10 Places Where You Can See the Bluest Water in the U.S. (2024)

Vacations (or daycations) take many forms. Sometimes, it’s about getting out and seeing beautiful scenery. If that’s the aim, few things beat the pull of a brilliant blue body of water.

While overwater bungalows floating above shimmering lagoons in the Maldives or Bora Bora, calm Caribbean snorkeling spots, and cenotes in the Yucatan likely spring to mind, the U.S. has many picture-perfect places to see — and snap: lakes, ocean beaches, rivers, waterfalls, estuaries, and bays that don’t require packing a passport. Just remember to bring along your camera.

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Crater Lake, Oregon

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Without question one of the most beautiful lakes in the country (perhaps, even the world), southern Oregon’s historic and halcyon Crater Lake was formed nearly 7,700 years ago by the collapse of an ancient volcano. Despite its origin being tied to such a violent natural event, the blue water — which plunges to a depth of 1,943 feet — is impossibly calm and pure.

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Tenaya Lake, California

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Yosemite’s rock climbing and hiking potential gets a lot of love, but this California national park also boasts spectacular swimming, kayaking, and rafting spots such as the alpine Tenaya Lake. Tucked between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows, this beautiful glacial body of water sits at an elevation of 8,150 feet and is backed by granite boulders.

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Devil’s Den, Florida

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Among the most unique spots you could ever dream of taking the plunge, Devil’s Den is a subterranean natural pool near Gainesville, with 50-foot-deep, clear blue-green water that’s always a comfortable 72 degrees. Surrounding the sinkhole are rock formations, stalactites, and ancient fossil beds. No wonder it’s a top tourist attraction for snorkeling and scuba diving.

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Lanikai Beach, Hawaii

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Googling photos of Lanikai Beach on the windward coast of Oahu induces wanderlust. Seeing — and splashing in — its warm, aqua waters that caress the palm-fringed white sand IRL will take your breath away. Pro tip: Arrive early to witness the sunrise over the sparkling sea and Mokulua Islands in the distance.

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Lake Tahoe, Nevada and California

Straddling the border between California and Nevada, enormous Lake Tahoe is so postcard-worthy that an entire tourism industry sprung up around it. Whether you’re boating, walking the shoreline, or soaking in the views from the myriad scenic hiking trails, the deep blue waters of this beloved natural attraction always steal the show.

Lake Tahoe Travel Guide

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Molokini, Hawaii

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Situated three miles from Maui’s southwest coast, the small island of Molokini remains a hidden gem with near-empty, crescent-shaped beaches that have golden sand and some of the clearest, turquoise water in all of the Aloha State. So clear, in fact, the waters have visibility depths that often reach up to 200 feet.

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Jenny Lake, Wyoming

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Ringed by snowcapped peaks and towering trees, Jenny Lake — which ranks high on the list of spectacular natural attractions in Grand Teton National Park — inspires awe from all who visit. The glacial water is wonderfully waveless and clear. However, the cold temps make it better suited for canoeing and kayaking than swimming.

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Havasu Falls, Arizona

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Set within Havasupai Indian Reservation, the magical blue-green waters of remote Havasu Falls draw thousands of spiritual seekers and shutterbugs annually. It’s a deeply soulful place that’s also incredibly scenic. (Keep in mind that permit reservations are required for all hikers and campers.)

The Best Waterfall in Every U.S. State

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Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico

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Nothing against human-made swimming pools, but have you ever floated in the Caribbean Sea? Located on the tiny island of Culebra, off the coast of Puerto Rico, approximately one-mile-long Flamenco Beach bends around a sheltered, horseshoe-shaped bay that’s filled with warm, shallow, turquoise waters and fringed by white sand.

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Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

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Photos don’t do justice to the beauty of the roughly 100-square-mile Dry Tortugas National Park. It covers seven islands and protected coral reefs, so there’s a whole lot of lovely water to explore. Most of it is placid, turquoise, and filled with colorful marine life, making for some of the best snorkeling in the Sunshine State.

10 Places Where You Can See the Bluest Water in the U.S. (2024)

FAQs

Where is the bluest water in the United States? ›

Blue Hole, New Mexico, comes first as the bluest water in the nation. Located amid the desert like a great blue gem, this geological wonder is famous for its spring-fed blue water and is considered an iconic roadside attraction on Route 66.

What is the bluest lake in the USA? ›

Crater Lake

Known for its deep blue color and clear water, this lake is the deepest lake in the country. Since it is fed only by rain and snow, and therefore absorbs little pollution, it is extremely clear.

Where is the clearest water ever? ›

Known as one of the clearest lakes in the world, Rotomairewhenua in New Zealand is estimated to have a visibility of almost 80 meters. Blue Lake's water is so clean, its clarity is comparable to distilled water. The blue-violet hues of the lake are a natural phenomenon that only occur in such clear water.

What state has the most beautiful oceans? ›

Hawaiian beaches are some of the most breathtaking sights in the world and there are just so many of them. If you're traveling to Kauai, you have to put Hanalei Bay at the top of your list.

What are the three blue water lakes? ›

For nearly a century a myth has circulated that West Okoboji is one of only three blue water lakes in the world, the others being Lake Geneva in Switzerland and Lake Louise in Canada.

What is the pink lake in America? ›

The Great Salt Lake, Utah, US

The Great Salt Lake's North Arm astonishes visitors with its pink waters, a stark contrast to the typical blue-green of the South Arm.

Where is the bluest lake on earth? ›

Lake Tahoe, California

Now, the cobalt lake is also cleaner than it's been in decades, thanks to a massive effort by nonprofit Clean Up the Lake, whose divers recently completed a lake cleanup that removed nearly 25,000 pounds of litter.

Where is turquoise water? ›

There are plenty of destinations offering turquoise waters. From the white sandy beaches of Bora Bora to the crystal clear lagoons of the Maldives, explore places like Fiji, the Seychelles, or the Riviera Maya in Mexico.

What place has bright blue water? ›

1. The Maldives. The Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean, have around 1,190 islands and sandbanks. A lagoon with crystal clear water encircles all the islands, which are protected by a reef structure that is home to an array of underwater life.

Where is the clearest water on Earth? ›

Located in the top half of New Zealand's South Island, Blue Lake is said to be the clearest lake in the world. Where is the clearest blue water in the United States? Crater Lake and Lake Tahoe have some of the clearest water on the West Coast. Lake Baikal in Siberia is the arguably the clearest lake in the world.

Which beach has the clearest water? ›

But, if you're looking for the clearest water in the entire world, then you've got to head to Greece. According to the report, Prassa Beach, on the island of Kimolos, boasts the highest number of reviews (43.56%) noting its waters.

Is the water blue in the outer banks? ›

In season, OBX beaches are picturesque: tall grasses crown gently wind-swept dunes that unravel into soft sands and aquamarine waters. To draw a comparison, the barrier island region of North Carolina favors blue-green water that makes North Carolina beaches famous.

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