The Lake Geneva area is one of the top vacation destinations in Wisconsin. It is only an hour and a half from Chicago, making it one of the best day trips from Chicago (or weekend getaway!). Visitors come to enjoy the breathtaking lakeviews and upmarket (yet approachable) feel.
This post gives you a quick overview of the towns around the lake with the best local recommendations for what to eat, where to stay, and what to do in Lake Geneva Wi.
There are 3 main towns around the lake: Lake Geneva, WI, Fontana, WI, and Williams Bay, WI. Each town has a different feel. When you say you are “visiting Lake Geneva” most people mean they are coming up to spend time around Geneva Lake in one of these three towns.
Lake Geneva, WI is the main tourist destination at the lake. Visitors flock to this town for the beach, lakeside restaurants, cute main street shopping, and to catch the famous Lake Geneva boat tours. There is a lot to do but it can get crowded especially in the summer or on holidays.
Fontana, Wi is your elegant yet understated friend. This is one of my favorite places to spend the day with my two sons. It is less crowded than Lake Geneva and has beautiful lakeviews, the Fontana beach, our favorite family friendly resort (the Abbey Resort), a pirate ship park, and coffee shops and restaurants both kids and adults will enjoy.
Williams Bay, WI is the local gem. It is a quiet town but still has a cute downtown area with ice cream shops, a smaller (less crowded) beach, a playground on the lake, instagramable ice cream sundaes, the famous Yerkes Observatory, and my favorite lakeside restaurant Pier 290, which is right on the lake.
Snapshot of Lake Geneva, WI
Where to stay in Lake Geneva WI: There are so any places to stay in Lake Geneva, WI check out my 5 Must Visit Hotels and Resort Guide or my Best 3 Family Friendly Hotels so you can find the best fit for your trip! My personal favorite is the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa (family or adult) or Maxwell Mansion (adults only).
Where to eat in Lake Geneva WI: Eat at one of the top 7 restaurants with a lakeview, Oakfire(wood fired pizzas) or Popeyes (known for rotisserie meats and american menu). For a romantic dinner, the Grandview Restaurant is the top pick. Tuscan Tavern & Grill if you are feeling in the mood for Italien, or Heart and Sol for healthy sandwiches and smoothies. Don’t forget dessert– check out the full sweet treat guide HERE.
What to Do in Lake Geneva WI: There is so much to do in downtown Lake Geneva, it really depends on what you are interested. My top suggestion is to take advantage of one of the best restaurants with a lakeview, and then take one of the famous narrated boat tours, which leave from downtown Lake Geneva. To learn all of the best tour options, from ice cream tour to jazz or cocktail cruises, click HERE. There can go to the Riviera public beach, get an up close and person view of the mansions on the lake by walking the famous Lake Geneva Shore Path, grab a bubble tea at O2 lounge, visit the Geneva Lake history museum, go on a drive through Safari, make unforgettable memories with Lake Geneva Ziplines and Adventure, take a guided horse trail through the woods, take a guided scooter tour or hot air balloon ride, or relax at the world spas around the area. Click on the links above for full details and insider tips to help you spend less time planning and more time playing around the lake.
No matter which town you pick there are so many fun activities your family will enjoy. For a full list of what to for adults click HERE. For the family activity guide click HERE. For the snapshot of Fontana WI click HERE. For the snapshot of Williams Bay WI click HERE. ,
This post is all about Lake Geneva WI.
