Whether you’re enjoying a fall lakeside scenic drive, a stroll around the lake, or relaxing at home while taking in the endless lake views, here’s a playlist with a mix of genres, styles, and artists, all united by their ability to make you feel fantastic. So, put on your headphones, turn up the volume, and let’s dive into a world of soothing melodies and infectious rhythms!
For many lake-home owners, life with dogs extends beyond the shoreline. Dogs not only relish a good swim but often accompany their owners on canoes, kayaks, or even pontoon boats. While most dog-friendly lakes welcome this partnership, safety is key. A properly fitted canine life jacket ensures buoyancy in strong currents or deep water. This is especially important when boating with your dog. Plus, offering shade on board helps prevent overheating during long outings. Fresh water should always be available, since lake water can sometimes carry algae or bacteria that are unsafe for dogs to drink. Whether cruising a large reservoir or paddling through cypress-filled bayous, combining boating and swimming with dogs requires attention to these details.
Equally important is understanding each lake’s culture and regulations. Some destinations provide official dog beaches with relaxed leash policies, while others permit swimming only from unguarded shorelines or boat launches. Timing is everything—weekdays, early mornings, or shoulder seasons often yield the best conditions for both peaceful boating and swimming. From New York’s Adirondack waters to the alpine expanse of Lake Tahoe, these eight lakes exemplify places where dogs are not only allowed but actively included in lakeside and on-the-water traditions. Each destination blends scenic character with clear opportunities for swimming, boating, and responsible recreation.
Lake George is one of the Northeast’s rare dog-swimming destinations. An informal but well-known “Dog Beach” is near Million Dollar Beach. Dogs often swim here off-leash under owner supervision. However, leashes are still recommended in busier areas. Boating is central to Lake George culture—sailboats, pontoons, and classic steamboats all share the water. Dogs are welcome on many rentals, provided owners bring life jackets. Planning early or post-Labor Day visits can avoid peak summer congestion.
In the Finger Lakes, Seneca Lake offers swimming access for dogs at unguarded shoreline stretches of Seneca Lake State Park. Six-foot leashes are required on land but not enforced in the water, where many owners let their dogs splash freely. With numerous marinas and vineyards along its edge, boating pairs naturally with lakeside leisure. Visiting in May or September avoids the peak winery-season bustle while preserving warm conditions for swimming and paddling.
Lake Michigan is the Midwest’s crown jewel for dog-friendly swimming, offering diverse access points across four states. Chicago’s Montrose Dog Beach is perhaps the most famous. It’s an off-leash stretch where dogs can plunge directly into open water. Owners can launch kayaks or paddleboards from nearby beaches. While summer is bustling, weekday mornings offer calmer surf for both swimming and boating. For a quieter experience, Warren Dunes State Park, located in southwest Michigan, combines forested hiking trails with a broad sandy shoreline. Here, leashed dogs can wade and swim at designated areas. Boaters often anchor just offshore, letting dogs leap in for a refreshing swim. Wisconsin’s Whitefish Dunes State Park provides a more rugged setting with cooler waters. Early fall is an ideal season to pair dog swims with paddling along the Dunes’ dramatic bluffs.
The boating culture on Lake Michigan encompasses everything from small sailboats to powerboats and fishing charters. Many private operators welcome dogs. The vast scale of the lake means conditions can change quickly. A canine life jacket is strongly advised, particularly on open-water excursions. The sweet spot for balancing swimming and boating comes in September, when water temperatures remain warm from summer, but crowds thin. This allows owners and dogs alike to enjoy the shoreline and open water in relative peace.
Lake Norman’s extensive shoreline offers many informal swim spots where dogs can cool off, even though the state park beach itself is off-limits. Boating dominates this lake, with pontoons, sailboats, and rental fleets all common, and most rental providers welcome dogs with advance notice. September stands out as the sweet spot, when swimming is still pleasant but wake traffic has diminished.
Lake Jocassee’s mountain-fed waters are exceptionally clear, making it a standout swimming lake for dogs. While Devils Fork State Park prohibits dogs at its main swim beach, they are welcome at boat ramps and undeveloped shoreline. The lake is also a paddler’s paradise, with hidden coves best accessed by kayak or canoe. Because Jocassee is deep and cold, canine life jackets are essential. Spring and early fall balance fewer crowds with warm water.
