Winter Haven Lakes

Lakes Near Winter Haven

Every once in a while you just need to spend some time near the water. A lake vacation can be perfect for those who love the outdoors too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

There are numerous great arguments for making a trip to a lake in Winter Haven this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer entertainment like wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Scan the local listings directly beneath this paragraph and have a look your options including swimming lakes to all sports lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Nearby Lakes for Winter Haven

Things to Do at the Lake

A quick excursion to a lake, or a longer trip provides an almost endless list of things to do for people of all stripes.

Any stay on or in the water offers you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near Winter Haven will provide tons of fun for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden 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 prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a magnificent public beach!

Catch some fish. For those that love to fish, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re out on a boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Pack a picnic basket. The lakes near Winter Haven provide a wealth of excellent picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite foods, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage while enjoying the scenery. Should you be with someone you want to impress, this plan should put a smile on their face.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A lake day itinerary can be drastically different depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the time of year, the weather, and your plan of attack. For your convenience we’ve built out a short list of popular lake and beach-related items that you can use as a checklist before you hit the road.

Lake basics

For a day spent on the water you will likely need to bring several of the things in our list below to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and relaxed.

  • Bug spray
  • Portable phone charger
  • Bathing suits
  • Backup clothes
  • Sunglasses
  • Towels
  • Food
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Proper footwear
  • Plates, cups and utensils

Additional lake stuff

The following items might prove useful for trips to the lake depending on what your plans are. You may want to double check for some of these before heading out.

  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Toys for the beach
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Kindle
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Bait
  • Wine key
  • Swimming goggles

Staying Safe on a Lake

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, safety should be top of mind. These safety tips can make sure that you and your family stays safe while around the lake.

  • Don’t swim alone
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating

More Ideas for Lake Fun

When you make a trip to the beautiful lakes near Winter Haven, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your itinerary much more rewarding. As an example, each individual lake is going to have their own environment so it is important to think about what will make for a memorable adventure when planning yours.

  1. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches might be extremely busy. To find a little more privacy, do some digging on multiple nearby beaches and lakes 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, search out the busiest, most happening beach!
  2. Maximize the best assets in the area. If you have time for a longer stay, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to camp right on the water at an affordable price.
  3. Find a marina. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Using a search engine can usually help you find options for renting the perfect boat.