"[3] It also serves as a major recreational destination, as it is surrounded by 9.5 miles (15.3 km) of multi-use (bicycle, skating and pedestrian) trails.

The other marina on Lake Hefner is the Oklahoma City Boat Club (OCBC), a private organization that holds weekly sailboat races during the summer and is located on the east side.

On the south side of the lake is the Hobie Point, a YMCA sailing school, and Stars and Stripes Park.

Additionally, Hefner is a popular site for recreational boating, both with sailboats and motorized pleasure craft.

Kiteboarding is also very popular on Hefner due to the excellent wind they receive all summer.