Welcome to City Harbor: The Heart of Lake Guntersville’s Waterfront
City Harbor at Lake Guntersville has quickly become the crown jewel of north Alabama’s waterfront leisure scene. Nestled at 301 Scott Street in the heart of Guntersville, Alabama, City Harbor merges the charm of small-town southern hospitality with the modern appeal of lakeside luxury. The mixed-use district, which opened in 2021, stretches across 55,000 square feet of prime shoreline, offering visitors an energetic yet relaxed escape complete with dining, boutique lodging, entertainment, and panoramic views of Lake Guntersville’s sparkling waters.
Unlike traditional retail centers, City Harbor was thoughtfully designed to integrate with the lake itself. The boardwalk connects each restaurant, shop, and venue into a walkable loop that encourages exploration by both foot and boat. Whether you arrive from the open water or stroll from downtown Guntersville’s historic streets, City Harbor greets you with an atmosphere that feels both lively and laid-back.
Developed by P. Lawler Enterprises, City Harbor represents an investment of over $30 million, including the addition of a new Hilton Home2 Suites that brings travelers right to the water’s edge. Together, the development and hotel have redefined Guntersville’s lakeside experience, creating a destination that draws both locals and visitors from across the region. With a mix of family-friendly attractions and refined lakefront amenities, City Harbor stands as a vibrant reminder of how leisure, community, and scenic beauty can come together in one extraordinary place.
Food, Drinks, and Entertainment at City Harbor
Dining is the heartbeat of City Harbor, and the variety here means there’s something for everyone. From relaxed brunches to upscale dinners, every venue pairs its menu with unbeatable waterfront views. One of the most popular stops is Another Broken Egg Café, where early risers gather for hearty breakfast plates, mimosas, and fresh coffee overlooking the marina. The café’s lively morning crowd sets the tone for the day as the boardwalk begins to hum with activity.
Just a few steps away, Big Mike’s Steakhouse delivers its signature “steak by the lake” experience. This beloved Alabama brand is known for perfectly cooked steaks, Southern sides, and a relaxed but refined atmosphere that perfectly complements the lake view. For those craving something international, La Esquina Cocina brings a modern twist on Mexican cuisine with handcrafted tacos, fresh margaritas, and a vibrant patio ideal for sunset dining.
Evenings at City Harbor come alive with live music and cocktails at Levi’s on the Lake, a venue that has become a local favorite for its easy-going vibe and panoramic setting. On weekends, visitors gather along the boardwalk or by boat to listen to live performances drifting across the water. Nash’s, another local gem, offers a family-friendly mix of American classics, live music, and lakefront comfort that keeps guests coming back.
For a sweet finish, Kilwins adds a touch of nostalgia with its handmade fudge, chocolates, and ice cream, a perfect treat while strolling the waterfront. Together, these venues make City Harbor a full-day experience: you can start with brunch, enjoy an afternoon drink, and close the night with music under the stars. The boardwalk’s lights shimmer across the lake, creating an unforgettable ambiance that captures everything visitors love about lake life in Alabama.
Stay in Style: Boutique Lodging and Lakeside Comfort
Visitors to City Harbor don’t just come for the day; many stay to soak in the full lakeside experience. Two standout lodging options make it easy to do just that.
City Harbor Suites, located directly within the development, offers boutique accommodations with private balconies that overlook Lake Guntersville. Each suite blends upscale comfort with contemporary design, creating the ideal retreat after a day spent exploring the harbor. With amenities like modern kitchens, spacious living areas, and walkable proximity to restaurants and entertainment, City Harbor Suites feels like a private residence paired with resort-level convenience.
Next door, the Home2 Suites by Hilton, Guntersville adds a recognized hotel brand to the mix. This lakeside Hilton property includes a pool, complimentary breakfast, and fitness center, ideal for families or travelers looking for a longer stay. Its location places guests just steps from the water and a short walk from every attraction within City Harbor. Together, these two lodging options have positioned Guntersville as one of Alabama’s most inviting lake destinations, merging comfort, luxury, and convenience with unmatched views of the Tennessee River system.
What truly sets lodging at City Harbor apart is its connection to the experience. Guests can step directly from their suite onto the boardwalk, take a morning coffee by the docks, or stroll to an evening concert at the event pavilion. It’s this seamless blend of stay and play that keeps visitors returning season after season, drawn to the balance of modern luxury and small-town warmth that defines City Harbor.
