Trails, docks, farms, markets.

Belmont's town beach on the lake's southern end — 350 feet of imported white sand, a playground, and a beach decal required at the gate for anyone who isn't a resident. Staffed daily late June through mid-August, weather permitting; outside that window it runs unsupervised. The Winnisquam Scenic Trail starts right here if the swim turns into an afternoon walk.

Paved, ADA-accessible rail-trail running about two miles from Leslie E. Roberts Beach north toward Osborne's Agway, wide enough for two-way bike traffic without the standoff smaller trails force. It ties directly into Laconia's WOW Trail at the Belmont town line, making a combined stretch of more than six miles along two lakes and a bay. Free parking at the beach lot.

The world's only lift-served mountain dedicated entirely to downhill biking, about ten minutes from the lake in Northfield — 38 downhill trails, two dirt-jump parks, and a 9,100-square-foot indoor training building for the days the weather doesn't cooperate. Seasonal, late April through mid-November; the lodge restaurant and pub stay open year-round even after the lifts stop running.

Undeveloped 128 acres on the lake's east shore with 3,500 feet of shoreline and a mountain-biking trail network built and maintained by the local NEMBA chapter. No staff, no bathrooms, no fee — park where there's room and walk in. The land used to be part of the old Laconia State School; the quiet now is the whole point.

City beach at the end of Winnisquam Avenue with a fishing pier, playground, and free parking — no admission fee, unlike some of the town beaches nearby. There's no lifeguard on duty, so it's a swim-at-your-own-judgment spot rather than one to leave younger kids unsupervised at. It also doubles as trailhead parking for the WOW Trail.

Paved rail-trail following the active Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad tracks from Lakeport through downtown Laconia — 4.25 continuous miles today, with a planned extension to nine that would eventually reach Meredith. The Opechee Bay stretch is the prettiest section; Bartlett Beach and the Lake Opechee Inn both work as parking. It connects seamlessly into Belmont's Winnisquam Scenic Trail at the town line.

The lake's main marina and rental fleet — more than 35 pontoons, bowriders, and deck boats from Bennington, Bayliner, and Monterey, based on Sunset Drive. Renters without a boating certificate can take the 14-day temporary NASBLA test right at the counter; anyone renting anything over 25 horsepower needs it. Rental day runs 9 to 4; book by phone or text for same-day availability in season.

Winnisquam Marine's second facility on Laconia Road in Tilton — newly built docks, a modern valet rack, and slips for runabouts, pontoons, and PWCs in a no-wake zone right by the Route 3 bridge and its sandbar. Two bathhouses on site, one with a shower, plus Wi-Fi and video security. The better call if the plan is tying up near the bridge rather than trailering out.

State-owned launch at the end of Water Street with a concrete ramp, paved lot, and a floating dock split into two ramps — no launch fee, which isn't true everywhere on this lake. It's the public alternative to the marina rental counters for anyone trailering in their own boat. Water Street dead-ends right at the ramp; there's no missing it.

The lake's real social hub — a shallow sand shelf at the southwest end, just north of the Route 3 bridge, where a dozen boats raft together on a summer Saturday in waist-deep water. Anchor on the upstream side and wade in rather than trying to nose a bow directly onto the sand. Crowds thin out considerably by early evening and on weekdays.

Open-air outlet center right at Exit 20 with Coach, J.Crew, Nike, and Talbots among the anchors, plus Five Guys and Starbucks on site for a lunch break mid-shop. The rainy-day answer for a lake week that gets one bad-weather afternoon. EV charging and a children's play area take some of the friction out of a family stop.

Seven-screen movie theater on West Main Street with recliner seating and a full kitchen and bar built into the auditoriums — beer and a burger with the movie, not just popcorn. The attached GameLAB runs axe-throwing, an arcade, and comedy nights for a second stop after the credits roll. The rainy-day fallback once the outlets have already been done.

Eighteen-hole public course on the Tilton side of the lake, the closest tee time to Exit 20 for a group that wants a morning round before the boat goes in the water. Walkable pace on weekdays; weekend tee times book up by Thursday in July. Plan around the wedding-season Saturdays — the clubhouse hosts its share.

Public nine-hole course on the Belmont side, shorter and less crowded than Lochmere across the water — the better call for a quick nine before dinner rather than a full morning commitment. Walking is common here; carts are available but not required. Season runs roughly April through October depending on snowmelt.