Our state truly has it all: lakes, rivers, mountains... we've got virtually every kind of landscape you can imagine, but of all the beautiful places in Alabama, it's the lakes, swimming holes, and beaches in Alabama with clear water that are positively paradisiacal! They're such beautiful places to be, especially during the summer, when you'll feel like you've been transported to the Caribbean. But there is no flight required and there are plenty of places where you can experience an Alabama paradise. Here are seven Alabama beaches, lakes, and swimming holes located throughout the state that will help you do exactly this, and you'll most assuredly want to visit them all.

1. Gulf State Park - Florida Point, Orange Beach

Of all the Alabama beaches with clear water, this is one of our favorites. Gulf State Park offers up to two miles of gorgeous white sand beaches, and it's one of the best beaches in Alabama. It's the perfect place to spend a summer day. Located on the beautiful Gulf Coast, it offers up so much to do. Here, you can find all kinds of fun activities - like swimming, fishing, boating, and water skiing. The park spans 6,500 pristine acres and is one of the prettiest spots in the Cotton State.

2. Lewis Smith Lake

Lewis Smith Lake is colloquially called Smith Lake. The lake covers approximately 22,000 acres and it's one of America's clearest lakes. Smith Lake spans Cullman, Winston, and Walker Counties. It offers up a variety of activities during the summer for all ages including boating, jet skiing, swimming, fishing, and more.

3. Hippie Hole - Fort Payne

Hippie Hole is tucked away in Little River Canyon National Preserve in Fort Payne. The massive preserve is over 15,000 acres. Hippie Hole is one of the most popular natural swimming holes in Alabama in the summer months. The hole is filled with water from nearby Martha's Falls.

4. Lake Guntersville State Park - Guntersville

If you're looking for beaches in Alabama with clear water, look no further than Lake Guntersville. Covering approximately 69,000 acres, Lake Guntersville is Alabama's largest lake and also one of the best places to spend a weekend. It's located in Jackson and Marshall Counties. You can enjoy a wide range of activities here such as swimming, fishing, water skiing, jet skiing, boating, and more.

5. Oak Mountain State Park - Pelham

Oak Mountain Park is the largest state park in Alabama. One of its most popular attractions is its public beach area. This is the perfect spot to cool off from the summer heat and it's such a pretty oasis in Alabama.

6. Dauphin Island

Dauphin Island is the southernmost point of the state and a definite must-visit in the warmer months. It's a great summer day trip in Alabama. In addition to its crystal clear water, you can see a sunset here that's absolutely marvelous. In fact, the beach is often called "the Sunset Capital of Alabama."

7. Lake Martin

Covering more than 41,000 acres, Lake Martin is one of America's largest man-made lakes. Located in Tallapoosa, Elmore, and Coosa Counties, this beautiful lake also offers a variety of activities. You can swim, fish, boat, jet ski, and more here. One of the area's more popular gathering spots is Acapulco Rock (pictured). Swimmers love jumping from here each summer!

Have you been to any of these heavenly lakes, swimming holes, or beaches in Alabama with clear water? If so, what did you think? Share your experiences in the comments, or share your suggestions for more great summer day trips in Alabama. We would love to hear from you!

When you visit Lake Smith, you may just think that the clearest lake in Alabama is almost too beautiful to be real.