Self-Care
Lake-Area Resorts Black Women Love
12 breezy getaways for luxury, wellness, culture and relaxation
The Inn at Bay Harbor; Edgewood Tahoe Resort; Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
We’ve long been sold the idea that lake vacations are low-budget versions of a beach getaway. But that outdated stereotype misses what savvy travelers already know: America’s best lake destinations offer spa resorts, stylish stays, gorgeous scenery, and rich cultural history. Sometimes the best escapes for sun-seekers aren’t at the ocean’s edge, but just a few hours away by car. For travelers who prefer a road trip to a plane trip, lake getaways offer comfort, ease, and plenty of charm. From glamorous waterfront resorts to peaceful wellness retreats and destinations steeped in Black history, these lakes may be exactly the kind of escape you need.
Luxe & Elevated Lake Escapes
Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
Why We Love It: Glamorous but active nature escape
Where to Stay:
Elevated: Edgewood Tahoe Resort, The Landing Lake Tahoe Resort & Spa, Desolation Hotel, South Lake Tahoe
Affordable: The Bluelake Inn, Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa, Beach Retreat & Lodge
Family-Friendly: Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, Marriott’s Timber Lodge, Fireside Lodge
Amenities: Spa, beach, swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, golf, lakefront dining
Known For: Crystal-clear water and beautiful mountain views.
Main Attraction: Emerald Bay State Park. “All of Lake Tahoe is beautiful, and Emerald Bay is the cherry on top,” said one Tripadvisor reviewer.
Cultural Comfort Factor: Popular with diverse West Coast travelers and wellness seekers.
Website: visitlaketahoe.com
Lake Oconee, Georgia
Why We Love It: Upscale yet understated, serene luxury
Where to Stay:
Elevated: The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Reynolds Lake Oconee Cottages & Residences, The Lodge on Lake Oconee
Affordable: Upscale cottages, inns and villa rentals
Family-Friendly: Lake house short-term rentals
Amenities: Golf, spa, pools, lake activities, fine dining
Known For: An elegant grown-woman escape.
Main Attraction: The Oconee Golf Course at Reynolds Lake Oconee, as well as six other championship golf courses. “This is a fun golf course with some hard and easy holes. You are surrounded by water throughout many holes, which makes the aesthetics fun and the challenge more so,” said a Golf Digest reader.
Cultural Comfort Factor: Popular Atlanta-area retreat for Black professionals.
Website: visitlakeoconee.com
Lake Michigan - Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana
Why We Love It: It’s coastal beach-vacation feel
Where to Stay:
Elevated: The Inn at Bay Harbor, The Inn at Harbor Shores, The Harbor Grand.
Affordable: Look for hotels, inns and boutique motels in the St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, South Haven and Stevensville areas.
Family-Friendly: Great Wolf Lodge, Traverse City; The Homestead Ski Resort, White Birch Lodge
Amenities: Spectacular views, miles of sandy beaches, fishing, sailing/cruising, water sports, wineries, sunsets, fine waterfront dining, dinner cruises
Known For: Wide sandy beaches that feel surprisingly coastal with city energy.
Main Attraction: Mackinac Island is a car-free escape where bicycles and horse-drawn carriages set the pace. One TripAdvisor reviewer said, “Truly a treasure. Such a unique community, and so friendly everywhere we went. Everything about our day trip was wonderful.”
Cultural Comfort Factor: Rich Black cultural legacy and closeness to Chicago.
Websites: michigan.org, travelwisconsin.com, choosechicago.com, newbuffaloexplored.com
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Why We Love It: Classic, elegant lakefront charm
Where to Stay:
Elevated: Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, The Abbey Resort, Destination Geneva National
Affordable: Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva, The Cove of Lake Geneva, Mill Creek Hotel
Family-Friendly: Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, or Lakefront home rentals
Amenities: Spa, golf, lake cruises, water sports, pools, upscale and affordable dining
Known For: Historic resort glamour mixed with low-key Midwest ease.
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Main Attraction: Lake Geneva Shore Path, a 21-mile picturesque walking path. “The Lakeshore Trail is a must-do! Architecture, lake views, rain gardens… a magical walk!” said a Tripadvisor reviewer.
Cultural Comfort Factor: Easy getaway from Chicago and Milwaukee.
Website: visitlakegeneva.com
Finger Lakes, New York
Why We Love It: Boutique luxury meets wine-country calm
Where to Stay:
Elevated: The Lake House on Canandaigua, Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa, Geneva On The Lake Lakefront
Affordable: Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, Microtel Inn & Suites, 41 Lakefront Hotel
Family-Friendly: Hotel Canandaigua/Hilton, Seneca Lodge, Vineyard Villas
Amenities: Wineries, spas, lake cruises/water sports, hiking, fine dining
Known For: A mix of nature, wellness and wine-country sophistication.
Main Attraction: Award-winning wineries, wine-tasting events and scenic vineyard trails. Ask for a map of wineries and a wine-trail brochure at the Finger Lakes Welcome Center. “The scenery is as lovely as the wine,” one Tripadvisor reviewer said.
Cultural Comfort Factor: Great for travelers seeking outdoorsy beauty, relaxation and wine.
Website: fingerlakes.org
Lake Austin, Texas
Why We Love It: Modern boutique wellness
Where to Stay:
Elevated: Lake Austin Spa Resort, Four Seasons Hotel Austin at nearby Lady Bird Lake, The Loren Hotel Austin also at nearby Lady Bird Lake
Affordable: Private lakefront home, cabin and cottage rentals.
Family-Friendly: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa, as well as private lakefront cabin and cottage rentals
Amenities: Spas, fitness classes, boating/cruising, swimming coves, waterfront dining and healthy cuisine
Known For: Premier wellness retreats.
