We many not have the silky, white sand and turquoise waters of the Caribbean, but we've got our own body of water and plenty of activities that go along with it.

Milwaukee's Lake Michigan lakefront is the home of McKinley Marina and Bradford Beach, both are perfect places to plop your bod on a sunny, summer day. Bradford Beach is ideal for lying out and catching some rays. If you get bored, you can play sand volleyball, toss a Frisbee or fly a kite.

McKinley Marina offers a boat launch, making it Milwaukee's only public lakefront marina. There is plenty of security and parking available, as well as all other amenities. Refreshments, fuel and pump-out facilities, and sailing lessons are also available for people to take advantage of. Boat season is May 1-Oct. 31.

No boat, no worries. Grab a pole, some worms and go fishing. Or, if you want to beat up on your friends, get some folks together and play rugby or lacrosse. The lakefront is full of free fields for all kinds of outdoor sports.

Get off the shore and out on the water. You can rent jet skis all summer, south of Bradford Beach and north of McKinley Marina. Make sure to bring your major credit card with picture ID or a $200 deposit to use one. It costs $45 to rent one for a half-hour. Instructions, fuel, life jackets and wetsuits are provided. Weather permitting, rentals are available seven days a week from noon-7 p.m.

If you like things that move a little slower, there are several businesses in Milwaukee that provide kayak and canoe rentals. For a list of rental providers and more information about water related outings, check out Friends of Milwaukee's Rivers.

Paddleboats that hold up to three people (two adults and a child or two children and an adult) ply the lilting waters of the serene Veterans Park lagoon and Greenfield Park, 2028 S. 124th St., in West Allis. It costs $8 to rent a boat for a half-hour. They are available daily 11 a.m. until sundown, May-October. You can also host a paddleboat birthday party (Lakefront location only)!

Hydrobikes are available at the lakefront location only. Either a valid driver's license or a state I.D. is required as a deposit. Life jackets are provided and must be worn by all passengers. Parental consent is needed for anyone under age 16. Children must be at least one year of age. Call (414) 217-7235 to learn more.

Beach chairs and cabanas are available for rent at Bradford Beach (2400 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive) and Atwater Park Beach (4000 N. Lake Drive) from 10 a.m. until sunset daily, June-August.

For more information on McKinley Marina, call (414) 273-5224. The number for Milwaukee County Parks is (414) 257-4575.