Lake Norman is the largest man-made body of water in North Carolina and is only about a 40 minute drive north of Charlotte. A popular spot for Charlotteans in the summer, Lake Norman can make you feel like you're on an extravagant vacation when in reality you're really only a few miles from home.

Fed by the Catawba River, Lake Norman offers more than 520 miles of shoreline and has a surface area of more than 50 square miles. If you live in the city, but love being on the water, you must visit this lake as soon as you can - you'll be stunned by its beauty and will fall in love with the endless activities it offers throughout the year.

Lake Norman spans four counties and has led to the creation of 11 settlements that include Cornelius, Huntersville, Davidson, and Mooresville.

One of the only lakes in North Carolina that allows lake side building, Lake Norman is a desirable place to own a home if you want to be away from the city and live on a gorgeous body of water. There are tons of marinas, public docks and boat slips that make it easy for residents to own boats all throughout the year. The All Seasons Marina in Mooresville is an awesome spot that has over 200 slips, trailer storage and trailer boat storage.

There is nothing more serene then being out on the lake and enjoying the peaceful scenery around you.

There are tons of wild animals, birds, reptiles and fish who live at the lake and any given day you might see a bald eagle or catch a local fish when out exploring the water.

On a summer day, the lake will be hopping with activity and eager lake goers ready to sail, jetski, swim or just hang out on a dock.

If you don't own a boat, but like the idea of it, you can even join a boat share program where you pay a monthly fee to share a boat with others and take it out on the weekends that work for you.

Water skiing and jetskiing are also popular activities you can take part in on Lake Norman.

And if you don't know how, don't worry its the perfect place to learn and become an expert!

In addition to private boating, there are tons of companies at the lake that offer fun activities for the water loving visitor.

Charlotte Cycle Boats is a great company that provides pedal-powered party boats for rental.

Lake goers can rent a pedal boat and spend the day pedaling through gorgeous waters while enjoying a cold beverage.

If you are lucky you may catch a beautiful sunset while on your private ride.

Lake Norman is a great place to learn how to sail if you've ever wanted to take up sailing.

And Lake Norman High School even has a sailing team that practices and competes on the lake.

In the summer you'll find tons of boats docked in various areas of the lake enjoying music, parties and drinks.

Cocktail Cove is a hot spot for many regulars who head out and meet up with friends each weekend. Everyone is so friendly, you can often hop from boat to boat to meet new people and experience a new party.

If you're a nature lover, Lake Norman State Park is also a great place to visit.

Lake Norman State Park offers hiking, camping and a public beach all with the beautiful view of the lake present at all times. If you like to sleep under the stars, there's nothing better than pitching your tent here and falling asleep to the soft lapping of the lake hitting the shore.

Sunsets at the lake are absolutely breathtaking.

If you are looking for a romantic evening, you can book a dinner cruise through The Lady of the Lake where you can enjoy a wonderful meal and a beautiful scene with your loved one.

Even your pups will love the lake.

Often times you'll see dogs with their owners on boats or even dogs in their own life jackets enjoying the water like everyone else!

If you really want to treat yourself, you can try to find a rental up at the Point at Lake Norman in Mooresville.

One of the most prestigious neighborhoods near the lake, the properties are stunning with lakeside views, amazing pools, hot tubs and more. You'll feel like you're on an exotic tropical vacation if you rent one of these properties and you'll enjoy every minute of it.

A Greg Norman Golf Course at the Trump National Golf Club is a big draw for seasoned golfers.

It's a beautiful course with lakeside views on most holes, and golfers who have played it describe it as magically inspiring.

Many of the rental properties at the lake come with kayaks or paddle boards...

...so you can enjoy your favorite water activities even if you're only there for a weekend.

Lake Norman is an amazing Charlotte treasure that you'll fall in love with as soon as you visit!

Are you a lake goer? Tell us about some of your favorite lake activities in the comments. Happy boating!