Lakes Close to Anchorage
When the weather is right you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. Lucky for you, when you visit Anchorage there are lots of options for spending time on the lake.
There are countless brilliant motivations to visit a lake in Anchorage this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer activities such as boating, fishing or swimming. Some of the lakes in Anchorage have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. So what are you waiting for? Pack up your vehicle with your beach goodies and a picnic basket then hit the road your next day off and discover your own favorite location on a lake!
Lakes Near Anchorage
Things to Do at the Lake
When you visit a lake near Anchorage there are many activities that can be enjoyed by people of all persuasions. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or decide to stay overnight to a hotel or AirBnB to make the most of your time unwinding.
Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you make your way to a lake near Anchorage:
Fishing. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or tossing a line in from the dock.
Grab a board. If you like to paddle around, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake near Anchorage with a public launch and start paddling around to enjoy nature’s beauty on the waterfront.
Partake in some water sports. If you’ve got access to a fast boat, why not get out on the water and start zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Hit the water and go tubing or skiing as the lakes near Anchorage give you a number of options.
Checklist for a Day at the Lake
Your plan for a lake getaway can honestly be all over the map when you take into consideration which lake you choose, the time of year, the weather, and the activities on your to-do list. For your convenience 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.
The basics
When you’re out on a lake near Anchorage you will likely need to take along many of these things to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and enjoying your time.
- Insect repellant
- Food and snacks
- Something to dry off with
- Swimsuits
- Sunscreen
- Proper footwear
- A cooler with water
- A receptacle for trash
- Travel dinnerware and cups
- Sunglasses
More lake items
Consider what you’ll be doing when at the water and who will be in your entourage, the list of gear might also prove useful and worth a quick spot check before hitting the road.
- Books
- Tackle box
- Life jackets
- Worms or other bait
- Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
- Wine key
- Paper towels and sanitizer
- Pool noodles, rafts, floats
- Games for the beach
- Swimming goggles
Lake Safety
While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, safety should be top of mind. Following a few standard safety tips that will ensure that your whole group remains safe on the water.
- Make sure no one swims alone
- Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
- Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
- Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
- Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Anchorage
Not everyone has had a chance to visit the amazing lakes around Anchorage and might have some questions regarding planning. Certainly, any body of water is going to have unique qualities and surroundings, but here are a few things to review while making plans that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.
- Pay attention to the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near Anchorage might be packed with beachgoers. To find a little more privacy, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!
- No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a day of watersports. Asking a local can usually allow you to locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
- Maximize unique local resources. When there’s time for a lengthier stay, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the option to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water at an affordable price.
