14 Small Lake Town Boardwalks with Sunset Strolls

There is something about a small lake town in the early evening that makes you want to slow down and stay outside a little longer. Boardwalks are perfect for that, since you can keep the walk easy while the water stays right beside you. As the sun starts dropping, the light changes fast and every step feels a little more peaceful. Some towns have long stretches of planks near marinas, while others keep it simple with a short waterfront path and a few benches facing the lake. Either way, it is a great excuse to put your phone away for a minute and just watch the sky shift.

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Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on Lake Coeur d’Alene

Coeur d’Alene has a waterfront vibe that makes a sunset stroll feel easy even if you are only in town for one night. The floating boardwalk near the resort area gives you a close-up view of the marina and boats while you walk. It feels different from a standard path because the water is right there beside you and you can hear it moving around the docks. As the sun gets lower, the reflections off the lake start to do most of the work for you, so the scene stays interesting without any effort.

It is a nice place to slow down and lean on the rail for a minute, especially if you like watching boats come and go. If you are walking with kids, there is plenty to look at and the route feels clear and contained. If you want fewer crowds, go later in the evening on a weekday when people are more spread out. Keep your phone handy for photos, since the marina views tend to look extra good right before the light fades.

Sandpoint, Idaho on Lake Pend Oreille

Sandpoint is a small lake town where the views feel big the moment you get near the shoreline. A classic sunset option is walking the Long Bridge pedestrian route, since it puts you out over the water with wide views back toward town and the mountains. The walk is simple, but it does not feel boring because the scenery keeps changing as the light shifts. If you prefer staying closer to town, you can start near the beach area and follow lakeside paths that keep you near the water.

Sunset here tends to look extra pretty because the lake surface can catch color in a way that looks almost painted. Bring a warm layer if you are visiting outside midsummer, since the lake breeze can cool down quickly. If you like quiet, aim for a weekday evening when there is still a little movement but not a packed crowd. End the walk with a casual bite nearby so you can keep the relaxed mood going after the sun is gone.

Salmon Arm, British Columbia on Shuswap Lake

Salmon Arm is a great pick if you want a boardwalk walk that feels calm and focused on the water. The Salmon Arm Wharf is set up for strolling, with long wooden sections that stretch out over Shuswap Lake. It is a fun place to walk slowly because you can stop often without feeling like you are blocking anyone. Sunset is a sweet time here because the open lake view gives you a wide horizon and lots of sky.

You can watch birds and other wildlife while you walk, which makes it feel like more than a standard waterfront path. If you are taking photos, the railing and curves of the wharf make the scene look nice from several angles. Plan for a light jacket, since the temperature can change fast once the sun is close to the waterline. When you head back toward town, it is easy to finish the evening with something warm to drink and a low-key meal.

Meredith, New Hampshire on Lake Winnipesaukee

Meredith has that classic lakes region feels where a sunset stroll can be the main event. A local favorite is walking near the waterfront parks where paths and boardwalk sections give you steady views over Lake Winnipesaukee. The route is easy to follow, so you can keep the vibe relaxed without thinking too hard about where to turn. You get a mix of water views, docks, and little park spaces where it is natural to pause and watch the sky shift.

It is a good town for a slower pace because the waterfront area feels made for wandering. If you want a quieter moment, step a little away from the busiest spots and find a bench where you can face the lake. Bring a warm layer if you are there in spring or fall, since the air can cool off quickly once the sun drops. After the walk, downtown is close enough that you can grab dessert or coffee without needing to drive again.

Lake George, New York on Lake George

Lake George is well known, but it can still feel like a small-town experience when you focus on the lakefront for an evening walk. The lakefront walkway area makes it easy to take a sunset stroll without needing a long hike or a big plan. You can keep your pace casual, stop to look out over the water, and then continue when you feel like it.

The views feel open, and the shoreline activity gives you plenty to watch while the light starts to soften. Sunset is a good time to go because the air often feels cooler and the lake looks calmer than it does in the middle of the day. If you want a smoother walk, wear shoes with decent grip since lakefront areas can have damp spots near the edge. If crowds are not your thing, aim for a weekday evening or a shoulder season visit when the path feels less busy. Finish with a simple dinner nearby so the night stays easy and relaxed.

Skaneateles, New York on Skaneateles Lake

Skaneateles is a Finger Lakes town where the waterfront feels built for an early evening walk. The pier and the nearby park space make a natural route, so you can stroll out over the water and then loop back through the village. It is the kind of place where you can keep talking while you walk because the path is simple and the setting stays pretty the whole time. Sunset works well here since the lake view stays wide and the light makes the water look clearer and softer.

You can pause on the pier, watch the boats, and let the sky do its thing without rushing. If you like a calmer vibe, go a little before the sun starts dropping so you can find a good spot without feeling crowded. Bring a light layer because lakeside air can cool off quickly once the light fades. Afterward, the village is close enough that you can keep the evening going with ice cream or a casual drink.

Canandaigua, New York on Canandaigua Lake

Canandaigua is a solid choice if you like a lakeside pier walk that feels classic and relaxed. The City Pier area is set up for wandering, with docks and shoreline views that make sunset feel like a built-in activity. You can walk at an easy pace, stop to look at the water, and then keep going without needing a big route. The scene feels friendly because people tend to show up for the same reason, which is to watch the sky change and enjoy the lake.