Events, Music, and Lakefront Experiences
City Harbor is more than a collection of restaurants and hotels, it’s a community hub that celebrates life on the water. At the center of its event offerings is a 6,000-square-foot venue designed to host weddings, corporate gatherings, and celebrations of all kinds. With expansive windows and panoramic lake views, it’s a space that captures both the elegance and natural beauty of Guntersville’s shoreline.
In summer months, the harbor becomes a stage for local culture with its signature Rock the Dock music series. This free outdoor concert series transforms the boardwalk into a festival atmosphere where families, friends, and boaters gather to enjoy live performances that echo across the basin. The event’s popularity has made it a seasonal highlight, drawing visitors from across the region and adding to City Harbor’s growing reputation as a year-round entertainment destination.
Seasonal programming keeps the calendar full, with holiday celebrations, waterfront markets, and community gatherings ensuring there’s always something happening. Even on quieter days, the sound of live acoustic music drifts from restaurant patios, giving City Harbor a soundtrack that perfectly fits its lakefront lifestyle. The mix of energy and relaxation, of community and comfort, defines the City Harbor experience and sets it apart from any other destination in north Alabama.
Boating and Waterfront Access at City Harbor
Though City Harbor attracts visitors from the road, it was designed with boaters in mind. The basin includes both day-use slips for transient guests and long-term covered slips with lifts for those who want to keep their boats docked close to the action. These options make it easy for boaters to tie up and spend the day enjoying the restaurants and entertainment along the boardwalk.
Inside the basin, the free public town dock offers approximately 800 feet of floating bulkhead, providing convenient short-term tie-ups. Water depths generally range between eight and eleven feet, making the harbor accessible to most recreational boats.
For those exploring by boat, City Harbor’s location on Lake Guntersville, Alabama’s largest lake, makes it an ideal waypoint. Situated on the Tennessee River, the lake stretches across 69,000 acres and offers miles of scenic cruising. Arriving by water allows visitors to experience City Harbor the way it was meant to be seen, from the bow of a boat, gliding into the basin with the boardwalk’s restaurants and patios coming into view. Whether you’re stopping for lunch, an evening drink, or an overnight stay, City Harbor provides everything a boater could want from a waterfront destination.
The Story Behind City Harbor’s Growth
The success of City Harbor didn’t happen overnight. The development was envisioned and executed by P. Lawler Enterprises, LLC, a company that saw the potential to turn Guntersville’s shoreline into a dynamic mixed-use district. Construction began in early 2021, and by mid-2022 the site had transformed into a full-scale waterfront village. With the addition of the Hilton-branded hotel, total investment surpassed $30 million, signaling strong confidence in the long-term growth of the region’s tourism and leisure economy.
This transformation revitalized a section of Lake Guntersville’s waterfront, connecting the harbor directly to the Downtown Guntersville Historic District. The result is a walkable, integrated experience where visitors can explore local shops, dine by the lake, and enjoy open public spaces all within a few blocks. The development’s architecture balances modern design with coastal charm, using open-air patios, wood textures, and wide glass panels that bring the outdoors in.
City Harbor’s rise has also brought new energy to Guntersville’s identity as a destination. Once known primarily for its fishing and quiet charm, the city now boasts a waterfront that rivals larger resort towns in atmosphere and amenities. It stands as a model for small-town redevelopment, a place that honors its natural beauty while embracing the future of lakeside leisure.
Plan Your Visit to City Harbor
City Harbor is open year-round, with boardwalk access available to the public at all times. Individual restaurants and shops set their own hours, but the harbor’s vibrant atmosphere ensures there’s always something to enjoy, day or night. Parking is conveniently located on-site, and for those arriving by water, docking is available throughout the basin.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a romantic evening, or a family day on the lake, City Harbor delivers the perfect blend of comfort and excitement. With stunning views, exceptional dining, boutique lodging, and community spirit, it’s a destination that captures the essence of Lake Guntersville living.
For visitors looking to experience the beauty of the Tennessee River region, few places offer such a complete and inviting experience. City Harbor at Lake Guntersville isn’t just a stop along the way, it’s the kind of destination that turns a day trip into a memory.