Calling all water bugs and sun-worshipers - your perfect day is waiting for you in the heart of SC, and we want to help you plan. Whether you're boat-cruisin', zipping around on jet skis or clipping a padlock on the Love Lock Bridge with your significant other, a trip to Lake Murray is the perfect way to live out a Southern summer. So grab your sunscreen and sunglasses and get going. We'll meet you by the dam.
Water Adventures
Rent a speed boat or jet skis if you're seeking a thrill but if it's a relaxing paddle you are after, you'd be remiss not to grab a standup paddle board or kayak from Better Boating. Pile onto a pontoon from AquaFun Boat Rentals if you're more of the cruisin' type.
Soak up the sunshine from your own boat where you can put in at several locations including Jake's Landing or Dreher Shoals Dam.
Bird Watching
If you're boating around Lake Murray in July and August, keep an eye out for the Purple Martins. Tens of thousands of these delicate, beautiful birds fly over the lake, on their way to Bomb Island - the largest Purple Martin Sanctuary in North America. These beautiful birds use Bomb Island as a staging ground before their migration. Their arrival ranges between late July through early August. Pro tip: arrive near the island as the sun is rising or setting, or take a guided tour with Carolina Safari Co. or The Spirit of Lake Murray.
Pitch a Tent
Rally the troops and pitch a tent lakeside at Dreher Island State Park. We highly recommend late-night swimming, stargazing and s'mores....all the s'mores. With 15 designated tent spots and primitive camping options, you are sure to get your outdoors fix in just the way you like.
Dine, drink & dance to live music
Order up a burger and a beer and dance to live music at Liberty on the Lake or Rusty Anchor. You can expect: double decker patios, front-row sunset seats and even a Tiki Bar. Pro tip: no need to load the boat because you can cruise over and dock at one of the several slips outside the restaurant for dine in or carry out.
Love Lock Bridge
Are we in Paris or Lake Murray? Just like the City of Love, visitors of Lake Murray can clip a padlock to the fence on the Lexington side of the Lake Murray Dam. The tradition is to lock the padlock and throw the key in the water, symbolizing undying love.
Take in the Views
We're kind of famous for our sunsets in the Heart of SC. Pair these swoon-worthy skies with a stroll or skate along the Lake Murray Dam for a dreamy summer Pro tip: picnics also encouraged!
Swim and Sun Bathe
On the Lexington side of the Lake, there's a beach that's perfect for swimming and soaking up the Carolina sun to perfect your summer tan. Reservations need to be made in advance and it is $5 to per vehicle to park.