Main Attraction: Visit historic Mount Bonnell. Climb more than 100 limestone steps to reach the Instagram-worthy scenic overlook at Austin’s highest natural point. A Yelp reviewer says: “Mount Bonnell is a local gem, a perfect date spot or somewhere to just enjoy the sunset.”
Cultural Comfort Factor: Near vibrant Austin and its growing Black cultural scene.
Website: austintexas.org
Relaxed & Social Lake Getaways
Lake Lanier, Georgia
Why We Love It: Affordable luxury escape
Where to Stay:
Elevated: Lanier Islands Resort, Château Élan Winery & Resort, Forrest Hills Mountain Resort.
Affordable: Small lakefront vacation cabins, glamping tents and home rentals are available on the lake.
Family-Friendly: Camp Margaritaville RV Resort, Legacy Lodge at Lake Lanier, as well as private lakefront home rentals and campgrounds.
Amenities: Boating, beaches, pools, water sports, water park, lakefront dining
Known For: Celebrations, family fun and easy summer escapes.
Main Attraction: Buford Dam Park. “Great day trip if you live in Georgia! Hike around the lake or have a family picnic… plenty of tables available,” an Expedia reviewer said.
Cultural Comfort Factor: Strong Black social presence thanks to its closeness to metro Atlanta.
Website: discoverlakelanier.com
Lake Norman, North Carolina
Why We Love It: Boutique southern charm on the water
Where to Stay:
Elevated: Upscale waterfront home rentals and high-end designer rentals
Affordable: Many boutique inns and cozy private home rentals accessible through Airbnb/VRBO and Lakecations.com
Family-Friendly: Lake Norman Motel, Davidson Village Inn and private home rentals
Amenities: Boating and boat culture, waterfront dining, marinas, fishing, private docks
Known For: Lively waterfront living just outside Charlotte.
Main Attraction: Historic Latta Plantation Nature Preserve and education center. “…an absolute gem! The views of Mountain Island Lake are breathtaking, and the serenity of the area makes it a perfect escape,” said a Tripadvisor reviewer.
Cultural Comfort Factor: Easy access from Charlotte’s thriving Black community.
Website: lakenorman.com
Lake Martin, Alabama
Why We Love It: Quiet, outdoorsy chic
Where to Stay:
Elevated: Premium lakefront homes and upscale rentals
Affordable: Cabins, cottages and cozy regional inns
Family-Friendly: Bolton Cove on Lake Martin, Creekside Lodge as well as private home rentals
Amenities: Boating, docks, fishing, sunset views, spacious waterfront homes
Known For: Relaxed Southern style and beautiful waterfront scenery.
Main Attraction: Calm, scenic Wind Creek State Park on Lake Martin. A Tripadvisor reviewer recommended the UTV tour: “We enjoyed the off-road UTV tour!”
Cultural Comfort Factor: A comfortable and quiet regional favorite for families, groups and family reunions.
Website: explorelakemartin.com
Legacy & Culturally Rich Lake Getaways
Idlewild, Michigan
Why We Love It: Rooted in Black legacy
Where to Stay:
Elevated: Premium lakefront homes, private cottages, restored heritage rentals
Affordable: Historic cozy cabins, classic cottages and local lodgings
Family-Friendly: Black Eden Tiny Cabins, Detroit Idlewild Club, Lone Pine Cabin rentals
Amenities: Lake recreation, nature trails, festivals, history, community gatherings
Known For: Established in 1912, it is America’s most celebrated historic Black lakefront resort town. It was a magnet for Black musicians and film stars.
Main Attraction: Idlewild Historic & Cultural Center. “Beautiful exhibit! Enjoyed the tour and information shared. Our family learned so much about this part of our history,” said a Google reviewer.
Cultural Comfort Factor: A destination rich in Black history, a symbol of Black leisure and community.
Website: historicidlewild.org
Woodland Park, Michigan
Why We Love It: Rustic escape with cultural significance.
Where to Stay:
Elevated: Luxury and premium vacation home rentals available
Affordable: Cottage rentals and quaint inns are available on the lake
Family-Friendly: Pickerel Lakeside Campground & Cottages, as well as lakefront home rentals
Amenities: Nature walks, camping, boating/water sports, beautiful and relaxing surroundings
Known For: Established after Idlewild in 1921, it was considered a sister destination for middle-class Black vacationers, offering a more relaxed and low-key experience.
Main Attraction: The Huron-Manistee National Forest. “Absolutely gorgeous forests and views! Lots of wildlife and beautiful plants. Trees were breathtaking … a true oasis of beauty and life,” said a Google reviewer.
Website: For more info, check out www.uptravel.com/listing/woodland-park/4744/
Clarks Hill Lake, Georgia & South Carolina
Why We Love It: Nature and wellness retreats with a growing spirit of inclusion.
Where to Stay:
Elevated: The Glamping Inn (a Black-owned luxury glamping retreat space), Timberline Glamping, Untamed Honey Glampsites.
Affordable: Many lakefront cottage and vacation home rentals are available on the lake
Family-Friendly: Mistletoe State Park cabin rentals, as well as lakeside home rentals through rental sites
Amenities: Kayaking/watersports, lake access, nature walks, curated retreats
Known For: A growing glamping scene, including emerging, Black-led outdoor experiences.
Main Attraction: The Black-owned Glamping Inn. “Hands down one of the best ‘just because’ trips ever,” writes a Google reviewer.
Cultural Comfort Factor: Welcoming retreats designed with Black women in mind.
Website: visitaugusta.com
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