We all know summer is best spent on the water, but even better, on the back of a jet ski. Whether you’re an avid jet skier or have been waiting to invest in a personal watercraft (PWC) of your own, then this is a sign you need to plan a road trip to one of the many epic jet ski beaches and lakes out there.
If you love to jet ski but hate crowds, then you’re in luck because we compiled a list of the most epic and underrated jet ski beaches and lakes. Sure, you could hit Miami Beach, New City Harbor, or Lake Powell, but so will everyone else. Now you can design a road trip itinerary that takes you on the path less traveled.
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Jet Ski Lakes
Saguaro Lake, Arizona
Been searching for the perfect southwest jet ski lake but not interested in the crowds at Lake Powell? Check out Saguaro Lake in Mesa, Arizona.
Located about an hour northeast of Phoenix, this lake offers gorgeous views, truly untamed desert wildlife, and a marina restaurant. You can also enjoy a Desert Belle cruise or rent a pontoon boat.
While the marina does not currently offer jet ski rentals, you can bring your own and spend all day cruising around the lake amongst the towering saguaros.
Big Bear Lake, California
One often thinks of Lake Tahoe when considering the quintessential California lake experience. But that draws a crowd and can get rather busy.
Majestic mountains, pine trees, cozy cabins, and all-season activities are a highly-sought after combo. Big Bear Lake offers this and more! Two hours east of Los Angeles makes it the perfect day trip, weekend trip, or month-long escape.
From jet skiing to fishing, boat tours to paddleboarding, Big Bear Lake boasts many options for everyone. There are also many non-lake things to do when you start feeling a little water-logged.
You can rent jet skis at multiple marinas around the lake. If you have your own jet skis, there are many public ramps to load motorized and non-motorized vessels into the water.
Using the public boat ramps requires a Lake Use Permit, but they are daily, multi-day, and annual pass options available depending on how long you’re staying around the area.
Pyramid Lake, California
Are you looking for even more of a hidden gem than Big Bear Lake? Pyramid Lake is truly off the beaten path.
One hour north of Los Angeles and just 30-min away from Santa Clarita, this lake is the perfect spot when you prefer to get more of the lake to yourself.
Within the Angeles and Los Padres National Forests and surrounded by soaring mountains, the lake is technically a reservoir formed by a dam and gets its name from a pyramid-shaped rock that engineers carved.
The Vista del Lago Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free. There are no rental companies, so it’s B.Y.O.J.S. (Bring Your Own Jet Ski). Seasonally, kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent.
Pyramid Lake is the perfect tucked-away jet ski lake destination as many of the best beaches are only accessible by boat or jet ski, so you could all day speeding across the water and exploring the lake’s shorelines.
Lake Michigan, Illinois
For those who prefer city life to wildlife, Lake Michigan around the Chicago area is an epic spot to rent a jet ski. Ride up and down the iconic Chicago skyline during a fun-filled weekend getaway.
Chicago is an excellent stop on your jet ski road trip. In addition to all the water activities, the city offers many museums, parks, and other attractions to enjoy after your lake day is complete.
If you don’t have your own PWC, there are many rental choices along the shoreline.
Jet Ski Beaches
Perdido Key, Florida
Panama City Beach is one of Florida’s most popular jet ski beaches, but if you want to take your PWC to a more unique spot, drive three hours west and check out Perdido Key.
Just 30 minutes away from Pensacola, Perdido Key rests on the Florida-Alabama border and offers abundant water activities, nature preserves, and state parks to enjoy.
Experience picturesque white sands and blue waters while immersing yourself in nature. They don’t call it the “lost island” for nothing. The area is also considered a true wildlife sanctuary.
With plenty of beach access points and public boat ramps, getting your jet ski on the water for your adventure will be easy. There are also several jet ski and boat rental companies in the area.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
More than just a hit show on Netflix, the Outer Banks of North Carolina is a coastal region full of activities for the whole family. It could be the final spot on your adventure road trip or just a weekend escape.
The area is famous for romantic seaside getaways, beautiful sunsets, white beaches, and fantastic wildlife. Pick a favorite town to settle for a few days, or jump around as you explore the line of barrier islands from top to bottom.
Not only is it a perfect haven for PWC (owned or rented), there is windsurfing, paddleboarding, sailing, plus many different kinds of boat rentals.
It is important to note that each town along the Outer Banks will have its own rules and regulations for PWC, so be sure to research before you go wherever you’re staying.
East coast to west coast, north or south, the United States offers an abundance of jet ski beaches and jet ski lakes, some busy and some secluded. For nature lovers, city lovers, and those who want a little bit of both, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy your watercraft, whether on a lake, ocean, or bay.
If you’ve finally invested in your very own jet ski but need to get it home, list it on uShip to start getting quotes from our network of transporters who specialize in boat shipping. They’ll get your new PWC to you safely and stress-free so you can get to your first jet ski destination as soon as possible.
