TORONTO, ON – July 15, 2025 — Vacation rental marketplace Lake.com has unveiled a new national study revealing Big Bear Lake in California as the sunniest lakeside destination in the U.S., based on the latest solar radiation data. The insights offer property managers and vacation rental hosts valuable cues for marketing lakeside stays—particularly for travelers prioritizing sun-soaked escapes.
The ranking is based on average Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI), a metric used to measure the amount of direct sunlight a surface receives, with data sourced from the 2023 National Solar Radiation Database. Lake.com analyzed over 100 popular lakeside destinations and identified the top 10 sunniest cities across the country—many of which present promising opportunities for hosts looking to maximize occupancy and guest satisfaction.
Top 3 Sunniest Lakeside Destinations
- Big Bear Lake, California – 335.02 W/m²
- Lake Havasu City, Arizona – 314.13 W/m²
- Santa Rosa, New Mexico – 296.73 W/m²
“Sunshine isn’t just a perk—it’s a driver of vacation decisions,” said David Ciccarelli, CEO of Lake.com. “For property managers, these insights can inform everything from pricing strategy to amenity offerings. Travelers tend to stay longer and book earlier when they anticipate great weather.”
Why This Matters for Property Managers
- Longer Guest Stays: Guests are more likely to book extended trips to sunny destinations, especially when they plan outdoor activities.
- Marketing Potential: “Sunniest destination” can serve as a strong property differentiation and an ad hook across platforms like Airbnb, VRBO and Lake.com.
- Improved Guest Experience: More sun equals more outdoor fun, which enhances reviews and repeat bookings.
Top 10 Sunniest Lakeside Destinations in America
- Big Bear Lake, California – Big Bear Lake – 335.02 W/m²
- Lake Havasu City, Arizona – Havasu Lake – 314.13 W/m²
- Santa Rosa, New Mexico – Santa Rosa Lake – 296.73 W/m²
- Clearlake, California – Clear Lake – 287.86 W/m²
- Carson City, Nevada – Lake Tahoe – 278.27 W/m²
- Hanford-Corcoran, California – Tulare Lake – 271.16 W/m²
- Klamath Falls, Oregon – Klamath Lake – 253.46 W/m²
- Marble Falls, Texas – Lake Marble Falls – 242.54 W/m²
- Lakeland, Florida – Lake Parker – 240.48 W/m²
- Ogallala, Nebraska – Lake Ogallala – 240.34 W/m²
If you use these insights, please credit and link to: Lake.com.
About Lake.com
Lake.com specializes in lakehouses and vacation rentals within a 15-minute drive of lakes, bays, rivers, canals, and coasts. Focusing on family, friendship, and caring for the natural world, Lake.com blends tradition with technology, offering a return to the simple pleasures of life for families vacationing in the great outdoors. For more information, visit https://www.lake.com
Stephanie Ciccarelli
Chief Marketing Officer
226-794-5744