Lady Bird Lake, Texas (Gulf)
Photo courtesy of PetFriendlyTravel Blog via WordPress
In Austin, Lady Bird Lake features Red Bud Isle, a true off-leash park where dogs can swim and retrieve sticks along calm shoreline stretches. Seasonal algae blooms in summer sometimes restrict swimming, so spring and fall are safest. Early mornings provide the most peaceful access, while weekends can be crowded with kayakers and paddleboarders.
Lake Washington, bordering Seattle, features several off-leash dog parks with lake access, including Magnuson Park, where dogs can swim safely in designated areas. Boating is a way of life here, with marinas, yacht clubs, and endless opportunities for paddling or sailing. Summer brings heavy boat traffic, so early mornings or September days are best for calmer waters. The lake’s urban accessibility makes it especially appealing to those who want both convenience and open water for dogs.
Lake Tahoe, California–Nevada Border (California Region)
Lake Tahoe’s alpine setting makes it one of the most striking dog-friendly lakes in the U.S., with crystal-clear waters framed by pine forests and mountains. Dogs are not permitted on every public beach, but Tahoe has well-known designated swim areas such as Kiva Beach, where leashed dogs can wade and swim along a sandy shoreline, and Chimney Beach on the Nevada side, which offers a more secluded, natural feel. Many dog owners also access hidden coves by boat, anchoring in quiet waters where dogs can safely swim without the summer beach crowds.
Boating is integral to Tahoe’s identity, from kayaks and paddleboards to sailboats and larger cabin cruisers. Several marinas and outfitters allow dogs aboard rentals, provided owners bring proper gear and keep dogs hydrated in the high-altitude sun. The lake’s vast expanse can create strong afternoon winds, so morning hours are best for smooth paddling with canine companions. For swimming, late June through early September offers the warmest water, though it remains cool compared to lower-elevation lakes. Fall is a hidden gem: in October, while the water has cooled, Tahoe’s coves are remarkably peaceful, making it a prime season for boating excursions where dogs can jump in for brief swims before relaxing on deck.
These eight lakes offer more than just dog access; they provide genuine opportunities for dogs to swim and for owners to pair that activity with boating. From the broad sweep of Lake Michigan to Tahoe’s alpine expanse, and from the Adirondacks to the Pacific Northwest, each reflects its region’s balance of recreation and responsibility. Planning visits around seasonal peaks, outfitting dogs for safety, and respecting local rules ensures that swimming and boating remain a joy for both pets and people. In these destinations, dogs aren’t just tolerated near the water—they are active participants in the lake lifestyle.
If you’re a beach dweller, check out our list of dog-friendly beaches from coast to coast. No matter where your pups may roam, here’s wishing them an exhilarating season of unleashed adventures on the water.
Experience the night sky like never before: free from light pollution. If you’re looking to witness the most spectacular stargazing opportunities, here are the top lake destinations:
If you’re new to lake living, there’s one stunning natural feature that may shock you — the abundance of stars visible at night. In the city, light pollution masks most stars, revealing only a few each night. According to NPR, light pollution hides the Milky Way from 80% of North America. It’s astonishing how much of the sky we’re missing each night. But at the lake, the number of visible bright stars is surprising.
You can even download apps to help you trace constellations while stargazing at your lake house. While most lake homes offer better stargazing opportunities than the city or suburban houses, some lake areas shine a little brighter than others. These locations tend to be situated in remote areas with higher altitudes. Check out our top five best lakes for stargazing!
Priest Lake is a tranquil space in Northern Idaho surrounded by cedar and hemlock forests. Its remote location makes it perfect for stargazing. As evidence of its beauty, one photographer took stunning photos of the night sky over Priest Lake. However, his phenomenon isn’t specific to this one lake. Some say that the state of Idaho is the gold standard for stargazing. It’s home to the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, where visitors can see not only stars but also the Milky Way and meteors.
