Affordable Water Views

LAKE LAS VEGAS, NEV.

STAY
In summer, hotels at this lake resort 17 miles east of the Strip offer amazing deals. Try the MonteLago Village. From $139.* (866) 564-4799.

EAT
The outdoor patio at Bistro Zinc is the coolest spot on the lake—with fresh oysters, jazz bands, and water misters. (702) 567-9462, bistrozinclv.com [2].

PLAY
To find out about free events such as outdoor movies and food festivals, go to lakelasvegas.com/events.asp [3].

MANZANITA, ORE.

STAY
The Inn at Manzanita's rooms with private decks offer views through the trees to a seven-mile-long sandy beach. From $150. (503) 368-6754.

EAT
Pick up a box lunch ($9) at the Bread and Ocean Bakery for a beach picnic. (503) 368-5823.

PLAY
A short but steep climb up Neahkahnie Mountain ends at an outlook where you can see for miles up and down the Oregon coast. (503) 368-5943.

SANDPOINT, IDAHO

STAY
You can easily walk to Lake Pend Oreille from the Coit House, a Victorian with six antique-filled guest rooms. From $110. (208) 265-4035.

EAT
What's the most popular lakeside spot in town? The patio at the Beach House. Order a burger ($9). (208) 255-4947.

PLAY
On a 90-minute tour with Lake Pend Oreille Cruises you'll learn how an ice dam formed Idaho's largest lake 17,000 years ago. $18. (208) 255-5253.

SANTA BARBARA, CALIF.

STAY
Most rooms with views go for $400, but at the Best Western Beachside Inn overlooking the harbor, room rates start at $167.* (805) 965-6556.

EAT
It's hard to get a seat at La Super-Rica Taqueria, so grab some guacamole and a burrito and head for nearby East Beach. (805) 963-4940.

PLAY
Rent a bicycle from Wheel Fun Rentals for $8 to $9 an hour (805-966-2282) and go for a ride on the three-mile-long Cabrillo Bike Path along the waterfront.

SEELEY LAKE, MONT.

STAY
Does a little log cabin just steps from a pristine mountain lake sound like your kind of place? Check out Tamaracks Resort. From $119. (800) 477-7216.

EAT
At Lindey's waterfront steak house, couples save by splitting the 16-ounce cuts of meat. (406) 677-9229.

PLAY
Paddle a canoe 3.5 miles down the Clearwater River to the lake's north end. Four-hour boat rental from Seeley Sports, $25. (406) 677-3680.

TRUCKEE, CALIF.

STAY
A river runs through Truckee and the River Street Inn sits right on it. In guest rooms, you can even hear the water flow. from $115. (530) 550-9290.

EAT
How about a juicy burger topped with caramelized onions? Belly up to the bar at Moody's Bistro. (530) 587-8688, moodysbistro.com [4].

PLAY
Hike the two-mile Truckee River Legacy Trail. See a map at legacytrail.org [5] or get directions from the chamber of commerce at (530) 587-8808.

Photography courtesy MonteLago Village Resort

This article was first published in July 2008. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.