After a first round of voting, LakeExpo readers have selected their favorite locations for a Perfect Getaway at Lake of the Ozarks. 

LakeExpo crafted this brand-new, crowdsourced contest to answer the question: “If someone was coming to the Lake for the first time, where would they have to go?”

The first round was simple. You, the audience, voted for businesses you liked best in different vacationer-focused categories, but now the real fun begins. 

Our team took the results, below, and assembled three different vacation packages. All you have to do is vote your favorite package, and you’ll be entered to win one of them!

Vote Now! Choose a party, couple, or family getaway you’d enjoy at the Lake – no purchase required to win.

The finalists in each package have generously offered gift certificates, cards, and vouchers to their businesses. Some of the second and third place finalists are included too! And while we have ideas about how you could pack all these top locations into a perfect weekend at the Lake, these gifts can be used anytime in 2025-2026 at your discretion. 

Without further ado… here are the Perfect Getaway Finalists.

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Lodging

It’s probably the biggest thing to figure out anytime you take a trip. There are tons of great places to stay at the Lake, but voters chose…

#1 Margaritaville Lake Resort – Lake Of The Ozarks 

Followed by #2 Camden On The Lake and #3 Lake Days Rentals (one of the Lake’s major vacation-home rental platforms). 

On Land Restaurants

Food is another big ticket item to think about for a trip. Even if you don’t win a getaway, voters say you should definitely visit…

#1 JB Hook’s

And the runners-up #2 Wobbly Boots Roadhouse and #3 Rusty Rooster Cafe.

On Water Restaurants

Are you truly at the Lake if you don’t hit up a restaurant by boat? With many good bites to pick from, voters chose these staples…

#1 Backwater Jack’s

Followed by #2 Jolly Rogers Grub & Grog and #3 Dog Days Bar & Grill (who actually tied!)

Marinas/Boat Rentals/Charters

This is what the Lake is all about. If you don’t have your own boat, or simply want a day off from the responsibility, voters think these are the best places to use:

#1 Playin’ Hooky

Or the runners-up #2 Pirate’s Point and #3 Boat Goat Captain Service, with Breakaway Boat Rentals as #4.

Entertainment/Event Venues 

The summer is hot with lots of events, and many draw tourists to the Lake, but there’s one place that voters liked the best:

#1 Ozarks Amphitheater

Followed by #2 Celebration Cruise and #3 Margaritaville Lake Resort. 

Family Fun

Looking for something the whole family can enjoy? Based on the results, voters recommend…

#1 SuperSplash USA

Plus these great places: #2 Malted Monkey and #3 Miner Mike’s.

Treat Yo’ Self

Vacations are meant to be pleasurable. So if you were to splurge on something, these are the top three businesses voters chose:

#1 Driftwood Spa & Salon

And the runners-up #2 Ozarkland and #3 The Leatherman.

Sweets & Coffee

Treating yourself may also include a sweet treat! These are must-visit places picked by voters… 

#1 Randy’s Frozen Custard

Followed by #2 Wicked Sugar and #3 Ozarkland (again!) 

Wineries/Breweries

For some stellar views, elevated atmospheres, or just plain good drinks, voters say the best are:

#1 Shawnee Bluff Winery

And the runners-up #2 Mathany Family Vineyards and #3 The Sanctuary Brewery.

Free Fun

Not everything costs money! When you don’t want to break the bank and want to enjoy the Lake, voters say you should visit…

#1 Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Or the runners-up #2 Bagnell Dam Overlook and #3 Lake of the Ozarks State Park. 

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Want to be a lucky winner? Check out the package itineraries and vote in The Perfect Getaway Round 2 now.