Birmingham Lakes

Lakes Around Birmingham

The weather is warm so it’s time to plan your next summer adventure. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Birmingham. Lucky for you, when you come to Birmingham you have quite a few options for spending time on the lake.

There are many brilliant arguments for making a trip to a lake in Birmingham this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, enjoyable summer activities like wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. Some of the lakes in Birmingham have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. Has there ever been a better time? Pack up your vehicle with your beach goodies and snacks then set out this weekend to find your own favorite location on a lake!

Lakes Near Birmingham

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip, or a more lengthy trip provides a nearly limitless list of activities for families, couples, or even those seeking some quality alone time.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you make your way to a lake near Birmingham:

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’ve got access to a fast boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of kicking up a wake showing off your water sports expertise? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding or knee boarding as the lakes near Birmingham offer you a number of options.

Swimming. The swimming lakes near Birmingham offer all kinds of fun and excitement for the kids, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want 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 sandy beach and a designated swimming area prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a beautiful public beach on a lake near Birmingham!

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If paddling is your thing, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake that has a public launch and get out and soak up the scenery in all it’s glory.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A day at the lake can vary quite a bit depending on which lake you’re going to, the season, and what you want to do while you’re there. However, we’ve built out a short list of some of the most common lake and beach-related necessities for you to use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.

Common lake items

When you’re out on a lake near Birmingham you will likely need to bring many of the things in our list below to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and having fun.

  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • A cooler with water bottles
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Sneakers
  • Swimsuits
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Bug spray
  • UV protection

Specialty lake items

The gear in the list below could be helpful for getaways to the lake based on your plans. You may want to double check some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Corkscrew
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Worms or other bait
  • Toys for the beach

Staying Safe on a Lake

While your getaway at your favorite body of water should be lots of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. A day on the lake means safety first so these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Birmingham

Some people may not get a chance to make their way to the lakes near Birmingham and might have a few questions regarding planning. Clearly, no matter where you go each lake will possess unique qualities and surroundings, but here are a handful of items to look into while planning which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Maximize the best local resources. When there’s time for a lengthier trip, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the ability to stay right on the water without breaking the bank.
  2. Find a marina. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas where you can rent a boat. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a wild day of wakeboarding. Using a search engine can usually help you locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes the beaches near Birmingham may be swarmed with beachgoers. To find some space to yourself, do some digging on a variety of lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most popular beach!