Lakes Around Goleta
The weather is warm so it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming summer adventure. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Goleta. A lake vacation is wonderful for people that enjoy the outdoors too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.
Whether you’re looking to go kayaking, buzz around doing water skiing, go swimming, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Goleta offer you numerous opportunities for outdoor adventures. Has there ever been a better time? Pack up your vehicle with sunscreen and snacks then hit the road your next day off and discover a brand new number one location on the water!
Lakes Close to Goleta
Things to Do at the Lake
A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy getaway offers an almost limitless list of things to do for families, couples, or even those seeking some quality alone time.
Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you visit a Goleta lake:
Go fishing. For those that love to fish, 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 standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.
Swimming. Finding a swimming lake near Goleta will offer all kinds of laughs and games for the youngsters, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on prior to packing the car and the family! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a magnificent public beach!
Partake in some water sports. If you’ve got access to a fast boat, why not spend the day zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports talents? Take the family out for some wakeboarding or knee boarding as the lakes near Goleta offer you all kinds of choices.
Preparing for a Day on the Lake
Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique depending on which lake you go to, when you go, what your goals are for the getaway. For your benefit, we’ve created a list with some of our favorite ideas for your next summer trip so you have everything you need!
General items
When the plan is to be outdoors for the majority of the day, the list below is a good starting point for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.
- Dry shirt
- Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
- Eye protection, a hat, or both
- A receptacle for trash
- Food and snacks
- Cords and a charger for portable devices
- Plates, cups and utensils
- Sunscreen
- Bathing suits
- Insect repellant
Specialty lake gear
Take into consideration what you’ll be doing when at the water and who will be in your entourage, the list of gear will likely be helpful and worth a quick spot check before you make the trip.
- Rafts and floaties
- Games for the beach
- Bait
- Books
- Fishing poles, nets, etc.
- Safety gear like life jackets
- Baby gear (if necessary)
- Your tackle box
- Wine key
- Goggles or masks
Lake Safety Tips
While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Goleta, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. These safety protocols can make sure that everyone are always safe on the water.
- Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
- Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
- Always swim with a buddy
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
- Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
- Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
More Goleta Lake Tips
If you’re going to visit the fabulous lakes near Goleta, there are a few things that can make your trip plan much more rewarding. Case in point, every individual lake near Goleta is going to have their own qualities and surroundings so it’s important to consider what you need to make an enjoyable trip when planning yours.
- Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches may be swarmed with tourists. To find more space to yourself, research a variety of lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most popular beach!
- Maximize unique local resources. When you have time for a lengthier stay, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to camp directly on the water at an affordable price.
- No boat, no problem. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or tubing with the kids. Asking a local will usually allow you to find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
