Hayward Lakes

Lakes Close to Hayward

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to plan your next family vacation. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Hayward. A lake getaway is amazing for people who love the outdoors too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are countless great motivations for making a trip to a lake in Hayward while it’s hot outside – the cool water for swimming, fun summer activities such as boating, fishing or swimming. Some of the lakes in Hayward have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Load up the car with your beach goodies and snacks then hit the road your next day off and discover your own number one spot on a lake!

Lakes Close to Hayward

Things to Do at the Lake

A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy getaway offers an almost boundless list of things to do for people of all stripes.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you make your way to a Hayward lake:

Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near Hayward offer all kinds of fun for the youngsters, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a beautiful public beach!

Go fishing. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or fishing from shore.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. For those in search of some exercise, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake near Hayward that has a boat launch and get out and soak up the scenery in all it’s glory.

Lake Checklist

A day at the lake can be very different based on the lake you’re heading to, what time of year it is, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. 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!

Common lake items

When you’re out on a lake near Hayward you’ll probably want to take along several of the items below to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • Food and snacks
  • Bottle opener
  • Reserve clothes
  • Beach blanket
  • A cooler with water
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Insect repellant
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Radio or speaker
  • Towels

Specialty lake stuff

The list of items below can make your life easier for trips to the lake based on your plans. You may want to double check for some of these prior to hitting the road.

  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Toys for the beach
  • Corkscrew
  • Tackle box
  • Fishing poles
  • Goggles or masks
  • Worms or other bait
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Your favorite magazine or book

Staying Safe on a Lake

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. Following a few standard safety tips that will make sure that everyone are always safe on the water.

  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding

Some More Tips

If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes around Hayward, there are a few things that might make your trip plan much more successful. As an example, each individual lake near Hayward has unique qualities which makes it important to think about what you need to make an unforgettable trip when planning yours.

  1. Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a wild day of wakeboarding. Using a search engine can usually help you locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Pay attention to the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes beaches could 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 to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!
  3. Maximize unique assets in the area. If there’s time for a lengthier stay, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the ability to stay directly on the water without breaking the bank.