You won’t love to be in town when the heat is trying to reach the 90s benchmark of the thermometer. So, what to do? Well, check out these ten best water sports lakes in the US for those hot summer days so that you can cool down with your loved ones.
All of these water bodies are famous for year-round lake water sports and leisure activities. So whether you are planning with family or simply want to hang out with friends, these best lakes for water sports will make your summer days truly memorable.
Lake Lanier, Georgia
Lake Lanier is the second-largest lake in Georgia. It is most popular during summertime for boating activities, including houseboats, jet skiing, kayaking, flyboarding, and more. In addition, you will enjoy its 680 miles worth of shoreline, complete with over 90 parks that offer swimming beaches.
If you want to enjoy the thrills and excitements of jet skiing or flyboarding, go straight to Lake Lanier Water Sports. They offer state-of-the-art water sports equipment to give you a lifetime experience, and it’s a guarantee.
Located just north of Atlanta on Highway 400 between Gainesville and Buford lies one such spot called Blackshear State Park, where visitors can experience fishing without a boat due to an abundance – 70%! – freshwater species are inhabiting the park’s 15 lakeside acres.
These parks are accessible by land, and some by water. So whether you want to escape the city or get in tune with nature- these parks have it all! They also offer amenities such as restrooms, picnic areas, boat ramps for those who like fishing– heck, even playgrounds if your kids need a break from their hectic day of playtime!
Some people prefer going on hikes through some truly breathtaking forests, while others love kayaking down one of many lakes and rivers that flow into Lake Lanier Islands.
Lake Havasu, Arizona
Looking for a year-round, hot weather destination? Lake Havasu City is the place to be. Home of the world’s largest artificial lake and situated in one of America’s sunniest climates, there are plenty of outdoor activities waiting to happen here!
With 400 miles on the shoreline along with 300 days per year under sunshine, you will never run out of things to do at this Arizona playground. Whether it is water sports like swimming or kayaking; land sports such as golfing; or even scuba diving – your adventure awaits just around every corner from boating games on its waterside boardwalk all the way up until late night cruising down Main Street USA, where everything comes alive after dark – get ready because once you step foot into.
Lake Tahoe, California
The clear waters of Lake Tahoe are the perfect place for water-sport enthusiasts to get their fill. The strong mountain winds make it a destination for windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, and more, while those that like wakeboarding or tubing can take speed boats out on Zephyr Cove. With visibility up to 75 feet deep, there’s no shortage of opportunity when exploring underwater, with scuba diving adventures also being possible at this beautiful lake in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains.
South Lake Tahoe is home to many activities for the adventurer, such as exploring Vikingsholm Castle or hiking and geocaching at Emerald Bay State Park. For dinner, try Riva Grill or Outpost Brewing Company’s newest beers!
Lake Chelan, Washington
Lake Chelan is a dream for recreational boaters and boat enthusiasts. The incredible 50-mile length combined with crystal clear waters makes it the perfect spot to play water sports, swim in its safety zone of 20 feet or more from the shoreline, enjoy snorkeling tours that showcase one of America’s clearest lakes (for those who don’t know what this means: head out on Lake Chelan–clear as glass).
Sunbathe by the shores where many vacationers stopover before heading north to view North Cascades National Park. But, if you’re looking for some good ol’ fashioned fun such as horseshoe games and sandcastle building, then look no further than nearby Lake Chelan State Park!
Settle in for a tasting at one of the 30 wineries with stunning views. Mountain biking is also popular among both novice and seasoned riders here, so strap on your helmet!
Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid has long been an iconic destination for those looking to experience the world of winter sports. This water sports lake was home to two Winter Olympics (in 1932 and 1980) and is considered a hotspot in the Adirondack Mountains region for water sport enthusiasts.
Lake Placid itself, which townspeople call Mirror Lake, is perfect for SUPing or sailing. However, motorboats are discouraged due to their interference with views from shorelines and jet skis being banned because they disturb lake life by churning up too many choppy waves.
The lake is perfect for pontoons, powerboats, or speed boats. If you are looking for some exhilarating thrills, get a speed boat. Otherwise, take a canoe for a closer look at the shore while paddling slowly.
Lake Champlain, Vermont
Burlington is a beautiful city in Vermont, sitting on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain and just an hour south of the Canadian border. The small town has plenty to offer for outdoor enthusiasts, with 490 square miles of surface area perfect for fishing or leisurely paddling around.
You can enjoy the ride while taking views from various vantage points, including pristine beaches nestled between Green Mountain National Forest and Adirondack State Park. These are magnificent wildernesses where hikers can enjoy vistas like no other place on earth.
There’s also lots to explore underwater too! Nine shipwrecks await divers who want some adventure mixed into their vacation without going all-out deep sea diving!
Lake Lure, North Carolina
Lake Lure is a town made for anyone who wants to spend their summer days chasing waterfalls and evenings sipping sweet tea on the porch. Less than an hour from Asheville, this spot was the perfect backdrop in Dirty Dancing; now, it’s one of North Carolina’s most recognized lakes, under minutes away from Lake James!
With 27 miles of shoreline that creates 720 acres below the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll never run out of things to see or do here. Watersports are abundant at this lake which boasts water skiing and jet skiing if you want an adrenaline rush! You can also enjoy the relaxation of kayaking in one of Lake Lure’s many beautiful areas.
Lake Lure is a fun-filled adventure for anyone looking to ditch their worries and have some time with family, friends, or even just themselves. No wonder people love it as one of the best lakes for water sports.
Big Bear Lake, California
With an average of 320 days of sunshine each year, you can launch your boat at Big Bear Lake in the spring, summer, and fall. This is one of Southern California’s best lakes for jet skiing, with excellent water visibility that allows even novice boaters to enjoy themselves on their first time out!
With kayaks, pontoon boats as well as fishing boats available, there is something here for everyone. So when ready, call a charter service or take up fly-fishing, among other activities like cooking classes with famous national chefs. You can also stop by nearby restaurants such as Tre Valli Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, catering to locals and visitors alike, so be sure not to miss dining when visiting this great lake.
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Lake Geneva is a haven for history enthusiasts, with its historic lakeside mansions dotting the shoreline. Walking through their backyards on the Lake Geneva Shore Path will take only 20 miles of your time, and you can find plenty more to keep yourself occupied. Enjoy parasailing off from one of these magnificent homes, fishing with the help of a local expert, or simply renting a boat in this beautiful setting.
One unique way to experience the area is by taking a ride on Lake Geneva Cruise Line’s mailboat and leap from it as you jump into dockside containers. The boat never stops moving, so if any letters need delivering or picking up in these boxes, they can just let go of them right away!
Grand Haven Lake Michigan, Michigan
Lake Michigan has more than 1,600 miles of shoreline and is the starting point for many recreational activities. The beaches are among some of the best in America with their sugar-soft sand and warm waters that reach into four different states–Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Minnesota.
Grand Haven’s main beach doesn’t look out of place down south as it happens to be right where Lake Michigan meets up with an inland river called River Grande. This convergence of rivers makes boating a popular activity here along its shores due to how easily accessible they are from all directions at any moment!
You can also enjoy tubing, kayaking, paddle boating, or kiteboarding, while the southerly breeze from Canada will keep you cool while exploring this water sports lake.