Fun for the whole family.
Who doesn’t love an awesome lake getaway? We sure do, and especially when they’re pretty local to Charlotte. We’ve gathered 5 of the best lakes and resorts for a weekend away where you can relax, practice water sports like rafting and kayaking, and cool off during those humid and hot summer days. Best of all, they’re all under 4 hours from Charlotte.
1. Lake Norman
Lake Norman is your perfect haven away from the big city, and it’s also a quick 30 minutes away from Charlotte. Once you’re past Exit 25, you can be reminded of the relaxing, party vibes coming your way. But it’s not all boat parties. Lake Norman has also got some awesome activities to do on-shore, like the weekend farmer’s market, hiking, and fishing coves. North Carolina’s largest man-made lake has a little something for everyone, high-charged water sports like wakeboarding and leisurely activities like sailboating.
2. Lake Lure
1 hour 42 mins away from Charlotte is the beautiful Lake Lure, an area with 800+ acres of lake perfect for sailing, boating, kayaking, and etc. Fun fact about Lake Lure, it’s also famous for being the setting of the popular movie, Dirty Dancing. The span of the length is also great for motorized or non-motorized boats, just remember that boat permits are required. Other activities available to enjoy at Lake Lure include tubeing, horseback riding, ziplining, and even rock climbing.
3. Lake James
Lake James is located at the base of Linville George, North Carolina’s “Grand Canyon” with crystal clear water and the beautiful Pisgah National Forest, Wiseman’s Views, and Lineville Falls to marvel at. Not only does Lake James have something to offer in the way of nature and water sports, but there’s also a great lakeside retreats with furnished cabins and some upscale eateries like Root & Vine and Jack Frost Dairy Bar for sweet treats, as well as the nearby small towns of Marion and Morganton.
4. Lake Jocassee
Coming in just under 3 hours from Charlotte is the beautiful Lake Jocassee with amazing turqoise water and lush cliffsides looking like something of a tropical paradise. The lake offers some of the clearest water in the south, with fun activities including scuba diving and snorkleing, swimming, and hiking. Most of all, this is one of the best trout fishing spots. Check out the nearby mountain town and enjoy the feeling of unplugging from the busy city life.
5. Fontana Lake
Lake Fontana is located 3 and a half hours away from Charlotte and settled in between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest, and is also known as the deepest lake in North Carolina. The still lake is the perfect temperament for kayakers and stand-up paddle boarding, but there’s also creeks and rivers that provide spaces for watching wild life. And the Panther Creek swimming home is a great place to go with the family, carefully of course.