Salinas Lakes

Lakes Around Salinas

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to plan your next summer adventure. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Salinas. As it turns out, when you come to Salinas you have lots of great spots for getting on, or in the water.

There are numerous great reasons for making a trip to a lake in Salinas during the warmer months – the cool water for swimming, fun summer entertainment like wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. Take a look at the local listings below to have a look your options from swimming lakes to larger lakes for you to enjoy.

Nearby Lakes for Salinas

Lake Activities

When you visit a lake near Salinas you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by people of all persuasions. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you make your way to a lake near Salinas:

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you want a little physical activity, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake that has a public launch and start paddling around to soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near Salinas will offer tons of laughs and games for the youngsters, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a glorious public beach on a lake near Salinas!

Partake in some delicious delights outside. The lakes near Salinas provide many excellent picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite culinary delights, or a quick snack by the water. For a romantic evening, good food and a view should put a smile on their face.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique based on which lake you go to, when you go, and what you want to do for entertainment. However, we’ve created a list for some ideas for your next trip to a lake near Salinas to ensure nothing gets forgotten!

Lake basics

If the plan is to be in the sun for the majority of the vacation, our list of provisions below is an excellent starting point when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.

  • A cooler and drinks
  • Bug spray
  • Garbage bags
  • Swimsuits
  • Beach blanket
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Bluetooth speaker

Additional lake items

Depending on your planned activities for the day and what your party looks like, the items below will likely be helpful and worth a quick spot check before you get on the road.

  • Life jackets
  • Games for the beach
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Something to read
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Corkscrew
  • Tackle box
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes

Lake Safety Tips

While your getaway at a lake in Salinas can be ample amounts of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. If you’re going to be out on the water these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Always wear sunblock
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat

More Salinas Lake Tips

Some people may not get the opportunity to visit the lakes near Salinas and likely have a few questions regarding planning. Clearly, every lake will have their own character and surroundings, but here are a couple key points to look into while planning that might help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Find a marina. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Using a search engine will typically allow you to locate a marina that has what you need.
  2. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near Salinas can get very crowded. To find a little more privacy, research a variety of lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the busiest, most popular beach!
  3. Maximize unique assets in the area. If there’s time for a longer getaway, find local state parks and recreation areas which give you the option to stay near or even on the water at an affordable price.