According to Outside online magazine, Michigan has some of the best places for stargazing, due to its remote lakes and national parks. For instance, Isle Royale National Park, in the middle of Lake Superior, is renowned for stargazing opportunities. Due to its location in the lake’s center, it’s one of the most remote national parks in the U.S. The scarcity of unnatural light makes it perfect for enjoying the stars at night.
In the state of New Hampshire, finding a spot without light pollution isn’t too difficult. On a clear night, the chances are that you’ll be able to see plenty of stars, whether you’re at a lake house or not.
This enhanced viewing is especially true for the Lake Winnipesaukee area. Located in the White Mountain foothills, this is the largest lake in the state with a whopping 182 miles of shoreline.
Besides its status as one of the best stargazing spots, Lake Winnipesaukee is also a glacial lake. Its most recent glaciation reversed its water flow from southeast to west, where it flows today.
Raystown Lake is called the “Crown Jewel of Pennsylvania.” One of these reasons is its surrounding natural beauty. Its 8,300 acres of clear water is surrounded by 21,000 acres of tree-covered Appalachian mountains.
This remote location makes it one of the best spots in the country for stargazing. While you’re outside, you may even catch a glimpse of Raystown Ray, the lake monster that allegedly lives in its waters.
Lake Eufaula, OK
Carlton Lookout – Lake Eufaula, OK. Photo courtesy of Pinterest.
Lake Eufaula is the largest lake in Oklahoma, and it’s also one of the most peaceful. Its downtown area, comprising 20 blocks, is registered on the National Register of Historic Places, adding to its charm.
For a specific stargazing location, head over to Carlton’s Landing, named an incredibly starry spot by an Oklahoma travel website. Rent a cozy cottage and enjoy a stellar view of the Milky Way.
Are you interested in a remote, rustic lake house with stargazing opportunities? Check out our listings on these five lakes, as well as hundreds of more lakes across the country. When you’ve found your dream home, enjoy the night air, and prepare to be starstruck!
Need some tunes to accompany your 4th of July celebration at the lake? Check out this playlist! Curated to accommodate a variety of genres, from pop to classic rock to country and more, you won’t be disappointed with this patriotic soundtrack.
The Star Spangled Banner – Chris Stapleton
Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl) – Looking Glass
Never Too Much – Luther Vandross
Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd
Sweet Escape – Gwen Stefanie
God’s Country – Blake Shelton
We Didn’t Start the Fire – Billy Joel
Stay the Night – Zedd ft. Haley Williams
Life is a Highway – Rascal Flatts
America the Beautiful – Ray Charles
All I Wanna Do – Sheryl Crow
Something Just Like This – The Chainsmokers & Coldplay
American Saturday Night – Brad Paisley
Tongue Tied – GROUPLOVE
Cruise – Florida Georgia Line
Summer – Calvin Harris
I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas
Born in the USA – Bruce Springsteen
Semi-Charmed Life – Third Eye Blind
Dexys Midnight Runners, Kevin Rowland – Come On Eileen
Summer is on the horizon, and the call of the lake is strong! Liven up your lake day with exciting water toys. Great for families or adrenaline seekers! Let’s be honest, sometimes just floating around gets a little… well, boring. That’s where lake toys come in!
These days, the selection of water toys is mind-blowing. From chill vibes to heart-pounding thrills, there’s something for everyone. So, fire up the boat, pack the sunscreen, and get ready to dive into our picks for the top water toys to transform your next lake outing.
Ditch the pool floats and inflatable swans, because there’s a new sheriff in town (or rather, a new aqua overlord on the lake)! Inflatable water towers are here to transform your next lake adventure into a full-fledged aqua park experience.
Inflatable water towers are the ultimate way to unleash your inner child, conquer your fear of heights (or at least pretend to), and turn your next lake day into a hilarious, adrenaline-pumping adventure! So ditch the ordinary and inflate the extraordinary – inflatable water towers are the key to unlocking a whole new level of lake fun!
