Lakes Around West Palm Beach
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 West Palm Beach. A lake vacation is wonderful for people who love the outdoors too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.
It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to go kayaking, buzz around doing wakeboarding, swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near West Palm Beach offer you plentiful options for outdoor fun. The time is now! Load up your vehicle with your fishing gear and a cooler then set out your next day off and discover your own number one spot on the water!
Lakes Near West Palm Beach
A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary
On a day trip to a lake near West Palm Beach there are many activities that can be enjoyed by groups of all types. You could go for an exciting day trip or make it a long weekend to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make the most of your time unwinding.
Every getaway at the lake offers you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.
Start paddling. If you like to paddle around, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake that has a public launch and start paddling around to enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.
Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’re able to get access to a speed boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of zipping around the lake showing off your water sports skills? Take the family out for some wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the all sports lakes provide you with all kinds of options.
Swimming. Finding a swimming lake near West Palm Beach will provide tons of fun and excitement for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a beautiful public beach!
Checklist for a Day at the Lake
Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique depending on the lake you’re heading to, when you go, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. While every trip is its own animal, we took the time to make a list with some of our favorite ideas for your next summer trip so you have everything you need!
Common lake items
For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to bring many of the items below so that you’ll be safe, healthy, and having fun.
- Eye protection, a hat, or both
- A picnic basket
- Portable phone charger
- Towels and dry clothes
- Bottle opener
- Insect repellant
- A fully stocked cooler
- Sunscreen
- Garbage bags
- Portable stereo
More lake stuff
Take into consideration your planned activities when at the water and who will be joining you, the following items might also prove useful and worth packing before hitting the road.
- Bait
- Safety gear like life jackets
- Kindle
- Tackle box
- Wine key
- Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
- Masks and snorkels
- Fishing poles, nets, etc.
- Toys for the beach
- Fishing and boating licenses
Lake Safety
While your getaway to the lake should be ample amounts of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. If you’re going to be out on the water these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.
- Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
- Keep your distance from wildlife
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
- Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
- Always wear sunblock
- Make sure no one swims alone
More Tips for a Lake Getaway in West Palm Beach
If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes around West Palm Beach, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your trip plan substantially more successful. As an example, each lake has unique environment which makes it important to take into account what you need to make an enjoyable adventure as you plan yours.
- Maximize unique local resources. If you have time for a longer getaway, find local state parks and recreation areas which give you the ability to stay directly on the water without breaking the bank.
- Rent a boat. Many lakes have local marinas where you can rent a boat. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a wild day of wakeboarding. Doing a quick Google search can 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 West Palm Beach might be packed with tourists. If you want some more peace and quiet, do some digging on 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 busiest, most popular beach!