Lake Okeechobee Tours and Activities

Lake Okeechobee featuring landscape views, a lake or waterhole and tranquil scenes
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Florida’s largest freshwater lake is a popular spot to fish and hike. 

Lake Okeechobee, meaning “Big Water,” is an important recreational destination for boating, fishing, bird watching and hiking. The massive lake covers 730 square miles (1,891 square kilometers). It measures 38 miles long by 29 miles wide (59 by 48 kilometers), and has an average depth of nine feet (three meters). The lake and surrounding wetlands drain into the Florida Everglades, making this a vital part of the local ecosystem and South Florida’s freshwater supply. 

Book a fishing charter at Clewiston, a town on the southwest corner of the lake. Trips cater to every skill level, from beginner to experienced angler. The area is renowned for largemouth bass fishing, and both commercial and recreational fishermen use the lake. The best time to fish is from December through March.

The 110-mile (177-kilometer) Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail runs around the lake along the Herbert Hoover Dike. This is a beautiful route for hiking or cycling year-round. Take in views of the lake and surrounding agricultural area from the top of the embankment. Hike as much or as little of the trail as you like, and stop for a rest at picnic tables along the way. Expect to see herons and egrets around the edge of the lake, and huge flocks of a wide variety of birds during the migratory seasons.

Visit the nearby town of Belle Glade, on the south end of the lake, to play a round of golf at the Sugar Cane Golf Club. The city of Okeechobee, on the north end of the lake, hosts regular events at the Rodeo Arena. Check the arena’s website for a schedule of events. 

The lake is about 70 miles (111 kilometers) northwest of Fort Lauderdale. You’ll need a car if you plan to visit on your own as a day trip from Fort Lauderdale. Tour companies run hiking trips to the lake from Fort Lauderdale and Clewiston.

Plan a trip to see Lake Okeechobee

Palazzo Lakeside Hotel
Icon Residences By Sunnyside Hotel and Resorts
Mayfair House Hotel & Garden
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Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Lake Okeechobee

Flamingo Motel
Flamingo Motel
2.5 out of 5
4101 Highway 441 South, Okeechobee, FL
Flamingo Motel
Americas Best Value Inn Historic Clewiston Inn
Americas Best Value Inn Historic Clewiston Inn
2.5 out of 5
108 Royal Palm Avenue, Clewiston, FL
Americas Best Value Inn Historic Clewiston Inn
Seminole Inn
Seminole Inn
3 out of 5
15885 SW Warfield Blvd, Indiantown, FL
Seminole Inn
Tru by Hilton Port St. Lucie Tradition
Tru by Hilton Port St. Lucie Tradition
2.5 out of 5
11560 SW Village Pkwy, Port Saint Lucie, FL
Tru by Hilton Port St. Lucie Tradition
Homewood Suites by Hilton Port Saint Lucie-Tradition
Homewood Suites by Hilton Port Saint Lucie-Tradition
3 out of 5
10301 Sw Innovation Way, Port Saint Lucie, FL
Homewood Suites by Hilton Port Saint Lucie-Tradition
Courtyard by Marriott Port St. Lucie Tradition
Courtyard by Marriott Port St. Lucie Tradition
3 out of 5
10251 SW Innovation Way, Port Saint Lucie, FL
Courtyard by Marriott Port St. Lucie Tradition
Cozy rustic cabin in the Heartland of Florida!
Cozy rustic cabin in the Heartland of Florida!
Clewiston
Cozy rustic cabin in the Heartland of Florida!
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Port St. Lucie I-95
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Port St. Lucie I-95
2.5 out of 5
10460 SW Village Parkway, Port Saint Lucie, FL
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Port St. Lucie I-95
Mainstay Suites at PGA Village
Mainstay Suites at PGA Village
2.5 out of 5
8501 Champions Way, Port Saint Lucie, FL
Mainstay Suites at PGA Village
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.