Davidson Village Inn

closeup of person paddle boarding at sunset

The Best Summer Activities at Lake Norman

We’ve got some of the best summer activities at Lake Norman — either on the water or having fun on shore. Lake Norman is the largest man-made lake in North Carolina and offers a blend of natural beauty and adventures on the water.

It’s a great destination for families, couples, and solo travelers. Experience thrilling watersport adventures, relaxing shoreline picnics, lakeside dining, and more. Here are our 8 best summer activities near Lake Norman, NC.

man riding a jet ski

1. Participate in Water Sports

Lake Norman offers the perfect playground for water sports enthusiasts. With its expansive, sparkling waters and scenic shoreline, you can dive into activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and jet skiing. Looking for an adrenaline rush? Or would you prefer a peaceful afternoon gliding across the lake? Either way, Lake Norman’s inviting atmosphere and endless adventures make it a top destination for fun on the water.

Here are some rental shop options:

2. Go Peddling Lake Norman Style

Charlotte Cycleboats offers a fun, unique, and eco-friendly experience. Charter a private boat for up to 15 people, or join a mixer tour to make some new friends as you pedal along Lake Norman. Guests are welcome to bring their own beer and wine to enjoy, and all tours are approximately 2 hours long.

3. Get Sporty and Go Wake Surfing

Ride LKN offers top-quality wakeboarding, wake surfing, and foiling lessons for beginners and pros alike. Their expert instructors provide a fun, safe, and friendly atmosphere to help you master your sport of choice. They also offer tubing and cruising for those who’d rather just relax and soak up the fun!

closeup of man with fishing pole

4. Go Fishing on Lake Norman

The fishing on Lake Norman is hard to beat. Whether you’re looking to reel in a prize-winning catfish at one of our tournaments or bring home a bass for dinner, the expert fishing guides in the area will help you make the most of your time on the lake. They have guides prepared to assist experienced anglers, beginning casters, or dads who want to take the kids on their first fishing trip. Question is — who will tell the best fishing story?

5. Explore on Shore for Additional Summer Activities

The water activities at Lake Norman are hard to beat, but if you start feeling a little water-logged, don’t forget to explore the exciting adventures awaiting you on land. Hit the volleyball courts or settle down for a picnic at Jetton Park, or stretch your legs on the hiking and biking trails you’ll find all around Lake Norman.

closeup of mini golf hole with woman's feet in flip flops

6. Sink a Putt in Mini Golf

Spend an afternoon at Lake Norman Mini Golf. Kids of all ages will have a blast putting around the green, climbing the rock wall, or even taking on a mission-impossible style adventure through the laser maze! Don’t forget to cool down with a Sno-ball or an ice cream cone afterward.

7. Dine in Style near Lake Norman

Our favorite way to end an exciting day at Lake Norman is with a dinner cruise departing from Queen’s Landing. Set sail on the festive Catawba Queen or the elegant Lady of the Lake and enjoy a delicious meal with a one-of-a-kind view. If you’ve already got dinner plans, you can always book a daytime sightseeing tour or boogie-down on a yacht party cruise.

8. Relaxing Stay at Davidson Village Inn

After an action-packed day full of summer activities around Lake Norman, come back and recharge at Davidson Village Inn. Whether you’re planning a private getaway, a family vacation, or a festive group outing, we guarantee that one of our 18 luxurious guest rooms is just what you’re looking for.

Start the day off right with a delicious breakfast each morning from our friends at Famous Toastery, and end on a high note as you drift to sleep between our luxurious Comphy brand sheets.

If you’re looking for some fun things to do this weekend, Lake Norman, delivers, and we’re looking forward to hosting your stay!

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Updated April 2025

 

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