Lake Taneycomo runs right by downtown Branson, but it feels different from Table Rock: narrower, colder, and closely tied to trout fishing. The waterfront is most visible around Branson Landing, though anglers know the lake far beyond the shopping district.
Even if you do not fish, the lake gives downtown a pleasant edge. Walk the riverfront in the morning or evening, when the crowds thin and the water takes over from the storefronts.