirds among the many birds you can watch soaring above your houseboat.
Info https://goberryessa.com
Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu, on the California-Arizona border, is a beautiful, yet uncrowded, lake surrounded by colorful desert mountains. It consists of 60 miles of lake and river waterways. There are 400 miles of shoreline where you can have your own secluded cove to spend your days swimming, water skiing, fishing, or just relaxing and enjoying quality time with family and friends.
At night, after watching the spectacular desert sunsets, sit on the upper deck and look for shooting stars.
Info http://lakehavasuhouseboating.com
Lake Mead
Houseboats can be rented to explore the Lake Mead National Recreation Area near Las Vegas. Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States by volume. Formed by Hoover Dam, Lake Mead offers more than 550 miles of pristine shoreline with soaring red rock cliffs and countless bays and beaches.
This is the perfect place to swim, water ski, jet ski, fish and relax. Get off the grid and enjoy quality family time, along with breathtaking scenery.
Tranquil Black Canyon is one of the most beautiful spots on Lake Mead.
The Canyon gets its name from the black volcanic rocks that are found throughout the area. This is a perfect area to explore by kayak.
Lake Mojave’s Cottonwood Cove resort also offers houseboat rentals if you are looking for one of Nevada’s best kept secrets.
Info https://callvillebay.com and https://cottonwoodcoveresort.com
Lake Powell
Lake Powell, on the Utah-Arizona border, offers excellent opportunities for houseboat, fishing, swimming and water skiing. In the summer the water temps can reach 70 to 80 degrees, perfect for swimming. Explore the many fascinating side canyons that narrow to just a boat width as they twist away from the main channel.
Many visitors are content to just cruise its waters by houseboat and spend nights on its beaches under the stars. Hiking from the lake into the very rugged environs of Glen Canyon Recreation Area is an option for the adventurous.
Kayaking is another popular Lake Powell pastime. Day trips around Wahweap Bay are common. Launch a kayak from your houseboat or rent one from the marina. You can also rent boats for water skiing and jet skis for more “on the water” fun.
Lake Powell is the largest reservoir by surface area in the U.S. It offers 1,900 miles of shoreline to explore with your houseboat. The average depth of the lake is 132 feet. The lake, formed in 1963 by the Glen Canyon dam, covers approximately 200 square miles.
Info www.lakepowell.com