And if you want to trade the wobbly water sphere for a high-flying adventure, then a water trampoline is calling your name! Imagine a giant, bouncy platform anchored in the middle of the lake, its surface begging for you to unleash your inner acrobat. Leap, bound, and defy gravity with every jump, feeling the cool spray of the lake mist on you as you soar through the air. Challenge your friends to a high-flying game of trampoline dodgeball, or perfect your most impressive flips and tricks. Water trampolines are the ultimate launchpad for belly flops (the more spectacular, the better!), and the perfect spot to test your daring dives. But it’s not all about acrobatics; you can also relax and unwind on the cushy surface, letting the gentle rocking of the waves lull you into a state of pure bliss. So, whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a sunbathing champion, a water trampoline is the guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will transform your lake day into a bouncy bonanza!
Craving an underwater adventure beyond just bobbing around? Ditch the inflatables and strap on a water scooter, the ultimate water sport toy! Imagine gliding effortlessly beneath the surface, propelled by the whir of the motor. Speed demons can zip through the water on water scooters, leaving a bubbly trail in their wake. For the curious explorers, water scooters are your window to a hidden world, letting you discover underwater wonders at your own pace. Speed demons or nature enthusiasts, water scooters unlock a thrilling underwater world on your lake day!
If you crave a different kind of thrill and a hilarious twist on your aquatic adventure, then look no further than the inflatable water wheel! Imagine yourself climbing into a giant, transparent hamster wheel that floats serenely on the lake’s surface. The world becomes a blur of color and light as you spin, cool water spraying with each growing revolution. Race your friends in water wheels or see who can spin fastest without tumbling, adding to the fun! The inflatable water wheel is the perfect way to inject some silliness into your lake day. You and your loved ones can create memories that will have you laughing for years to come. Reliving your childhood gets a watery upgrade! Refreshing breeze and epic belly flops guaranteed.
If lazy lake days are more your style, we’ve got the perfect water toy for you! There’s no better way to lounge the day away on the lake than on a motorized inflatable lounger. Experience the ultimate relaxation with the lounger’s ergonomic design, conforming to the shape of your body, while its motors allow you to gently glide across the water (in any direction) with a push of a button. This inflatable comes equipped with convenient compartments for lakeside essentials such as drinks, sunglasses, cell phones, sunscreen, etc. Get ready to soak up the sun with a drink in hand as you coast along the lake’s shoreline, taking in its scenic splendor.
Sunshine, cool water, and relaxation – that’s the classic lake daydream. But this lake season, why not elevate your experience to epic proportions? Forget the ordinary floats – a fleet of incredible water sport toys awaits!
Expectations are a part of everything in life. Real estate is not exempt from having expectations either. When selling your home, you might have certain expectations from your real estate agent in order to get your home sold. Glenn Phillips, Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, discusses the different things a seller might expect that don’t always help.
Open Houses: Typically, when it comes to lake real estate, the buyer is many miles away. They might even be in a completely different state. These buyers will schedule a showing to see that house if they are interested. An open house, on the other hand, typically attracts people who come by to view the house, usually without any intention to buy.
“Just Listed” postcards: Who would you be sending these to? You don’t really need to send them to your neighbors because they already live at the lake. It doesn’t logically make sense to send these across the country, but it makes the seller feel good when sending them out. That doesn’t inherently mean anything will come from it.
“Just Listed” social media: This is related to the “Just Listed” postcards. Not only that, but the algorithms don’t typically like these kinds of posts. If it shows up to an audience, it will more than likely show up on a family or friend’s feed.
“For Sale” signs: Most lake homebuyers start their search online. Going back to the first point, many buyers might not even live in the state you’re in, having a for sale sign doesn’t really help as much as you think.
A lot of the time, an agent will do these things out of habit or to make their sellers happy. However, that doesn’t mean it will sell the home. If you’d like to discuss these topics or anything else with an agent, please contact one today at https://www.lakehomes.com/.
What comes to mind when you’re getting ready to sell your home? Pricing! Knowing how to and what to price your lake home is crucial in the selling process. If you go too high, more than likely, it will sit on the market longer than you’d like. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, delves into the importance of proper pricing and how easy it is to accidentally overprice.
“What I have in it”: This is the concept of what you, as the owner, have financially put into the home. However, buyers do not care about this. The market is the market. When you were the buyer, you didn’t ask the seller what they had put into the home. The same goes for your potential buyers; they don’t care. The market sets the price.
