Irvine Lakes

Lakes Near Irvine

When the weather is right you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. As it turns out, when you visit Irvine there are some options when it comes to spending time on the lake.

There are countless great arguments for a getaway to a lake in Irvine while it’s hot outside – the cool water for swimming, enjoyable summer activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. Some of the lakes in Irvine have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. So what are you waiting for? Pack up the car with your beach goodies and a cooler then set out your next day off to find your own number one spot on the water!

Lakes Near Irvine

Lake Activities

When you visit a lake near Irvine you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by people of all persuasions. You could go for an exciting day trip or decide to stay overnight at a hotel on the beach to enjoy yourself more fully.

Every getaway at the lake gives you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Fishing. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or tossing a line in from the dock.

Start paddling. If you want a little physical activity, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake that has a public boat launch you can use and get out and soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Picnic time. Irvine’s lakes provide all sorts of top-notch picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite culinary delights, or you could just do some cheese and crackers by the water. If you’re with that special someone, a picnic on the beach is hard to beat.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different based on the lake you’re heading to, when you go, or if there are any activities planned. However, we took the time to make a list with some of our favorite ideas for your lake getaway to ensure nothing gets forgotten!

The basics

When the plan is to be outdoors for the majority of the vacation, the following list of items is an excellent place to start when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.

  • Portable stereo
  • UV protection
  • Insect repellant
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Bathing suits
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Garbage bags
  • USB charger
  • Bottle opener
  • A sunhat or glasses

More lake stuff

Depending on your planned activities when at the water and who will be in your entourage, the items below might also prove useful and worth packing before you get on the road.

  • Rafts and floaties
  • Something to read
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Corkscrew
  • Swimming goggles
  • Bait
  • Toys for the beach
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Diapers and baby gear

Lake Safety

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. These safety tips should make sure that you and your family are always safe while around the lake.

  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • 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
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside

More Ideas for Lake Fun

If you’re going to visit the one of a kind lakes around Irvine, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your trip plan substantially more rewarding. For example, each individual lake near Irvine has their own environment so it is important to think about what you need to make an unforgettable getaway when planning yours.

  1. Find a marina. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Asking a local will usually allow you to find a marina that has what you need.
  2. Maximize unique local resources. When there’s time for a longer stay, look for local state campgrounds and parks which give you the option to camp right on the water at an affordable price.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally beaches may be packed with beachgoers. If you want some more space to spread out, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes 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 happening sandy party scene!