Hotels near Lake Mendota

If you're planning a bit of sightseeing head to Governor's Mansion— just one of the monuments in Maple Bluff. It's also full of great shops and restaurants, so you can spend the afternoon having a wander.

Whether you want to collect beach glass or watch the sunset, James Madison Beach is a spot you might want to check out, located 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from central Madison. Enjoy the sunset by the shore at Willow Beach, Olin Beach, and Vilas Park Beach.

Travelers who enjoy the great outdoors might want to go to Lake Monona Shoreline Run, located 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from central Madison.

Willow Beach is located 1.4 mi (2.3 km) from the center of Madison, why not stop by during your stay. Enjoy the sunset by the shore at Vilas Park Beach, James Madison Beach, and Spring Harbor Beach.

You can stroll along UW Goodspeed Family Pier for relaxing water views when you're in Downtown Madison. It's also full of great shops and restaurants, so you can spend the afternoon having a wander. If you carry on walking you'll get to James Madison Beach for some more water views.

Ready for an education in local botany? Allen Centennial Gardens should make your list of places to visit, located 1.1 mi (1.7 km) from central Madison. It's also full of great shops and restaurants, so you can spend the afternoon having a wander. Want to stretch your legs some more? Head to University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum and Olbrich Botanical Gardens, both nearby.

Why not give yourself a treat with a trip to Washburn Observatory, one of the family attractions located 0.9 mi (1.4 km) from central Madison. You could also start your cultural experience by heading over to the art galleries in the area. It's also full of great shops and restaurants, so you can spend the afternoon having a wander. If you have fun at Washburn Observatory, you'll love University of Wisconsin Geology Museum and Allen Centennial Gardens, both a short walk away.

If you want to see a show while you're in town, try and grab some tickets at Wisconsin Union Theater in Downtown Madison. It's also full of great shops and restaurants, so you can spend the afternoon having a wander. If you enjoy the show and want to see another, Orpheum Theater, Overture Center for the Arts, and Barrymore Theatre are not far.