Head North for Breezy Lakeside Getaways

U.S. waterfront towns offer charm, scenic beauty and maritime history

A trip to these lakeside getaways provides charm and scenic beauty. People enjoy a ride on an antique boat along the St. Lawrence River in New York’s Thousand Islands region.

Courtesy 1000 Islands Tourism Council

Jackie Perrin,

AARP

Published July 11, 2025

Craving a trip that feels like a far-flung escape without the jet lag? Just below the Canadian border is a handful of U.S. waterfront towns that offer scenic beauty, cultural fusion and the tranquility of a remote getaway — no passport required. With their relaxed pace, warm hospitality, maritime history and local flavor, these destinations will linger in your memory long after your trip ends.

According to AARP’s 2025 travel trends research, adults age 50-plus are seeking getaways to reconnect with loved ones (56 percent), take a break (47 percent) and relax and recharge (47 percent).

These gems hit every note, offering calm, scenic and culturally rich alternatives to international travel. They’re ideal for popular trip types like summer vacations, family gatherings and long weekends. Stay stateside or cross the border to double the fun. These small-town escapes make a big splash.

Fort Gratiot Lighthouse provides views of Lake Huron in Port Huron, Michigan.

Courtesy Blue Water Area

Port Huron, Michigan: Accessible nautical escape

Nicknamed the “Maritime Capital of the Great Lakes,” Port Huron is anchored in nautical history and waterfront appeal. For a relaxing day by the water, hop aboard the seasonal Blue Water Trolley (10 cents for a one-hour tour; 5 cents for adults 60-plus). It loops past scenic highlights like the Blue Water River Walk and Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, which feature paved paths, benches and views of Great Lakes freighters.

At the Carnegie Museum, visitors can virtually pilot a freighter up the St. Clair River into Lake Huron. Nearby, the Huron Lightship Museum tells the story of the last Great Lakes lightship. Aboard the Huron Lady II, you can experience panoramic views and learn about historic landmarks. Lakeside Beach and Lighthouse Beach feature accessible mats, making it easy to stroll, relax or enjoy the water.

In July, don’t miss the Bayview Mackinac Race, a century-old sailing competition launching from Port Huron to Mackinac Island. History buffs can explore the Thomas Edison Depot Museum, and downtown Port Huron invites lingering with its locally owned shops, cozy cafés and waterfront restaurants serving fresh perch. You’ll find a variety of lodging types, from a boutique hotel to comfortable chains, many with accessible rooms and walkable proximity to top attractions.

Clayton, New York, is situated along the St. Lawrence River near the Canadian border. In the Thousand Islands region, you can visit Boldt Castle and Power House along the river.

Courtesy 1000 Islands Tourism Council

Clayton, New York: A gateway to the scenic Thousand Islands

Situated along the St. Lawrence River near the eastern end of Lake Ontario and just minutes from the Canadian border, Clayton is a picturesque waterfront village. It’s the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the scenic Thousand Islands region.

Hop aboard a Clayton Island Tours cruise. Or book a tour with the Thousand Islands Museum (call 315-686-5794 from Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for reservations) or the Antique Boat Museum to explore storied islands complete with lighthouses, castles and grand summer homes.

Cross the Thousand Islands Bridge to Wellesley Island ($4 per car), home to a popular New York state park with a nature center, golf course and waterfront cabins. Don’t miss Thousand Island Park, a Victorian cottage community where visitors can stroll, dine and shop in a nostalgic setting that has an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and boat and bike rentals.

Find gifts and sandwiches at Hero’s Welcome general store in North Hero, Vermont.

Courtesy Lake Champlain Islands Economic Development Corporation

Back in Clayton, the upscale 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel offers scenic views and resort-style amenities. For a local culinary treat, stop at the River Rat Cheese store for handcrafted curds (try them deep fried), or enjoy local curds in poutine at Channelside Restaurant — a nod to the area’s cross-border roots.

North Hero, Vermont: A waterfront gem in the Champlain Islands

North Hero, a peaceful island town known for its laid-back vibe and breezy views, is set in the heart of Vermont’s Lake Champlain Islands. It’s about 15 miles south of the Canadian border. Reaching it is part of the experience: You’ll cross a scenic drawbridge from neighboring Grand Isle, often raised for passing boats — an unexpectedly delightful entry into island life. Once you’ve arrived, don’t be surprised if your phone thinks you’ve entered Canada.

Home to around 1,000 residents, North Hero feels like a secret place tucked amid the vastness of Lake Champlain, a 120-mile-long lake that spans two states and a Canadian province.

Start your morning at Hero’s Welcome, a charming general store and deli where you’ll find gifts, sandwiches named after famous figures and a lakeside patio. Rent a kayak, paddleboard or bike right on-site. For motorized boating, head to Ladd’s Landing Marina in North Hero. In South Hero, rent a motorboat at Apple Island Marina and cruise at your own pace. Or take an accessible Champlain Islands Magical Boat Tour and let someone else do the navigating.

Check in for an overnight stay at the North Hero House Inn & Restaurant, where guests enjoy complimentary breakfast and unrestricted use of bikes, canoes and kayaks, which are perfect for a relaxed exploration of Knight Point or North Hero, two state parks. Wrap up your day at the dog-friendly Pier Bar, sipping a cold drink or indulging in a Vermont maple creemee while your pup enjoys a “pup cup.”

a large crowd sitting in a grassy area near a lake

Bayfield, Wisconsin, is located along the shores of Lake Superior. People gather at Memorial Park in Bayfield on a summer evening.

Courtesy JD Bass Entertainment Concert

Bayfield, Wisconsin: A waterfront retreat where history meets the horizon

Perched on the shores of Lake Superior, Bayfield is a scenic waterfront spot with deep maritime roots and easy access to the stunning Apostle Islands. Step back in time on a half-mile guided Historic Walking Tour or explore the Bayfield Maritime Museum, where shipwrecks and lighthouse lore come alive. Then hop aboard a scenic cruise to see sea caves and lighthouses dotting the 21-island Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Take the ferry to Madeline Island — the only developed island in the chain. Shops, restaurants, a sandy beach and the Madeline Island Museum are all within walking distance. Rent a bike, hike to Big Bay State Park, or paddle a kayak in the calm lagoon at the town park.

Back in Bayfield, enjoy dinner with a lake view at Pier Plaza Restaurant or try fresh-from-the-boat Lake Superior whitefish at Hoop’s Fish and Chips Dockside. Don’t miss the region’s scenic “Fruit Loop,” a countryside route dotted with berry farms and orchards offering pick-your-own experiences, jams and homemade pies.

With its walkable downtown, artisan shops and peaceful lakefront vibe, Bayfield is an inviting escape for travelers seeking history, nature and the laid-back pleasures of Lake Superior. Lodging options range from historic inns to cozy cottages with views of the lake.

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Jackie Perrin is a contributing writer who has covered travel, lifestyle, health and business for some of the nation’s top consumer publications. Her work has appeared in Fodor’s, Gannett News, AAA and Tripadvisor.

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