Lakes Close to Tuscaloosa
The weather is warm so it’s time to plan your next grand getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Tuscaloosa. A lake vacation is wonderful for those that enjoy getting outside too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.
There are numerous great reasons to visit a lake in Tuscaloosa during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer activities like boating, fishing or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. So what are you waiting for? Pack up your vehicle with sunscreen and a picnic basket then set out this weekend to find a brand new favorite location on the water!
Lakes Near Tuscaloosa
Things to Do at the Lake
When you visit a lake near Tuscaloosa 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 take a longer vacation to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.
Any stay on or in the water gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.
Go fishing. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re out on a boat or fishing from shore.
Picnic time. The lakes near Tuscaloosa gives you the chance to visit a wealth of excellent picnic areas for you to pack up some tasty treats, or you could just do some cheese and crackers while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, a picnic on the beach should be suitably romantic.
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 flying around the water demonstrating your athleticism and water sports talents? Hit the water and go wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the lakes near Tuscaloosa provide you with a number of options.
Preparing for a Day on the Lake
A day at the lake can be very different based on which lake you go to, what the weather is going to be, or if there are any activities planned. While every trip is its own animal, we took the time to make a list for some ideas for your watery excursion to ensure nothing gets forgotten!
General items
For a day spent on the water it makes a lot of sense to take along some of the items below to make sure you’re safe, comfortable, and enjoying your time.
- Plates, cups and utensils
- Portable stereo
- Sunblock
- Sweatshirt and sweatpants
- Something to dry off with
- Something to eat
- Sneakers
- A blanket or sheet
- Insect repellant
- Sunglasses
Specialty lake items
Depending on the itinerary when at the water and what your party looks like, the list of gear will likely be helpful and worth a quick spot check before you get on the road.
- Legal flotation devices
- Something to read
- Corkscrew
- Toys for the beach
- Baby gear (if necessary)
- Fishing poles, nets, etc.
- Paper towels and sanitizer
- Worms or other bait
- Tackle box
- Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
Staying Safe on a Lake
While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Tuscaloosa, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. Following a few standard safety tips that can make sure that everyone remains safe while around the lake.
- Don’t swim alone
- Always wear sunblock
- Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
- Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
- Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
- Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
- Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
More Ideas for Lake Fun
Not everyone has had a chance to visit the lakes near Tuscaloosa and might have a few questions on ways to maximize their fun. Of course, no matter where you go each lake will possess unique qualities and trappings, but you should keep in mind a handful of items to review when planning which could help put together a trip your whole family will remember.
- Find a marina. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or tubing with the kids. Doing a quick Google search will usually help you locate options for renting the perfect boat.
- Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches could be really busy. If you want a little more privacy, do some digging on multiple 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, search out the busiest, most happening beach!
- Maximize unique assets in the area. When there’s time for a longer getaway, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.
