Encinitas Lakes

Lakes Close to Encinitas

When the weather is right you just need to pack up and find a spot on the water. A stay at a lake can be amazing for those who love getting outside too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to go kayaking, buzz around doing wakeboarding, swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Encinitas provide you with lots of options for outdoor fun. Take a look at the local listings below to see the nearby locations including swimming lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you to enjoy.

Lakes Close to Encinitas

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near Encinitas there are many things to do for families, couples, or with a group of friends. You could go for an exciting day trip or decide to stay overnight at a hotel or AirBnB to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you visit a lake near Encinitas:

Swimming. Finding a swimming lake near Encinitas will provide all kinds of fun and excitement for the youngsters, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between getting that perfect golden 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 glorious public beach!

Start paddling. If you like to paddle around, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake near Encinitas with a public boat launch you can use and get out and soak up the scenery on the waterfront.

Catch some fish. For those that love to fish, 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 roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or tossing a line in from the dock.

Lake Checklist

Your plan for a lake getaway can honestly be all over the map 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 put together a list of some of the most common lake necessities that you can use as a checklist before you hit the road.

The basics

When the plan is to be outdoors for most of the vacation, the following list of items should be an excellent starting point for essentials you are likely to need.

  • Garbage bags
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Bathing suits
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Insect repellant
  • Radio or speaker
  • Backup clothes
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Something to eat

Specialty lake gear

Consider the itinerary at the lake and who will be joining you, the items below will likely be helpful and worth packing before hitting the road.

  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Worms or other bait
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Games for the beach
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Kindle
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Swimming goggles
  • Fishing poles
  • Diapers and baby gear

Lake Safety

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Encinitas, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. These safety tips will ensure that you and your family remains safe while around the lake.

  • Don’t swim alone
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • 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 Encinitas

Not everyone has had the opportunity to visit the lakes near Encinitas and likely have a lot of questions about how to make the most of their time there. Of course, every lake is going to possess unique qualities and surroundings, but here are a couple key points to review while planning that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas where you can rent a boat. 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 a marina that has what you need.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches may be packed with tourists. If you want more space to yourself, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the busiest, most happening beach!
  3. Make the most of unique assets in the area. When you have time for a longer stay, look for local state campgrounds and parks that offer the option to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.