If you bring a camera, the pier lines and the water behind it make photos look clean and simple. If you want a quieter walk, go on a weekday evening when there is still life around but fewer groups. Bring a warm layer since the lake breeze can turn cool fast once the sun starts to drop. Wrap up the walk with a quick snack nearby so you end the night feeling content instead of rushed.

Grand Haven, Michigan on Lake Michigan

Grand Haven is a great lake town when you want a boardwalk stroll that pairs well with sunset. The boardwalk area follows the channel and connects nicely to the pier, so the walk feels smooth and natural. You get steady water views, plus the bonus of watching boats pass through as you head toward the lake. Sunset is a strong time to go because the light hits the water and the pier in a way that makes everything look warmer.

The pier lights and catwalk setup near the lighthouses adds a cool backdrop for photos while you walk. If you do not want to feel rushed, start your walk before the sun is low so you can find a spot to pause when the sky starts changing. Bring a light jacket since the wind near the lake can pick up fast once the sun drops. End the evening by turning back along the boardwalk and grabbing a simple treat in town.

Grand Marais, Minnesota on Lake Superior

Grand Marais feels like a small town where you can walk the waterfront and actually hear yourself think. The harbor area near Artist’s Point and Harbor Park gives you a scenic route with open lake views and a shoreline feel that stays interesting. It is not a flashy boardwalk scene, but it is perfect for a slow sunset stroll with plenty of spots to stop and look out. You can follow the harbor edge, watch the water shift color, and see the town lights start to come on behind you.

Sunset works well here because the horizon feels wide and the lake can look almost endless. If you like taking photos, the harbor and lighthouse views give you a lot to work with without moving far. Dress in layers because Lake Superior can turn chilly fast once the sun is low, even in warmer months. After your walk, you can head back into town for something warm and keep the evening mellow.

Saugatuck, Michigan on the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan

Saugatuck is a good pick when you want a waterfront stroll that feels casual and easy. The town has a boardwalk area along the river, so you can walk with water beside you while the sky starts changing color. It is a relaxed route where you can pause often without feeling out of place. Since the river leads toward Lake Michigan, the air starts to cool down as evening comes on, which makes the walk feel refreshing.

Sunset is a great time because the light reflects off the water and gives the whole waterfront a softer look. If you want fewer crowds, go on a weekday evening when people are more spread out along the path. Wear comfortable shoes since you may end up looping through town before or after the boardwalk stretch. Finish the night with a simple dinner nearby and let the lake town mood do the rest.

Tahoe City, California on Lake Tahoe

Tahoe City has an easy lakeside walk that works perfectly when you want a sunset plan that does not feel like a big production. The town has a boardwalk and bike path that runs along the water, with spots where you can stop at piers and look out over the lake. It is a great setup for a slow stroll because you can keep moving or pause whenever the view grabs you.

As sunset gets closer, the lake surface starts reflecting more color and the mountains shift into darker silhouettes. The path is friendly for groups, couples, or solo walkers since it stays clear and open. Bring a layer even in summer because the temperature can drop quickly once the sun is low. If you want a quieter walk, go a little later when day visitors start heading out. Afterward, stay near the waterfront for a calm finish, since the last bit of light over Lake Tahoe can be worth waiting for.

Harbor Beach, Michigan on Lake Huron

Harbor Beach is a smaller lakeside town where a simple pier walk can feel like a full evening plan. The Pack Street Pier area has been developed as a waterfront feature, giving visitors a clear place to stroll and enjoy the lake view. Sunset is a great time to go because the wide lake horizon makes the sky feel open and dramatic.

The vibe is low-key, so it is easy to walk slow, stop often, and enjoy the quiet. If you like fishing or watching boats, this kind of pier setting gives you plenty to look at while you walk. Dress in layers because Lake Huron breezes can cool things down quickly after the sun starts dropping. If you want a calmer experience, pick a weekday evening when the waterfront feels extra peaceful. Afterward, you can head back into town and keep the night simple with a casual meal.

St. Ignace, Michigan on the Straits of Mackinac

St. Ignace is a great pick if you want a boardwalk stroll with big water views in a small-town setting. The Huron Boardwalk runs along the downtown waterfront, connecting parks and shoreline spots that make walking feel easy. It is a relaxed route where you can stop often and still feel like you are making progress. Sunset is a great time because the light over the straits tends to look wide and soft, and the water keeps the view open.

You can walk at a slow pace, watch boats in the distance, and take photos without feeling rushed. If you want fewer people around, go later in the evening on a weekday when the path feels calmer. Bring a light layer since the breeze can turn cool fast once the sun drops. After the walk, it is easy to find a casual place nearby to sit down and end the night on a comfortable note.

St. Joseph, Michigan on Lake Michigan

St. Joseph has a beach and pier setup that makes sunset walks feel easy and classic. Silver Beach County Park provides public access to the South Pier, which is a simple and scenic place to stroll while the sky changes color. Walking out toward the water gives you that open lake horizon that makes sunset feel bigger. The pace stays relaxed because you can stop whenever you want and still have plenty of space around you.

Sunset is a good time to go because the heat of the day fades and the lake air start to feel cooler. Wear a layer since temperatures can shift quickly as the sun gets low over Lake Michigan. If you want a calmer vibe, aim for a weekday evening when families and groups are more spread out. After your walk, you can head back toward town for a casual treat and keep the evening simple

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.