Monona Bay's central location makes it a convenient destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all types. Boaters and water skiers enjoy summer activities, while those who like to fish have an abundant supply of pan fish all year around.

Brittingham Park on the north side of Monona Bay is a popular spot for picnics and volleyball. A bike trail through the park provides one part of a scenic loop for a 3-mile loop around the Bay. Pedestrians also enjoy the loop. A liesurely one-hour walk can be had from Brittingham, to John Nolen Drive, to Lakeside Street, then back up to the Bay along South Shore and West Shore Drives.

The west and south shores of Monona Bay are populated with private residences. The shoreline along this section of the Bay is privately owned, but has been leased to the city as parkland for hundreds of years. Because of this unusual arrangement, the shoreline is public access, but the piers along the shore are private property.