10 Bluest Waters in the US
Explore the top 10 bluest waters in the US for a perfect summer relaxation spot. From Alaska's hot springs to Florida's beaches, find your oasis.
The United States is home to over 3 million lakes, and the country is encompassed by three huge bodies of water. Most people associate blue water in the U.S. with the Gulf of Mexico, but that only scratches the surface. Not only is blue water great to look at, but it also says a lot about the state of the water.
Lakes and oceans with blue water contain low concentrations of algae, and that gives them more clarity. There is no better time to lounge by blue water than the summer, and there is no shortage of lakes and beaches to choose from in the United States.
1. Chena Hot Springs
Chena Hot Springs has been a jewel in northern Alaska since its discovery in 1905. Known for its warm, blue water, Chena Hot Springs is a popular summer attraction when the weather is perfect and rarely dips below 55 degrees. Chena Hot Springs doesn’t just boast the bluest waters in Alaska, but also the rest of the U.S.
2. Blue Hole
Look no further than Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, New Mexico to find the bluest waters in the state. The contrast of the deep, blue water in an otherwise desert environment only makes this cenote even better. Anyone can visit Blue Hole, but you must go through a service if you plan to dive into the inviting water.
3. Grand Lake
Grand Lake is a gorgeous, blue body of water that sits in a town of the same name. It is the bluest and biggest natural lake in the state. The backdrop of mountains and trees around the 1.5-mile-long lake creates a breathtaking contrast that makes the water stand out even more.
4. Las Olas Beach
Florida has its fair share of great beaches, but Las Olas Beach is home to the bluest water you will find in the state. This public beach in Fort Lauderdale gets plenty of visitors because of its central location in the city. The water is typically quite warm, especially during the summer when the weather brings highs in the mid-90s.
5. La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove has the bluest water in California, and it’s home to plenty of thriving wildlife. Don’t be surprised if you see sea lions while you enjoy a day at La Jolla Cove. Depending on the day and weather, you can see up to 30 feet into the blue water at the cove.
6. Lake George
New York’s Adirondack region is home to Lake George: a massive lake with some of the bluest water you’ve ever seen. The blue water begins where the dense green vegetation that surrounds the lake ends. With two historical nearby forts, Lake George is a reminder of the state’s deep history.
7. Sail Bay
Much like La Jolla Cove, Sail Bay is another body of water in San Diego known for its blue water. Part of Mision Bay, Sail Bay is surrounded by smooth white sand and a walking path that gets lots of foot traffic. The blue water is home to everything from whales and lobsters to halibut and mussels.
8. Lanikai Beach
It’s no secret that Hawaii has plenty of blue water, but the bluest water you will find is at Lanikai Beach. There is no better time to visit Lanikai Beach than in the morning when the sun rises over the water. However, the warm water is a sight to behold at any time of day, and it’s the best destination on Oahu’s coast.
You also get a great view of the nearby offshore islands, and they look particularly unique under the moon when the sky is clear.
9. Lake Conway
Lake Conway is a massive lake in Arkansas that spans 6,700 acres. At its deepest point, Lake Conway measures 16 feet deep, and you can typically see quite far down because of how clear the water is. The lake is just as popular for fishing as it is for boating and swimming, and while it isn’t natural, it’s one of the biggest in the state.
10. Ditch Plains Beach
Ditch Plains Beach is the surfing capital of New York. The surrounding cliffs provide a unique backdrop that you won’t find at every beach on the east coast. Spanning 2 miles, Ditch Plains Beach gets plenty of foot traffic, but there’s enough space that you can enjoy the blue water without navigating massive crowds.
Honorable mentions for the bluest waters in the U.S. include Lake Tahoe, Jenny Lake, Dry Tortugas National Park, and Tenaya Lake.
Tobi Miles is a University of Florida graduate turned globe-trotting culinary explorer and digital nomad expert. As the founder of "Bytes & Bites," he combines his passion for international cuisine with practical advice on remote work, inspiring others to experience the world through food and cultural immersion. With 32 countries under his belt and a knack for uncovering hidden culinary gems, Tobi is redefining the intersection of work, travel, and gastronomy for a new generation of adventurers.
