Local Boating Guide
Exploring the waters of the area offers endless opportunities for adventure, sightseeing, and dining. Check out our local guide for inspiration on where to go, what to see, and the best spots to eat and drink on your next boating trip.
Places to See
Cruising Lake Wylie, Lake Hickory, and Lake Norman means endless opportunities to drop anchor and join the fun. All three lakes are home to popular sandbars where boaters gather to swim, relax, and socialize, along with scenic coves and beautiful views. For an easy way to find these hotspots, download the Float LKN or Float LKW app and make the most of your day on the water.
Riverwalk Bridge
The Riverwalk segment of the Hickory Trail showcases one of Hickory’s most beautiful, natural assets—the Catawba River. The Riverwalk runs approximately 2.3 miles through Geitner Park along the river. It provides public access to Lake Hickory with an overwater bridge and a combination of waterfront and wooded trails, offering visitors a variety of scenery and multiple vantage points to admire the beauty of the lake and the surrounding natural environments.
Carolina Ski Show Team
The Carolina Show Ski Team is a competitive, entertaining, family-oriented team that performs water ski shows on Fridays throughout the summer at Windjammer Beach Park in Tega Cay, SC, and other events around the Carolinas. We practice, perform weekly ski shows, compete in Regional and National Tournaments, and give back to our community.
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Azalea Retreat
While boating on Lake Norman, you can cruise by the infamous house featured on the Netflix show Hunting Wives. This striking waterfront estate has become a local landmark, and if you’re interested in staying there, it’s actually available to rent on Airbnb. It’s a unique way to experience the lake and the drama of the show firsthand—whether you’re just passing by for a closer look or planning a memorable getaway at this one-of-a-kind rental.
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Denny Hamlin's House
NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin's house is a 31,000-square-foot mansion on 2.8 acres on Lake Norman in Cornelius, NC. The house features a bowling alley, basketball court, and a racing simulator. The house was featured on the Netflix series "NASCAR: Full Speed" in 2024. Hamlin paid $1.375M for this lot in May of 2014. Right off of Mollypop Lane!
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Red Fez Shrine Club
A Shriner joins the Red Fez Shrine Club for two reasons. The first and foremost reason should be to help support the Shriners Hospitals for Children and, secondly, a desire to meet and make new friends. The Red Fez Shrine Club is very important because it fulfills both of these goals. In addition to the money raised for the Shriners Hospitals for Children, the Club gives each member and his family an opportunity to enrich their lives by building wonderful relationships with fellow Shrine families who share the same goals in life. The Red Fez Shrine Club prides itself on being a family oriented Club.
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Camp Thunderbird
Located on 1.7 miles of pristine Lake Wylie shoreline in South Carolina, YMCA Camp Thunderbird’s day camp for boys and girls (ages 6+) provides ideal backdrop for discovering new things, creating new friendships and memories. Our beautiful 100-acre facility boasts a high ropes course, zip line, alpine tower, two swimming pools and over 20 Sunfish sailboats.
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Windjammer Park
Windjammer Park is one of our older and more popular parks in Tega Cay. Windjammer Park is used throughout the warmer months by residents who enjoy relaxing by the lake. On one side of the point is a beach and lake swimming area. There are a few playground pieces on the beach as well as further up the point next to the covered picnic shelter, restrooms and scenic overlook. On the right side of the point is a small area for boaters who wish to visit the park.
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Ebenezer Park
York County’s Ebenezer Park is a 26-acre park located north of Rock Hill on the shores of Lake Wylie. Ebenezer Park offers a wide variety of day use recreational opportunities and overnight stays in one of our 79 RV campsites or 5 tent campsites.
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Lake Norman State Park
Located in Iredell County 40 miles north of Charlotte, Lake Norman State Park boasts the region's popular mountain biking trail system, the Itusi Trail, offering nearly 31 miles of single-track trail. The namesake lake is the largest manmade lake within the state, and the park covers about 17 miles of its northern shoreline. Park Lake, set off from the larger Lake Norman by a dam, offers quiet fishing spots and paddling. Heron rookeries on two islands shelter over 25 great blue heron nests.
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Ramsey Creek Park
Ramsey Creek Beach is a waterfront beach featuring a swimming area at Ramsey Creek Park. This 46-acre park also has boat launching opportunities and docks, a playground, picnic shelters, nature trails, fishing pier, enclosed dog park and a volleyball court.
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Geitner Park
Featuring a gazebo, paved bikeway, walking and nature trails including access to the Riverwalk and Lake Hickory Trails, boat launch ramp, fishing pier, and restrooms.
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Glenn Hilton Park
Featuring five picnic shelters with tables and grills, two playgrounds, restrooms, gazebo, lighted and paved walking trail, nature boardwalk, 24-hole disc golf course, canoe launch, horseshoe pits, and a memorial garden.
