Lakes Close to Sarasota
It’s summertime and that means it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming family vacation. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Sarasota. A lake getaway is wonderful for those that enjoy wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.
Whether you’re looking to go kayaking, partake in some water skiing, go for a swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Sarasota offer you numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. The time is now! Load up the car with your fishing gear and snacks then make the trip this weekend and discover your own number one spot on a lake!
Nearby Lakes for Sarasota
Lake Activities
On a day trip to a lake near Sarasota there are many activities that can be enjoyed by families, couples, or with a group of friends. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or decide to stay overnight at a hotel or AirBnB to make the most of your time unwinding.
Here are some of our top picks for activities when you visit a Sarasota lake:
Start paddling. If you like to paddle around, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake near Sarasota that has a public boat launch you can use and start paddling around to soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.
Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’ve got access to a speed boat, why not spend the day kicking up a wake showing off your water sports expertise? Hit the water and go wakeboarding or knee boarding as the all sports lakes give you a number of options.
Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near Sarasota will offer all kinds of fun for the youngsters, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their 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 magnificent public beach!
How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake
A lake day itinerary can honestly be all over the map when you take into consideration which lake you choose, the weather forecast, and what you want to do while you’re there. However, we’ve built out a short list of popular go-to necessities for you to use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.
Lake basics
If the plan is to be in the sun for most of the weekend, our list of provisions below is a good starting point when it comes to the necessities that you’ll be happy to have on hand.
- Sunblock
- Bug spray
- A picnic basket
- Garbage bags
- Swimsuits
- A beach blanket and umbrella
- Bluetooth speaker
- Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
- A sunhat or glasses
- USB charger
More lake gear
Depending on your planned activities at the lake and your guests, the items below could make your day more enjoyable and worth a quick spot check prior to leaving.
- Tackle box and lures
- Corkscrew
- Bait
- Fishing poles
- Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
- Rafts for the kids
- Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
- Legal flotation devices
- Fishing and boating licenses
- Masks and snorkels
Staying Safe on a Lake
While a day on your favorite body of water should be lots of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.
- Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
- Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
- Don’t swim alone
- Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
- Keep your distance from wildlife
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Sarasota
Few people get the opportunity to visit the lakes near Sarasota and likely have a few questions regarding planning. Of course, no matter where you go each lake is going to have unique qualities and trappings, but here are a couple key points to review while planning which could help start your trip on the right foot.
- Maximize the best local resources. If you have time for a lengthier getaway, look for local state parks and recreation areas which give you the option to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.
- Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy fishing with family and friends or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Using a search engine will typically allow you to find a marina that has what you need.
- Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes the beaches near Sarasota might be very busy. To find some more peace and quiet, research a variety of lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most popular beach!