Huntington Beach Lakes

Lakes Around Huntington Beach

Every once in a while you just need to spend some time on the water. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to Huntington Beach you have some great spots when it comes to spending time on the lake.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to paddleboard, get active with water skiing, go for a swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Huntington Beach provide you with plentiful beautiful locations for aquatic fun. The time is now! Pack up your vehicle with your fishing gear and a picnic basket then make the trip this weekend to find your own number one location on a lake!

Lakes Near Huntington Beach

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

When you visit a lake near Huntington Beach you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by families and couples. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or decide to stay overnight at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make the most of your time unwinding.

Any stay on or in the water gives you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Swimming. Finding a swimming lake near Huntington Beach will provide all kinds of fun and excitement for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active 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 before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a beautiful public beach on a lake near Huntington Beach!

Partake in some delicious delights outside. Huntington Beach’s lakes gives you the chance to visit many top-notch picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite culinary delights, or you could just do some cheese and crackers while enjoying the scenery. Should you be with someone you want to impress, this plan is hard to beat.

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 tossing a line in from the dock.

Lake Checklist

A lake day itinerary can vary quite a bit depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the weather forecast, and the activities on your to-do list. For your convenience we’ve built out a short list of our favorite go-to items that you can use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.

Common lake items

When the plan is to be outdoors for the majority of the weekend, the following list of items is an excellent starting point for essentials to have on hand.

  • Reserve clothes
  • Bottle opener
  • Bathing suits
  • A picnic basket
  • USB charger
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Sunglasses
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Bug spray

More lake stuff

Depending on your planned activities at the lake and your guests, the following items could make your day more enjoyable and adding to your checklist before you make the trip.

  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Worms or other bait
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Kindle
  • Tackle box
  • Corkscrew
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Masks and snorkels

Staying Safe on a Lake

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Huntington Beach, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. These safety tips can make sure that everyone remains safe while around the lake.

  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Make sure no one swims alone

More Huntington Beach Lake Tips

Few people get a chance to make their way to the amazing lakes around Huntington Beach and might have a lot of questions on ways to maximize their fun. Clearly, every lake is going to possess unique qualities and trappings, but you should keep in mind a few things to look into while making plans which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a wild day of wakeboarding. Doing a quick Google search can usually help you locate a marina that has what you need.
  2. Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches can get very crowded. If you want some space to yourself, research multiple lakes and beaches 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 local resources. When there’s time for a lengthier trip, look for local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to camp right on the water at an affordable price.