Great Salt Lake State Park

There's not one fish in this inland sea, where the water is several times saltier than the ocean.

But the salt that deters waterlife (all but some brine shrimp and brine flies) is also part of this lake's mystery and allure.

Swimmers come just to test the lake's famed buoyancy and find, to their delight, that it really is impossible to sink. And the sailing also is fine, taking place year-round on a lake that never freezes.

Great Salt Lake State Park has little land base, but its 300-slip marina provides access to the 2,000 square mile lake, known for its lonely islands, gorgeous vistas and sunsets.

The lake also is a birdwatcher's delight, attracting 257 different species of birds, from bald eagles to sea gulls, depending on the season.