Once Washington’s largest lake, this beautiful body of water in the north-central part of the state brings visitors in search of a scenic getaway to its sandy waterfront and the vineyards that blanket the surrounding foothills. With stunning mountain views, wineries, and a fun-focused vacation-town feel, Lake Chelan offers a family-oriented beach destination for visitors. On the south shore of the lake, downtown Chelan boasts a walkable selection of restaurants and shops, with plenty of rental outfitters helping people find a way onto the water. Continuing around the lake brings visitors to quieter communities, like Wapato Point, where they find a retreat from the boisterous atmosphere of Chelan proper.

Lake Chelan’s location in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains, keeps the south end of the lake and the town of Chelan quite dry most of the time, with as many as 300 days of sunshine each year. Extremely hot summers keep swimmers happy, since the water temperature hovers in the mid- to high 60s Fahrenheit. That makes for a refreshing dip when the outside air regularly hits 85 degrees, as it does in July and August. Even the daily low temperatures stay above 60 during those months. Late spring and early fall bring more moderate heat, with the same sunshine, but if you’re booking one of the area’s vacation rentals for winter, make sure to pack plenty of warm clothing, as the average high temperature in winter stays in the 30s.

Water sports

The open expanse of the 50-mile-long lake serves as a playground for waterskiing, jet skiing, and motorized boating of all sorts (including for fishing), while human-powered craft like kayaks and paddleboards hug the shoreline. The beaches host families, and the gentle waters welcome swimmers. Local outfitters around town stock rental crafts of all types right on the lake for easy access.

Golfing

Eight courses in the area take advantage of the near-guaranteed summer sunshine to show off the scenery. You can golf on a range of terrains, from a convenient public course to a nationally renowned newcomer featuring breathtaking panoramic views.

Wineries

The Wenatchee region long held a reputation for fruit, but that primarily meant apples and pears until the 21st century. However, with the naming of Chelan as Washington’s 11th American Viticulture Area in 2009, the local winemaking community took off. With more than 30 wineries, the region offers a wide variety of producers making wines at a range of prices, mainly featuring Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Viogner grapes.