Fun on Skiatook Lake - Tulsa, OK — Photo courtesy of OakleyOriginalsTulsa, OK, is fortunate to be surrounded by weekend-worthy lakes like Grand, Keystone and Skiatook Lakes. Skiatook, one of the most beautiful (an hour away from Tulsa), is the perfect place to head for Memorial Day (and if there’s time left over, check out one of Tulsa’s attractions). Keystone Lake, just 15 miles west of the city, provides 16 recreation areas, lots of beaches, 3 marinas, and horse and bike trails.
A little over an hour away, Grand Lake (near Grove, OK) is a massive reservoir with a 1,300 mile shoreline. Lake cruises, parasailing, vineyard tours and luxurious cabins are some of the nice pluses here.
Vikingsholm Castle on Emerald Bay — Photo courtesy of *~Dawn~*The official kickoff to the summer season will be in full swing at Lake Tahoe. The Memorial Day weekend is the typical Annual Opening Day at the Lake celebration which is the official launch of the summer boating season. Special events and opening tours will be held at places such as the Sunnyside Resort, the Vikingsholm Castle in Emerald Bay and the Gatekeeper's Museum in Tahoe City.
Of course, Tahoe spring weather usually allows for continued skiing at resorts like Squaw Valley and Kirkwood. If you want to get out of the area for a while, head to Virginia City and ride the Virginia & Truckee steam train down to Gold Hill and Carson City.
Lake Lanier, SC — Photo courtesy of JamSmooth
Lake Lanier, just northeast of Atlanta, Georgia, is popular with recreational water enthusiasts, including houseboaters and jet skiers. However, the biggest draw is the Lake Lanier Islands Resort and water park: Lanierworld. With beaches, entertainment, water rides and plenty of fun in the sun, the resort also has every activity you could hope for, from golf to horseback riding to a day at the spa. Home of the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club, world championship and Olympic canoeing events have been held here.
Lake Erie — Photo courtesy of Eddie~S
Lake Erie, being the 4th largest of the Great Lakes and bounded by four states, provides an enormous amount of vacationing fun. In the heart of Cleveland, Ohio, lies the 419-acre Cleveland Lakefront State Park. With beautiful views of the lake and the city skyline, one can enjoy the many swimming beaches here and a 9-mile bike bath. Headland's Beach has the longest sand beach in the state and the nearby Marina at Wildwood provides 6 ramps for boating enthusiasts and fishermen.
Fountain at Lake Eola in Orlando, FL — Photo courtesy of Lake Eola Park/Facebook
Usually a hub for holiday and city events, Lake Eola keeps it low-key for Memorial Day Weekend in Orlando. The go-to place for a beautiful view and Orlando’s famous fountain boasts a playground for kids and a grocery store on the corner, making it easy to grab snacks for a picnic. This year, a half-size replica of the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial will be escorted by 100 motorcycles as it makes Lake Eola its home for the weekend.
