6 of the best U.S. states for summertime swimming (that aren't Florida or Hawaii)

The scorching crescendo of summer heat is upon us here in the U.S., along with that familiar sticky, sweaty feeling that nothing can cure but fresh, cool water.

Maybe that looks like taking an after-work dip in the lake or spending a whole weekend at the beach. Either way, some parts of the U.S. are undeniably better for wild swimming than others. If you have time before the season ends, plan a trip, even if it’s a short one, to revel in summer’s most refreshing pastime.

These states aren’t the only great places for swimming, of course. Destinations like Florida and Hawaii have a bit of a monopoly on beach fame, and you don’t need us to tell you it’s nice to swim there. Instead, we’ve rounded up some of the unsung heroes of summertime swimming, like Washington and New York, plus a few unbeatable standbys like California and Michigan.

1. Michigan

Best for: Endless freshwater swimming in four of the five Great Lakes

The Upper Midwest has nearly 10,000 miles of shoreline encircling the Great Lakes. And while the competition is tight, Michigan is arguably the best Midwestern state for swimming, thanks to its proximity to four of the five Great Lakes.

Lake Michigan is easy to reach from Grand Rapids, but you’ll also find plenty of enticing spots along Lake Superior to the north and Lake Huron to the east. You can swim at Lake Erie too, mainly via William C. Sterling State Park just south of Detroit.

On Lake Michigan, places like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Ludington State Park offer mellow shores ideal for families. Farther north, plunge into the brisk waters of Lake Superior while taking in epic views along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. For a combo of vibes, head to McCarty’s Cove in downtown Marquette (one of our favorite places to visit in August) for a lazy, refreshing beach day in one of the cutest towns on the Upper Peninsula.

Michigan water temperatures vary widely across the Great Lakes, ranging from the mid-50s to mid-70s Fahrenheit in August. Lake Erie is the warmest, while Lake Superior is a fair bit colder, and Lake Michigan sits somewhere in the middle.

2. Vermont

Best for: Warm, mellow river swims surrounded by lush hardwood forests

If rivers are your favorite places to cool down, Vermont is the place to be in summer. The Connecticut River runs north to south along Vermont’s eastern border, fed by numerous tributaries flowing across the state.

Despite New England’s cold winters, Vermont’s rivers warm up quickly in summer, making swimming especially inviting. Imagine relatively warm water in slow-moving rivers and creeks, surrounded by maples, birches and oaks in every shade of green.

Vermont also has plenty of reservoirs and lakes, especially in the northern reaches of the state, plus picturesque waterfalls and swimming holes that feel almost too idyllic to be real. Some of them are well-kept local secrets, but you can find hundreds listed on the interactive New England Swimming Holes map.

Just watch out for ticks and water safety warnings. Ticks are common in this part of the country, so it’s important to follow best practices for tick-borne illness safety. Bacteria and algae blooms can also sometimes cause swimming-area closures, especially during periods of warm weather.

3. North Carolina

Best for: Secluded Atlantic beaches along the Outer Banks, plus tons of swimming holes

North Carolina has just about every type of swimming — rivers, lakes, beaches, you name it — but it makes sense to lead with the Outer Banks, that paper-thin string of islands dividing Pamlico Sound from the wider Atlantic Ocean.

These unique barrier islands stretch for more than 100 miles along North Carolina’s coast and include Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which protects a long stretch of undeveloped Atlantic shoreline. In summer, the region offers warm water and plenty of room to spread out once you get beyond the busiest beach accesses. Just keep in mind that ocean conditions can change quickly and rip currents are a risk.

Farther inland are enchanting natural pools and waterfalls tucked throughout the state’s forests and mountain ranges. Swimming holes like Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest and Courthouse Falls near Brevard offer cool mountain water surrounded by forest, though they can get crowded in summer. Looking for fewer people? Head to Lake James State Park or Lake Phelps at Pettigrew State Park.

4. California

Best for: Sun-drenched SoCal beaches and refreshing alpine lakes

With miles of Pacific coastline and a legendary beach culture, California is an obvious choice for swimmers. There’s La Jolla Shores — often called one of the best beaches in the country — plus Pismo Beach and Santa Monica State Beach, to name a few. But the famed shores of SoCal are far from the only draws of a summer sojourn.

The Golden State also has countless lakes and rivers, including Lake Tahoe and the South Yuba River in the Sierra Nevada. Despite being an alpine lake, Tahoe’s surface water can reach temperatures comparable to some Southern California beaches in late summer. At South Yuba River State Park, swimming holes are tucked among massive granite boulders, though currents can be dangerous and conditions vary. Mammoth Lakes is another great option if you’re looking for alpine swimming.

As you move farther north in California, be mindful that lakes, rivers and beaches can be surprisingly chilly, even in August.

5. Washington

Best for: Thrilling plunges into mountain lakes, wide rivers and salty seashores

Washington’s rainy reputation obscures how dry and sunny much of the state can be in summer. Sure, it’s drizzly and gray throughout much of the fall and winter, but come summer, Washington (and much of the Pacific Northwest) is essentially paradise. Swimmable lakes and rivers abound, the landscape is lush and average temperatures range from pleasantly warm to satisfyingly hot.

The Cascade Mountains divide Washington into two very different summer climates, with swimming options ranging from brisk alpine lakes and western rivers to warmer lakes east of the mountains. For the former, head to Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest east of Seattle. For seaside swims and a chance to spot bioluminescence on summer nights, check out Bellingham and Larrabee State Park near the U.S.-Canada border.

You can’t drive far in Washington without passing by a lake ripe for a plunge on a hot day. Lake Crescent, along the northern edge of Olympic National Park, is a must-swim, along with the ever-popular Lake Chelan in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Any time you’re swimming in Washington, prepare for cold water temperatures and be especially careful in the rivers, which can be swift and unpredictable.

6. New York

Best for: Peaceful swimming holes from the Finger Lakes to the Adirondacks

Waterfalls rushing over layered stone, lime-green maples glowing overhead and calm, deep pools beckoning bathers — this is summer in Upstate New York. Stretching across west-central New York south of Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes are a worthy destination for summer swimmers, especially if you’re looking for freshwater and a peaceful pace.

Set at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca makes a convenient base for exploring the Finger Lakes. Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park are popular spots for swimming in this area, where you’ll find stunning falls rushing through stone gorges. You can also find designated swimming areas throughout the region and classic lakefront spots farther north. Just be sure to heed all signs and warnings, as swimming is not allowed in some areas due to safety risks and algae blooms.

Of course, New York has plenty of beachfront swimming for those spending the summer in the city too. Rockaway Beach is a timeless favorite and home to New York City’s designated surfing beaches.