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Things to Do
There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy life on the water. Each lake has its own unique charm, from lively sandbars and scenic coves to waterfront dining and endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you’re looking to relax in the sun, try your hand at watersports, or discover local hangout spots, these lakes offer something for everyone to enjoy.
Sailing Lessons
Kings Point Marina
Members of Carefree Boat Club of Charlotte are encouraged to make the most of our sailboats and enjoy a different kind of day on the water. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or brand new to the sport, we want you to feel confident at the helm. That’s why we offer complimentary sailing lessons—giving you the knowledge and skills to navigate safely, handle the boat with ease, and truly enjoy the experience. It’s just one more way we make boating accessible, exciting, and worry-free for our members.
Wake Surf Lessons
Harbortowne MarinaKings Point MarinaTega Cay Marina
Members of Carefree Boat Club of Charlotte can take their time on the water to the next level with our wakesurf lessons. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to perfect your skills, our experienced instructors will guide you through everything from boat setup to riding the perfect wave. These complimentary lessons are designed to help you feel confident, stay safe, and have a blast out on the water—so you can spend less time figuring it out and more time surfing like a pro.
Fishing
Harbortowne MarinaKings Point MarinaHickory Pub and MarinaTega Cay Marina
Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty to love. These lakes are teeming with a variety of fish, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, and striped bass. Whether you’re casting from the shore, trolling from your boat, or dropping a line near popular fishing spots and coves, there’s always a good chance to catch a big one. Spring and early summer tend to be prime times for bass, while catfish and crappie bite well throughout the warmer months. Just remember to get your fishing license before you head out so you can enjoy a worry-free day on the water.
Places to Eat
From casual waterfront grills to upscale lakeside dining, Lake Wylie, Lake Norman, and Lake Hickory each offer plenty of options to satisfy your appetite after a day on the water. No matter which lake you’re exploring, you’re never far from a great meal and a great view.
Lake House Wine Bar & Grill
The restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring everything from small bites to steak, seafood, house-made pasta, and in-house desserts. With 22 boat docks for easy lake access, it provides stunning year-round indoor dining with lake views and patio seating during the warmer months, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a meal by the water.
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Papa Docs
Conveniently located on Lake Wylie, Papa Doc’s Shore Club is the perfect spot for family and friends to dock and dine or break up a day at the lake. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail or one of our freshly prepared entrées while dining inside or on our spacious outdoor patio and dock.
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Drift
A modern lakefront locale inspired by long summer days on the water, as well as the farming roots of Gaston County. With the welcoming energy of the bar and lounge plus a menu that ranges from no-fuss to fancy, the restaurant - boasting sparkling waterfront views - serves fresh, inventive steak & seafood dishes with local ingredients that are uniquely Carolina. Enjoy traditional preparations alongside more inventive takes on familiar favorites while you sip from a curated selection of wine, specialty cocktails, and local beers that highlight modern lake life.
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Hello, Sailor
At Hello Sailor, Joe and Katy Kindred serve up seafood, hand pie and retro charm. Hello Sailor is “a modern play on a fish camp that still focuses on ‘chef-driven dishes." The Kindreds tapped big-name Charleston chef Craig Deihl to lead the kitchen. Joe Kindred and Craig Deihl have been James Beard Award semifinalists and Deihl was also a two-time regional best chef nominee.
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Lake Hickory Pub and Marina
Lake Hickory Pub and Marina offers a laid-back waterfront dining experience perfect for boaters and lake lovers alike. Guests can enjoy delicious pub-style favorites, ice cream, and cold drinks, all while taking in beautiful lake views. Whether you’re pulling up by boat for a quick bite, grabbing a drink with friends, or enjoying a sunset dinner, it’s the ideal spot to refuel and relax right on the water.
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Toucan's Lakefront
Welcome to Toucan‘s Lakefront, where culinary passion meets warm hospitality. Located in the heart of Mooresville, NC, we pride ourselves on creating a dining experience that delights the senses. Our talented chefs blend traditional recipes with modern techniques, creating a menu that celebrates the rich tapestry of America. At Toucan‘s Lakefront, we believe that dining is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Join us for an unforgettable culinary journey that will leave you craving more. We can’t wait to serve you!
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North Harbor Club
Regatta-themed New American fine-dining destination with waterfront patio & 9 boat slips for guests.
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SandBar Marina & Grill
Lakeside spot with a full bar, wine shop, and live entertainment, offering comfort eats such as salmon.
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Copper Penny Grill
At Copper Penny Grill, we're more than just a restaurant—we're a family with a dream that turned into a growing legacy. We're proud to serve handcrafted American fare made from our own original recipes, cold drinks from our lively bars, and an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, whether it's a casual night out or a special celebration. From our family to yours, welcome to The Copper Penny Grill.
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