5 Must-Visit Boating Destinations to Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend

For most of us in the US, Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer, and there’s no better way to kick it off than on the water. From chill urban escapes to vibrant party scenes to family-friendly Americana, our team has put together a list of their favorite boating spots for the holiday weekend — along with some insider knowledge to help you maximize your time on the water. Whatever your destination or vessel of choice, these lakes ensure good times, fresh air, and plenty of memories.

Lake Austin, Texas

Vibe: Exciting, social, and ready for good times all around.

If your Memorial Day must-haves include music, anchored hangouts, and a floating crowd that turns into a full-day scene, Lake Austin delivers in spades. It’s one of those places where the energy builds naturally, with people drifting together, hopping from boat to boat, and stretching a few casual hours into an entire day of fun.

“Lake Austin is where everyone shows up ready to have a good time,” says the Arc Central team. “You’ve got the party spots, but you’ve also got quiet stretches if you want to break away for a cruise.”

This contrast is what makes Lake Austin a favorite for the Arc team (and for so many Austin locals). You can dip into the vibrant social side, then peel off for a smooth run upriver when you want some space. It’s also one of the best lakes for boating if you like variety: smooth water, hidden pockets, and plenty of shoreline to anchor and share a beer with your friends.

“Ski Shores is a Lake Austin staple,” adds Kristin Szost, Arc Delivery Operations Advisor. “It has legendary frozen margaritas, good company, and you're sure to see an Arc boat floating around.”

For this Memorial Day weekend, keep an eye out for the Arc Sport and our floating summer outpost on the water. We’re turning the Arc Sport into a floating summer hang zone, where you can pull up, reset, enjoy some tunes, and keep the day going strong. We’ll also be stocked with snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and a few other essentials, making it the perfect pit stop between sessions on the water. Come say hi and kick off summer in style. RSVP here.

Biscayne Bay, Miami, Florida

Vibe: Refined, elevated, and urban.

Okay, yes, it’s not technically a lake. But what’s not to love about Biscayne Bay, Florida? Turquoise water, the Miami skyline, and some of the best sandbar scenes in the country.

What makes Biscayne Bay particularly appealing is the mix of vibes, flavors, and scenery — all in one beautiful stretch of water. Due to its size (35 miles from end to end, including over 250 square miles of water), you can easily anchor for a swim, then shift into an island hop, and finish at a dockside bar or restaurant without ever overplanning it.

To the north, you’ve got iconic coastal zones like Haulover with hundreds of boats tied up, shallow water swimming, and plenty of holiday partying. Head south and it opens up a bit more with quieter islands, longer runs, and stretches that feel more removed. In between, there’s everything from cruising past Star Island mansions to pulling up for dockside dining when you want a reset.

In Biscayne Bay, you never have to choose between social, laid back, or scenic, because you can effortlessly have a little bit of all three in one day.

Pro tip: Make sure to check out the dockside dining at Monty’s and the Rusty Pelican. Both are favorites for the Arc team in between demos and wakesurf sessions.

Lake Mead, Nevada/Arizona

Vibe: Big holiday energy, desert backdrop, and room to play.

Located about 30 miles outside of Las Vegas, Lake Mead is one of the busiest Memorial Day weekend boating destinations in the Southwest. Yes, it brings plenty of party energy, but thanks to its sheer size, it also gives you the space to find your own pace (and place) if you plan it right.

“Lake Mead is where I first learned to wakeboard and wakesurf, and it’s a unique place to ride,” says Lilly Ware, Arc’s Manager of Electrical Hardware Engineering. “The scale of the lake gives you room to find clean water, and just downstream, spots like Black Canyon offer a completely different kind of experience if you want to explore beyond the main lake.”

That range is what makes Mead stand out. You can tap into the high-traffic zones near marinas and popular coves, then break away for longer runs and quieter stretches in slot canyons when you want a reset. And, as mentioned above, Black Canyon offers a truly unique experience with hot springs, waterfalls, and scenic routes that feel far removed from the main lake. With 1.5 million acres of space and 750+ miles of shoreline, Lake Mead is a destination that should be at the top of anyone’s Memorial Day weekend list.

Pro tip: Plan your day around movement. Start early to beat the crowds, then explore beyond the main zones to take full advantage of the lake’s incredible scale.

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

Vibe: High-gear celebrations, endless shoreline, and a weekend that keeps going.

Lake of the Ozarks is built for Memorial Day weekend. In fact, it might be the biggest boating weekend for this spectacular body of water. Boats waking from winter hibernation, charcoal wafting across the water, and every waterfront bar packed wall to wall. But it’s more than just a raging party scene, and with over 1,100 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of options for an epic holiday weekend.

You’ll find everything here, from dockside restaurants and long cruising channels to quieter stretches and high-energy party coves. Osage Beach is a favorite for the Arc team, where you can anchor up, hang with other boaters, and grab some award-winning BBQ at Wobbly Boots Roadhouse.

Simply put, it’s one of the best lakes for boating on Memorial Day weekend, especially if you want variety without overthinking it.

Pro tip: Get to the boat launches early, embrace the energy, and you’ll see why people make it an annual tradition.

Lake George, New York

Vibe: Classic summer-camp feel with historical, Upstate NY charm.

With its rich heritage and timeless feel, Lake George has quietly become one of the best boating destinations in the Northeast — especially for a long Memorial Day weekend escape.

Tucked into New York’s Adirondacks, it’s less about spectacle and more about the setting: clean water, tree-lined shores, and a pace that invites you to stay out a little longer than planned. It’s the kind of place where the day unfolds naturally, without much effort. Plus, there’s an L3 marine charger at Queen Boat Co., so you and your crew can cruise the lake all day long.

“I grew up going to Lake George,” says Evan Sciancalepore, Arc Frontend Software Developer. “We’d spend the day on the water, then head into town, hit Playland for skeeball, and grab Capri Pizza. It’s still kind of the perfect day.”

That mix of lake time and small-town energy is what keeps people coming back. Memorial Day weekend here leans more low-key, classic Americana than flashy holiday scene. Think morning cruises, anchoring near quiet islands, and long lunches that turn into afternoon swims.

If you’re on or near Lake George this summer, we’ll have the Arc Sport available for demos from June 25 - July 5. Come find us, get out on the water, and see Lake George from a new, more electric perspective. See full schedule here.

See you out there

While we love these destinations for Memorial Day weekend, we also know great boating isn’t limited to a few lakes. It’s wherever you find good water, good friends, a bit of open space, and the time to enjoy it.

That’s why we’re bringing the Arc Sport to lakes across the country, all summer long. From Miami to Michigan to Montana, we’re giving everyone the chance to experience the power and fun of electric boating. Check out the tour schedule and sign up for a demo.

And make sure to follow us @arcboats to keep up with more summer events and tour updates.