Last Updated on July 21, 2025
Speed. Agility. Adrenaline-pumping excitement. That’s what it feels to sit behind the wheel of a PWC (personal watercraft), also known as a jet ski.
This favorite activity for water enthusiasts and thrill-seekers is not only fun, but steadily gaining popularity throughout the world. Unlike traditional water sports that rely on the wind, tight maneuvering through narrow areas, or water depth concerns, jet-skiers can experience the excitement of gliding across the water’s surface at high speeds, performing exhilarating moves and enjoying the freedom that comes with the sport. If you’ve never tried jet-skiing, it’s a heck of an exciting experience. I know, because I’ve done it in both lakes and oceans.
As the fastest growing marine marketplace in the U.S., Boatmart has ranked some top towns for jet ski enthusiasts, spanning from east to west, highlighting some of the best destinations in the country.
Dadeville and Jackson’s Gap, Alabama
Lake Martin represents pure southern leisure and hospitality. The vibe is chill; the water is clear and friendly locals’ wave as you boat by. Known for its iconic Chimney Rock, a well-known cliff jumping spot and waterfront restaurants with live music, Lake Martin provides a welcoming after-water sports social hour.
The Landing at Parker Creek in Dadeville hosts seasonal events with PWC parking and food trucks located right on the dock.
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Lake Havasu has earned the distinction as being the unofficial capital of the PWC culture in the Southwest. Having friends who live and boat here all the time, they completely agree.
With 60 miles of navigable waterways, clear-sky mornings, and legendary party coves, this is where jet-skiers come to “let loose.” As an added bonus, the rebuilt London Bridge adds its own unique kitschy charm, and the town boasts an all-hours hub for food, fuel, and fun.
Page/Lake Powell, Arizona
What a stunning lake, with its aquatic labyrinth, crystalline waters, more than 90 side canyons and 2,000 miles of shoreline. Many describe it as exploring a flooded Grand Canyon by PWC.
Page is the basecamp for your lake adventures which include heading through remote slot canyons, surrounded by towering red cliffs, and remote campsites that can only be reached by water.
Shasta Lake, California
You’ll find big scenery, fewer crowds, and a lot more privacy than many of California’s larger lakes. What makes Shasta Lake so unique is its floating marinas and houseboat rentals. Boaters can weave through narrow coves that open into vast, grassy stretches with emerald waters and picturesque volcanic foothills.
There are plenty of places to stay, eat and wind down, and off the water there’s great hiking and one of the area’s most stunning masterpieces of nature, 200-million year-old Shasta Caverns, an underground world of fascinating geological formations studded with crystals and glistening limestone.
South Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Renowned for its deep azure, crystal-clear waters and snow-capped backdrops, Lake Tahoe offers jet-skiers quite an impressive nature experience. Sand Harbor provides a smooth, protected stretch of water ideal for cruising and kayaking.
After a day on the lake, South Lake Tahoe is the perfect town with restaurants, a vibrant music scene and even its own casino.
Kimberling City, Missouri
If you’re into fishing as well as exuberant water sports, Table Rock Lake is known for its bass-rich coves and warm waters. Kimberling City is much less touristy than Branson, but still offers full-service marinas and lakeside lodging.
The absence of big boat traffic and stunning Ozark Mountain backdrops make for a pleasurable experience without the hordes.
Laconia and Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
Lake Winnipesaukee is a PWC-friendly patchwork of inlets, islands, and charming lakeside villages. You can launch from Laconia and ride to Wolfeboro for breakfast on the dock. Or explore Bear Island and the secluded passages around the Broads.
Each June, the town hosts Laconia Motorcycle Week, drawing thousands of bikers. Many of them also bring their own jet-skis, creating a cross-sport energy unique to this New England getaway.
Lake George, New York
You’ll feel as though you’re having several perfect-postcard moments when you’re zipping through the waters of this stunning body of water dubbed the “Queen of American Lakes.” Glacial Lake George is one of the clearest lakes in the U.S. with strict-boating restrictions set forth to protect its magnificent waters.
The village of Lake George on the southern lakeshore is also idyllic with its historic steamboat pier, lakefront boardwalk promenade and floating ice cream shops.
Durant, Oklahoma
Lake Texoma in Durant features 89,000 acres of water, making it large, breezy and ideal for open riders who want room to cut loose. Jet-skiers can launch from Durant or Eisenhower State Park and head to West Burns Run or the “Party Cover” near Treasure Island.
Durant’s Choctaw Casino Resort offers a perfect place to refuel and recharge. The lake also hosts PWC poker runs and holiday flotillas, making it one of the more event-driven lakes on the list.
Jet-Ski Safety Tips
It’s great to enjoy the thrill of a PWC ride, and once you do, I guarantee you’ll want to do it again. But maintaining safety along with all the fun is vitally important.
Familiarize Yourself with the Jet Ski. If you’re fairly new at the sport or renting a PWC you’ve never used before, listen to the instructions given by the rental company. Important information on usage, emergencies, water depth, restricted areas and more is provided for a reason.
Avoid Abrupt Movements. Though the newest jet skis are very stable and not easy to capsize, almost all still have a sticker that tells what to do if and when you capsize. The most common way to avoid an overturn is to stay away from abrupt movements, watch out for high waves and turbulent waters and inclement weather, and keep the speed down when the waves break higher.
Wear Protective Gear. This includes a lifejacket and most states require personal flotation devices for jet-ski use. You may be an excellent swimmer, but in case of an accident or an unexpected fall into the water, you are more protected. Also, having a whistle attached to the life vest is an added safety precaution I recommend.
Follow Speed Limits and No-Wake Zones. You don’t want your fun experience to turn into a bad experience by receiving a fine or worse yet, hurting someone. Be mindful of other water users including swimmers, divers, snorkelers, paddleboarders, and other boats.
Avoid Alcohol Use. There’s plenty of time to happy hour after a PWC ride. Intoxication or even small amounts of alcohol while in the sun can impair judgement, coordination and reaction time, heightening the risk of accidents or collisions on the water.
So, don that safety jacket, be familiar with your jet ski, and go enjoy a safe, exciting and exhilarating water adventure.