“What I ‘need’…”: At the end of the day, need has nothing to do with it. Need is market-independent and not relevant to any of the buyers.
“I just ‘feel’ it is worth this”: There have been many studies that indicate we value our own possessions a lot more than other people’s possessions. This is something you need to be mindful of. It’s very easy to justify why you think your property is worth a certain amount.
“The neighbor’s house sold for…”: That might be a true statement, or it might be a rumor someone has made up. If it is factual, there are many factors that could have been at play, such as selling when the market was hot. Having an agent who can pull a market analysis is more beneficial than basing pricing on the neighbor’s home.
“The house nearby is listed for…”: “Listed for” is exactly what it sounds like, a listing. That house is still on the market.
“If I can get this much, then I’ll sell”: This means you are not actively trying to sell the home. If something were to come along at a price you like, then you might. Something like this wastes time for all parties.
Having the correct pricing is truly the most important thing if you’re trying to sell. However, as mentioned above, it’s very easy to overprice a lake home. If you’re trying to figure out how to get accurate pricing, reach out to our lake experts at https://www.lakehomes.com/.
Are you selling your lake home? You, as a seller, have traits that most sellers exhibit. The same goes for lake home buyers. Because you are trying to sell your home, you should be aware of what these typical buyer traits are and how to spot them. Lake Home Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, discusses what some of these traits are and how to be on the lookout for them.
Often Live >100 Miles Away: Most buyers who purchase lake property are looking for something they can move to in retirement or a place they can have as their getaway. Knowing that typical lake buyers are coming as far away as other states or cross country is important when it comes to marketing towards them.
“Want What They Want”: It isn’t very common that your typical lake home buyer is looking for anything in a hurry. They don’t need a home immediately to ensure their kids can be in a certain school system or any other reason behind a quick move. They could spend months to years waiting to find exactly what it is they want.
Willing to pay…but RARELY overpay: Most people who are buying lake property are smart with their money. You can see that the inventory has grown a lot in the past couple of months. These buyers aren’t willing to pay for a home that is overpriced, a more and more are becoming that.
Unconcerned with school systems: The usual demographic is 55 and older. They might have grandkids coming to visit, but that doesn’t mean the specific school systems in the area are pertinent for these buyers.
Hospital Reasonably Close: Like the previous point, the age demographic is a little older than your usual real estate market. Knowing you’re not too far away from a medical center is something that is being looked into when a buyer is considering moving to the lake.
Knowing these buyer traits can benefit you if you’re beginning the selling process or have been in it for a minute. If you would like help with selling or simply more details about these traits, reach out to one of our lake agents today at https://www.lakehomes.com/. They would be more than willing to lend a helping hand.
Spring is here, and there’s no better way to enjoy the lake than on a boat. While you’re out cruising, why not accompany your day with an awesome playlist? From oldie classics to today’s latest hits, we’ve got the best tunes to celebrate springtime out on the water.
Spring is Here – Ella Fitzgerald
Three Little Birds – Bob Marley & The Wailers
As It Was – Harry Styles
Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield
Brazil – Declan McKenna
Dog Days Are Over – Florence + The Machine
Borderline – Tame Impala
Riptide – Vance Joy
Bubbly – Colbie Caillat
You Are The Sunshine of My Life – Stevie Wonder
Golden Hour – Kacey Musgraves
Spring Vacation – The Beach Boys
It Might as Well Be Spring – Frank Sinatra
Happy – Pharrell Williams
Feeling Good – Nina Simone
Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac
Dreams – The Cranberries
Sunday Best – Surfaces
Flowers – Miley Cyrus
I Can See Clearly Now – Johnny Nash
I’m Like a Bird – Nelly Furtado
On Top of The World – Imagine Dragons
Mr. Blue Sky – ELO
Sunshine on My Shoulders – John Denver
My Girl – The Temptations
Rosa – Grimes
Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers
Don’t Worry, Be Happy – Bob Marley
Spring Fever – Elvis Presley
Butterflies – Kacey Musgraves
Want to listen to more? Be sure to check out our other playlists!
