Beautiful Lake Murray in South Carolina is called the jewel of the state and has been named in the 10 Best Places to Live and Boat by Boating magazine. Surrounded by cool towns such as Lexington, Irmo, and Chapin, there are plenty of options for recreation, dining, and services for those who do call the area home and for those visiting. Because if you can't live at Lake Murray, the next best thing is to vacation there! Let's explore how you can experience the wonder of Lake Murray Country in every season and an incredible vacation home rental near Lake Murray big enough for the whole family to come along.

The artistry of spring may best be experienced in Lake Murray Country at Wells Japanese Garden on Lindsay Street in the charming town of Newberry. This hidden gem features walking paths, ponds, bridges, including a Japanese Moon Bridge, a traditional Japanese Torii that serves as a gate to the sacred garden, and a teahouse. It's a small garden, yet, beautiful and peaceful.

Summers are for adventure and more of a carefree way of living while the kids are on summer break and the weather is warm. On Lake Murray, one fabulous summer experience is called the Purple Martin Phenomenon. This happens between July and August when Purple Martin birds "vacation" at Bomb Island each year during their migration from eastern North America to South America.

Each day while at Bomb Island, the birds leave in the morning to hunt for insects and train their young for the long flight ahead. They return back to the island in the evening around sunset, which is the best time to see the show they put on in the sky as they settle back onto Bomb Island. It is quite an experience!

You don't have to wait until Thanksgiving for feasting in the fall, that is, in Lake Murray Country anyway. Newberry is a little drive from Lake Murray, varying depending on which part of Lake Murray you're coming from. But that drive is well worth it to experience Oktoberfest, where you'll enjoy authentic German food as well as a fun German outfit contest, arts and crafts, and a biergarten.

It's called the most wonderful time of the year for a reason. And while there's plenty of the winter season outside of Christmas, there isn't much more magical than beautiful light displays on Lake Murray during the season!

No matter the season you're visiting, you're going to want to bring the whole family for this grand adventure, and this Lake Murray Waterfront Vrbo Home in Irmo is just the place. There is plenty of room for everyone without feeling cramped.

With three roomy bedrooms that sleep 12, three bathrooms, a living, and a kitchen, it's a setup that can work for some multi-generational or larger families.

You can spend the day out exploring Lake Murray Country and then settle in for a relaxing, comfortable evening together in this lakeside vacation home. During the daytime, you'll enjoy lots of natural light through the huge windows everywhere.

When planning your trip, allow for plenty of time for relaxing by or in the pool, even if for just a few hours one afternoon or evening.

If you'd like to get out on the lake, Lighthouse Marina in Chapin offers rentals and boat storage options...

... as well as on-site dining at Catfish Johnny's or Rusty Anchor and live entertainment on weekends.

If you've never been to Lake Murray before, it's time to plan a trip! Visit the Vrbo listing for this glorious vacation home rental near Lake Murray and book your stay.

Which season would you prefer to experience at Lake Murray if you could only choose one?