News Summary
Lake Murray has been recognized as the premier destination for water sports in the United States, according to USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This accolade highlights the lake’s vast recreational offerings, including paddle sports, boating, swimming, and fishing, attracting both locals and tourists. The selection process involved votes from the public after nominations from travel experts. With plans for Pine Island State Park to open soon, Lake Murray’s appeal as a year-round outdoor locale continues to grow.
Columbia, South Carolina – Lake Murray has been crowned the top destination for water sports in the United States, according to the prestigious USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, published on June 11, 2025. The ranking, which highlights the most unforgettable water sports experiences across the nation, places Lake Murray in the spotlight, much to the delight of both local residents and visitors.
The selection process involved nominations from travel experts and editors, followed by a public voting period that ran from May 5 to June 2, 2025. Lake Murray emerged victorious among a competitive field of 20 lakes nationwide, demonstrating its appeal as a premier location for outdoor recreational activities.
Spanning over 48,000 acres and located just west of downtown Columbia, Lake Murray offers a diverse range of activities for residents and tourists alike. With depths reaching approximately 200 feet, the lake provides a refreshing escape during the hot summer months, making it a popular spot for water-based fun.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at Lake Murray, including paddle sports, swimming, boating, jet skiing, and scuba diving, as well as leisurely floating on inner tubes while sipping on drinks. Additionally, the lake’s abundant gamefish species, such as striped bass, largemouth bass, bluegills, and white perch, attract fishing enthusiasts eager to cast their lines. The area is particularly vibrant during the summer, as families and friends gather to socialize and enjoy outdoor activities.
Aside from water sports, there are also numerous land-based activities available, with hiking and biking trails in the surrounding areas enhancing the recreational opportunities around the lake. The anticipated opening of Pine Island State Park in October 2025 is expected to further improve public access and enjoyment of the lake, allowing even more visitors to experience its beauty and recreational offerings.
Lake Murray’s recognition in the USA Today awards is not its first accolade. In 2024, it finished as a runner-up in the same category, and last year, Lake Jocassee, another South Carolina gem, was ranked first for swimming, showcasing the state’s natural attractions. Despite this new triumph, no other South Carolina locations were listed in the same categories for this year’s awards, underscoring Lake Murray’s unique status as a water sports hotspot.
With 650 miles of shoreline, Lake Murray not only provides ample space for various water sports but also fosters a sense of community among residents who frequently visit to take in its serene landscape. The lake’s designation as the best water sports destination reaffirms its reputation as a year-round outdoor recreation area, drawing in adventurers and leisure seekers alike.
As summer approaches, Lake Murray is set to become even busier, serving as a destination for those seeking adventure and a respite from the heat. The lake continues to thrive as a beloved landmark of South Carolina, where unforgettable water sports experiences await all who venture to its shores.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV
- Wikipedia: Lake Murray (South Carolina)
- Augusta Chronicle
- Google Search: Lake Murray water sports
- SW Lexington Ledger
- Google Scholar: Lake Murray water sports
- Cola Daily
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lake Murray
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
