Gilroy Lakes

Lakes Around Gilroy

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to plan your next summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Gilroy. A lake getaway is wonderful for those who love getting outside too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are countless brilliant motivations for a getaway to a lake in Gilroy while it’s hot outside – the cool water for swimming, enjoyable summer entertainment like paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. Some of the lakes in Gilroy have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Scan the local listings directly beneath this paragraph and have a look your nearby locations from swimming lakes to larger lakes for you to enjoy.

Nearby Lakes for Gilroy

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near Gilroy 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.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you make your way to a Gilroy lake:

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Gilroy provide all kinds of fun for the big kids and little ones, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a beautiful public beach!

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

Partake in some delicious delights outside. The lakes near Gilroy gives you the chance to visit all sorts of great picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite tasty treats, or a quick snack by the water. If you’re with that special someone, a picnic on the beach is hard to beat.

Lake Getaway Prep

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique based on which lake you go to, when you go, and what you want to do for entertainment. However, we’ve created a list that will give some ideas for your lake getaway to ensure nothing gets forgotten!

Common lake items

When the plan is to be outdoors for most of the vacation, the following list of items should be a good place to start when it comes to the necessities you are likely to need.

  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Backup clothing
  • Portable phone charger
  • Radio or speaker
  • Snacks
  • Bottle opener
  • Swimsuits
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Something to dry off with

Specialty lake stuff

The list of items below can make your life easier for trips to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. You may want to double check some of these prior to hitting the road.

  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Fishing gear
  • Life jackets
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Bait
  • Wine key
  • Your tackle box
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing

Lake Safety Tips

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Gilroy, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. Following a few standard safety tips that will make sure that everyone are always safe on the water.

  • Don’t swim alone
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • 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
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Always wear sunblock

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Gilroy

Not everyone has had a chance to make their way to the amazing lakes around Gilroy and likely have a few questions about how to make the most of their time there. Obviously, every lake is going to possess unique qualities and surroundings, but here are a couple key points to review while assembling your itinerary that might help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes the beaches near Gilroy might be very busy. If you want more space to spread out, do some digging on a variety of lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most popular beach!
  2. Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Asking a local can usually allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Make the most of the best local resources. If you have time for a lengthier stay, look for local state parks and recreation areas which give you the option to camp right on the water at an affordable price.