Labor Day is almost upon us, and it might be our last chance to catch some summer sun. But sometimes, the beach is overrated. Sand in crevices you never knew you had, crowds cramping your chill, and wave pummelings can all combine for a much-hyped yet oft disappointing holiday weekend.
Enter the classic American summer retreat: The lakehouse — shade, privacy, no sand rash, and most importantly, no sharks.
From remote cabins to high-end shoreside resorts, here are the best lakeside getaways we could find.
Our top picks: The World’s Best Lakeside Retreats
Lakeside Villa
South Salem, NY
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Plucked straight from the silver screen, this brilliant lakehouse is the place we all wished we could afford in college. Built with class and youthful vibrance, it would look as much the part as the venue of a relaxed evening soiree as it would a lively college do.
Rustic touches inject some fun into the stunning interior, while the outside tiki-hut-hangout could draw even the most indoorsy of us out to the lakeside. As classics go, it doesn’t get better than this.
Edgewood Resort
Lake Tahoe, NV
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Need a little more luxury? Head to Lake Tahoe, and snag a room at the Edgewood. This astonishingly beautiful resort sits on the banks of the iconic lake, with the Sierra Nevada looming majestically across the water.
Opt for a traditional room, or bring a few friends and book a villa. Whatever your choice, you’re in for a treat. Wonderful dining, world-class golf courses, and one of the best assortment of resort activities we’ve ever seen help make it extra special – think movies on the shore, sangria classes, and late-night star tours.
Pumphouse Point
Tasmania, Australia
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If you really need to get away this Labor Day, you can’t get further than Down Under. Pumphouse Point is breathtaking. Perched at the far end of a narrow pier on Lake St Clair in Tasmania, the Pumphouse is a full-blown experience.
All meals are included with a stay here, and dotted around the property you’ll be able to pour your own drink at the honesty bar, grab a massage, or head out in the Aussie wilderness on one of their legendary bushwalks. Spectacular doesn’t cut it.
Our Other Top Picks
This Swiss lakeside resort is heaven on earth
If a house just won’t cut it, here’s an Irish lakeside castle for you
When you need to get really far away from it all, this Idaho cabin is waiting
This classic bungalow is made for Labor Day parties
Even city-slickers need the lake sometimes – Ritz Carlton Chicago has it covered
by travelers, for travelers.
