Lake with whispy clouds

Lake Okeechobee Vacation Rentals

Lake Okeechobee, Florida, United States
26.95° N, -80.8° W
Lake Okeechobee
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Known as “Florida’s Inland Sea,” Lake Okeechobee is a sprawling expanse of shimmering water and untamed beauty, covering 730 square miles in the heart of the Sunshine State. Encircled by the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST), a 109-mile path atop the Herbert Hoover Dike, the lake invites cyclists, birders, and photographers to explore its panoramic views.

Notable lookout points include the scenic pier in Pahokee and the observation decks in Port Mayaca and Lakeport, where sunrise casts a golden sheen across the open water. Anglers flock here for world-class largemouth bass fishing, with Clewiston and Okeechobee City serving as hubs for high-stakes tournaments like the Roland Martin Marine Series and the FLW Tour.

After a day on the water, unwind at Lightsey’s Seafood Restaurant in Okeechobee or The Tiki Bar at Roland Martin Marina. Cultural events round out the experience: don’t miss the Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival each spring or the Speckled Perch Festival celebrating local heritage in March. Whether you’re casting a line, riding the trail, or savoring the view, Lake Okeechobee offers an authentic slice of wild Florida.

Surface area (mi)
1042.66
Max depth (ft)
13.12
Shoreline length (mi)
136.7
Best time to go
Visit Lake Okeechobee from late January to early April, when the sun bathes the waters in golden light and the breeze carries whispers of thawing nature. This is peak fishing season; anglers flock for bass tournaments. Revel in serene boat rides, vibrant wildlife, and fewer tourists, creating a canvas of tranquility and intimate connection with Florida’s stunning landscape.
Water Quality
Lake Okeechobee's water exhibits a deep blue hue, often appearing murky or cloudy due to high phosphorus levels and algal blooms. The water clarity is typically low, with Secchi depths averaging between 0.2 to 0.5 meters in winter and 0.3 to 0.9 meters in summer, indicating reduced transparency.

Ideal for

  • Family friendly:
  • Pet friendly:
  • Romantic getaways:

Popular activities

  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Ice Skating
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Marinas on Lake Okeechobee

Where to stay

Golfcourse
Golfcourse
Lehigh Acres, Florida South-West, USA
$214 night

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Lake Okeechobee has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • No, it is not safe to swim in Lake Okeechobee due to the presence of harmful blue-green algae and the risk of alligator encounters. Avoid contact with the water where algae blooms are visible, and keep pets and livestock away to prevent exposure to toxic algae.

  • Lake Okeechobee is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts because of its exceptional fishing opportunities. It is known as the “Bass Fishing Capital of the World” and offers hikes and bike rides along the 109-mile Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail. Airboat rides and ecotourism activities are also available, making it a diverse outdoor destination.

  • For largemouth bass in Lake Okeechobee, the bag limit is 5, with only one bass allowed to be 16 inches or longer, and no minimum length limit. For black crappie, the bag limit is 25, and crappie under 10 inches must be released. These regulations help maintain the fish population.

  • There are no traditional public beaches on Lake Okeechobee. The lake is surrounded by an earthen dam and various access points for fishing, boating, and scenic views, but it does not have designated swimming beaches. Instead, it offers several recreation areas with boat ramps, bank fishing, and picnic facilities.

  • Towns near Lake Okeechobee that offer amenities for visitors include Okeechobee City, Port Saint Lucie, and Fort Pierce. Okeechobee City has a scenic trail, fishing pier, and historic district. Port Saint Lucie and Fort Pierce provide additional amenities like shops and restaurants.