Water sports activities are great fun for adventure enthusiasts, so why not plan your vacation with them in mind?
Discover 5 lake towns in the US with that are perfect for indulging in these activities.
Whether you’re into wakeboarding, water skiing, or surfing, these destinations are ideal.
Read more below to plan a visit to some of the best lake towns in the US. Their water sports activities and what makes them the perfect destination for adrenaline junkies.
CONTENTS — In this article, we will tell you some best towns in the US for stunning water sports activities, including:
- Best Lake Towns for Water Sports Enthusiasts
- What to Look for in A Lake Town
- Top 5 US Lake Towns
- Final Thoughts on Water Sports Activities
- Next Steps
The Best Lake Towns in the US for Water Sports Enthusiasts
For water sports enthusiasts, there are so many amazing places to explore in the United States.And when it comes to top lake towns with an optimal range of activities, there’s no shortage of places to check out.
From the mountain resort paradise of Lake Tahoe, California to the ever-growing lake town of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, these lake towns were made for the outdoor water-loving enthusiast.
Every year those with adrenaline-seeking personalities seek out new and exciting destinations to experience the thrill of surfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, and more.
But where exactly are the best lake towns in the US for these activities? Well, you are about to find out!
What Makes a Lake Town the Perfect Destination for Water Sport Enthusiasts?
While many people think that the ideal lake destination is massive in size, this isn’t necessarily true.
So what should you look for in a lake town?
Instead of finding a large body of water, what you should focus on is the variety and accessibility that the lake offers.
Look for lake towns with different types of water sports available as well as activities such as sailing, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Also, check out the infrastructure of the lake town and see how they provide support to water sports enthusiasts.
Ask yourself:
- Are there good facilities available such as boat launches and fishing areas?
- Are there places to rent or buy equipment?
- What about accommodations, restaurants, shopping centers, and other activities right on the waterfront?
All these factors make a huge difference when it comes to the perfect lake town for water sports enthusiasts.
Before we begin, I invite you to download my FREE Bucket List Planner Worksheet. It’s a fillable, printable resource you can keep handy whenever you hear about great destinations. It will help you prioritize your dream vacations, and you’ll be more organized when your top destinations are in plain sight. That way, you’ll always have a trip to look forward to!
The Best Lake Towns in the US
To help you narrow your choices down, here are what we considered the top 5 lake towns in the US for water sports enthusiasts.
#1 Lyons
Discover the charm of Lyons, Wisconsin.
It’s one of the best lake towns in the US, situated in the picturesque Walworth County, Wisconsin. Once you visit to get a taste of this lake town, you might even want to make it your permanent home.
This quaint town, with a population of just over 3,000, offers an idyllic lakeside living experience at an affordable median home listing price of approximately $225K.
Due to its scenic appeal and tranquil atmosphere, there is a somewhat competitive market for those seeking to make Lyons their home. Once you establish your residency by the lake, you’ll find that kayaking is a fantastic sport to pursue in this lovely town.
Image source: redfin.com
Embarking on a kayak out onto the serene waters will prove to be an immensely rewarding experience, providing memorable moments and a deep connection with nature.
Make no mistake – Lyons is a true US lakeside gem that promises a fulfilling and enjoyable lifestyle.
#2 Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is a wonderful lake town nestled in Carroll County.
As the town center is located directly on Lake Winnipesaukee, it offers watersports enthusiasts a host of options.
Whether sunset swims, boat cruises, or stand-up paddle bearing and water skiing are your thing, this area has it all.
Not to mention that you can take a break from the sun to grab scoops of ice cream from the Wolfeboro Dockside Grill & Dairy Bar!
And there’s nothing like a visit to scenic New England.
Despite its location smack dab in the middle of a thriving watersport scene, the median listing home price here sits around $540K.
So if you’re ready to make a move once you visit, it’s an investment worth making for buyers who want to make full use of the town’s offerings.
#3 South Lake Tahoe
Situated in the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains, South Lake Tahoe is one of the most incredible U.S. cities for watersports enthusiasts.
It’s embraced by California’s majestic landscape and ranked as the largest alpine lake in the United States.
The beauty of this resort city doesn’t come solely from its alluring nature; it also delights with four distinct seasons that range from an impressive winter wonderland to a swanky summer beach escape.
Yet, spring to fall is truly when South Lake Tahoe shines, offering heavenly watersports such as kayaking and wakeboarding for one and all. You truly must visit here to experience it!
Although the real estate market here typically experiences higher home value prices than some other lake towns, the median listing price is about $650K.
It’s well worth it for those who want to make this area their home base.
#4 Lake Arrowhead, California
With its status as an unincorporated community located in the stunning San Bernardino Mountains, Lake Arrowhead is one of the most desirable lake towns in the United States for those who love watersports and getting out on the open water.
Boasting abundant opportunities to enjoy sailing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more, there’s no shortage of entertainment here.
It’s a great place to plan your summer getaway.
Plus, surrounding this mountain oasis are some of the most breathtakingly beautiful views, so you can admire nature while enjoying your favorite activity.
If you want to call it home, you might be surprised that prices for homes in Lake Arrowhead aren’t too far off from some of the other premier US lake town destinations. You’ll find an average price tag of around $620K.
#5 Lake George, New York
Surrounded by the breathtaking Adirondack region of the mountains, Lake George, New York, boasts a wide array of water-based activities for any enthusiast.
You’ll enjoy from exhilarating lake cruises and parasailing adventures to serene waterfall hikes.
As one of the cleanest large lakes in the world, Lake George’s crystal-clear waters provide the perfect playground for water sports enthusiasts.
This is a great destination for vacationers.
And, this lovely town has become one of America’s most sought-after lake towns. It’s easy to see why, with an average home value of around $446K.
Uncover the unique charm and natural beauty of Lake George and see for yourself why it’s considered one of the best lake towns in the US for watersports enthusiasts.
Related:
- Note These 6 Wonderful, Must-Try Water Activities in New York
- 5 Best Summer Outdoor Activities for Adults to Embrace
Final Thoughts on Water Sports Activities
While the list of attractive US lake towns could go on and on, these five destinations stand out for watersports enthusiasts looking to settle down in a lakeside heaven.
Hopefully, this guide will lead you in the right direction and you will be on your way to beginning an incredible adventure in the great outdoors.
In conclusion, lake towns in the United States offer a unique experience for water sports enthusiasts. From the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe to the bustling waterfront of Wolfeboro, there’s a perfect destination for everyone.
When searching for the ideal lake town, it’s important to look for accessibility, variety of water sports, and infrastructure.
With these factors in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your next water sports adventure. So pack your bags, grab your equipment, and head out to explore the best lake towns for water sports activities in the US!
You might even want to settle down there.
About Jackie Gately, editor-IN-CHIEF
I'm Jackie Gately, your travel confidante and the creative force behind Enjoy Travel Life, awarded the "Best Casual-Luxury Lifestyle Blog (USA)" in Travel and Tourism by LUXlife Magazine for four consecutive years. With 25 years of published expertise, I'm a seasoned writer, editor, and photographer curating inspiring travel guides and lifestyle tips for empty nesters. I hope to kindle your spirit of exploration, encouraging you to overcome obstacles and turn your dreams into reality. Learn to minimize your pre-travel angst and maximize the joy of exploration with insights from my experiences. Let's make every adventure a celebration of this exciting phase of life! Follow my social channels for more inspiration.
Next Steps
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