Cornelius, North Carolina is known for the gorgeous 70 miles of shoreline along Lake Norman and is bursting at the seams with things to see and do. To make it easy for you, we have compiled a list of things to do in Cornelius!

Get active with Aloha Paddle Sports

If you want to get active on the lake, Aloha Paddle Sports is a favorite place to stop by. They offer paddle board and kayak rentals, paddle boarding lessons for first timers, and excellent customer service in every aspect of the experience. Their mission is to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage the preservation of Lake Norman. Ever thought of doing yoga while on a paddle board? On Sunday mornings they offer the Aloha Yoga class. It's a fantastic way to test your balance and be one with the water. Their guided 1.5 hour Sunset Paddle Tour is another unique way of seeing Lake Norman and the sunset.  

Aloha

Aloha Paddle Sports

Party time with Charlotte Cycleboats

North Carolina’s first pedal powered, eco-friendly party boat, Charlotte Cycleboats, is a fun way to spend a couple hours on the lake. The boat is lined and powered by 10 pedal stations and is able to fit a party of 15 people. Perfect for groups of 21+ who are celebrating birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or just want a fun day with their friends! BYOB. Beer, wine and soda are all permitted on the journey and coolers are built in to keep everything cold. The captain is also equipped with a rockin’ playlist to keep the party going.

Charlotte Cycle Boat

Charlotte Cycleboats

Fun in the sun at Ramsey Creek Park and Jetton Park

Ramsey Creek Park has the only swimmer friendly beach in Cornelius. It is the perfect spot to cool off on a hot day, get your tan on, and enjoy some family time. You can pack a cooler full of snacks and water for a picnic in the park. It is $5 per car to park and is open from 10:00 am - 7:30 pm. Jetton Park also has a stunning beach that is perfect for kicking back and relaxing with friends, family or a good book. A 1.5-mile loop trail around the park is popular for walkers or runners to get some exercise and take in the lake. The park also features picnic areas, a white gazebo and a fully equipped playground area for the little ones.

Ramsey Creek

Ramsey Creek Park beach

Test your putting skills at LKN Mini Golf

Locally and family owned for 7 years, LKN Mini Golf is a fun outing for friends and families of all ages. The 18 hole course features caves, waterfalls, and bears oh my! The location also features a Laser Maze Challenge to help visitors harness their inner ninja and a rock wall. After you break a sweat, reward yourself with a LKN Snoball. The best way to beat the heat. Pricing, special rates and hours of operation can be found on the LKN Mini Golf website.

Mini Golf

photo courtesy of LKN Mini Golf

Eat something delicious

Cornelius is a foodie paradise. Grab lunch at Port City Club while sitting on their waterfront patios. The views are beautiful and a crab cake sandwich makes it a perfect lunch spot. Enjoy live music and drink specials at Galway Hooker Irish Pub. Every Friday and Saturday night at 10pm, the pub hosts live music, perfect for some weekend fun. 131 Main makes everything from scratch each day and focuses on informing each dinner about the freshly caught seafood and local ingredients in each dish. The skillet cornbread drizzled with warm honey is a must have! Recently listed as Bon appétit magazine’s Top 50 Nominees for America’s Best New Restaurants 2018, Hello Sailor features a “fish camp” style of food. Grab some food, a “Subterranean Spritz” cocktail, made with pineapple juice and key lime, at their outside tiki bar and enjoy the view of the sunset over the lake.

Hello Sailor

photo courtesy of @timrobinson

Sip on local beer

Started in 2014, D9 Brewing Company is one of three fantastic breweries in Cornelius. They specialize scientifically exploring the natural world and then creating original, crafted ales. They offer tours of the taproom every Friday between 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Eleven Lakes Brewing owners Jack and Ray are passionate about home-brew culture. Their year-round favorites like the Coconut Chocolate Porter and imaginative seasonal ales are all made with the same passion and attention to detail. The third brewery in Cornelius operates with the slogan Drink One, Don’t Be One. Ass Clown Brewing Company specialize in creating unique and flavorful beers. The brewery and tap room has a personality of its own and reminds every visitor that they are creating something amazing and different with their beers.

beer

photo courtesy of @nchoplife

Did our list match yours? Did we miss any of your favorites? Comment below and let us know your favorite things to do in Cornelius using #lovecornelius