Lake Hefner

Take a break from urban life and kick back at Lake Hefner, a 2,500-acre lake on the southwest edge of Oklahoma City. Encircled by bike trails, Lake Hefner is the perfect place to take a leisurely sunset stroll, walk the dogs or simply enjoy the expansive view.

Sailing, windsurfing, wakeboarding and other water sports are popular pastimes; it’s always fun to pack a picnic lunch on the weekend and watch the action from the shore. Or, practice your swing at Lake Hefner Golf Club, where two challenging courses are marked by lush greens and bunkered fairways.

Famished from all the fun on the water? Hit up the restaurants on the East Wharf, where patio seating abounds and the sweet lakeside breeze will cool you off in no time. There’s something for every budget: Louie’s Grill & Bar, featuring burgers, pizzas and other All-American grub; Mama Roja Mexican Kitchen, a great place to grab a frosty margarita and sizzling fajitas; Redrock Canyon Grill, serving up signature dishes like Persimmon Hill meatloaf, rotisserie chicken and homemade key lime pie; and Hefner Grill, boasting favorites such as pecan crusted trout, grilled bone-in pork chop, seafood enchiladas and Newporter chicken salad.

Plus, don’t forget to take a photo by the lake’s signature lighthouse. Situated on the end of a strip of land jutting out into the water, the lighthouse flashes a red, two-second off-and-on pattern from dusk to dawn over Lake Hefner.

Adventureroad.com