Dana Point Lakes

Lakes Close to Dana Point

It’s summertime so it’s time to plan your next summer adventure. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Dana Point. Lucky for you, when you visit Dana Point there are quite a few great spots for spending time on the lake.

There are many brilliant reasons for a getaway to a lake in Dana Point this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer entertainment such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. The time is now! Load up the car with sunscreen and a picnic basket then make the trip this weekend and discover a brand new number one spot on a lake!

Lakes Close to Dana Point

Lake Activities

A day trip, or a more lengthy getaway gives you a nearly endless list of things to do for families, couples, or even those seeking some quality alone time.

A day, weekend, or a week at the lake offers you everything from fun to relaxation.

Start paddling. If you want a little physical activity, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake near Dana Point with a public launch and start paddling around to enjoy nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

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 standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. Should you be able to get access to a speed boat, why not get out on the water and start zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports talents? Take the family out for some wakeboarding or knee boarding as the local lakes provide you with a number of options.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements based on the lake you’re heading to, what time of year it is, and what you want to do for entertainment. While every trip is its own animal, we put together a list for some ideas for your watery excursion so you have everything you need!

Lake basics

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to take along some of these things so that you’ll be feeling good, healthy, and relaxed.

  • Garbage bags
  • Reserve clothes
  • Swimsuits
  • Food
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Something to dry off with
  • Sunblock
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both

Specialty lake gear

The following items can make your life easier for trips to the lake depending on what your plans are. You may want to double check some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Wine key
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Kindle
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Bait
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Fishing poles
  • Goggles or masks
  • Tackle box and lures

Lake Safety

While your getaway on the lake can be lots of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions

More Ideas for Lake Fun

Few people get a chance to visit the amazing lakes around Dana Point and likely have a lot of questions regarding planning. Of course, any body of water is going to possess unique qualities and trappings, but here are a couple key points to review while making plans which could help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near Dana Point may be very busy. To find some more space to spread out, research multiple nearby beaches and lakes to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the busiest, most popular beach!
  2. Make the most of the best assets in the area. When there’s time for a lengthier getaway, find local state campgrounds and parks which give you the ability to stay right on the water at an affordable price.
  3. Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Doing a quick Google search will usually help you locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.