Summer vacation? The formula for a memorable vacation says you need to travel with at least three people, try four new things, and take 45 photos, but for many, an epic summer vacation merely requires sparkling, crystal blue waters.
A vacation overlooking an Instagrammable body of water is certainly at the top of your summer travel wish list, whether you have fins for legs, are a photographer, or just love a lovely view.
More time on the river, lake, and beach is desired. Water vacations appeal to adventurers, "lazy" tourists (is there anything more tranquil than a nap by the water?), and artsy people.
To help you plan the finest water trip ever, we color-picked and studied our nation's most gorgeous rivers to find the top 10 spots with the bluest and clearest waters in the U.S.
Recharging in blue seas is unique among the world's natural beauties. The sights and sounds of water stimulate wellbeing, increasing blood flow to the brain and heart and helping us relax, according to studies.
There are many places to admire the water's great charm, whether you want to escape to an isolated beach town with Pacific vistas or be fascinated by the gulf shores and Atlantic coastlines.
Which U.S. river had the purest waters? Port Townsend's Glass Beach has the clearest water. Lake George in New York, Lake Conway near Edgewood, Florida, and Coeur d'Alene in Idaho also had pure waters.
California, which borders the Pacific Ocean, featured two top-10 waterways. Sail Bay and La Jolla Cove in San Diego were fifth and sixth. Fourth-bluest was Colorado's Grand Lake. These waters are aquamarine.
Las Olas Beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has sapphire water instead of crystal-clear. The nation's third-bluest watercourse.
Water can also be emerald. Due to its "moody" green undertones, Chena Hot Springs in Fairbanks, Arkansas, is the second bluest U.S. waterway.
Santa Rosa, New Mexico's Blue Hole is America's bluest waterway. It's Seven Sister Lakes. The sapphire-blue Blue Hole is 62°F. Pack your bathing suit and camera for any ocean, lake, river, or hot spring color!