La Mesa Lakes

Lakes Around La Mesa

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to plan your next big getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near La Mesa. A lake getaway is wonderful for those who love the outdoors too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, partake in some wakeboarding, swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near La Mesa offer you numerous options for aquatic adventures. Has there ever been a better time? Pack up the car with your beach goodies and snacks then hit the road this weekend and discover a brand new favorite location on a lake!

Lakes Near La Mesa

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near La Mesa you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by people of all persuasions. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or decide to stay overnight to a hotel on the beach to enjoy yourself more fully.

A day, weekend, or a week at the lake gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Picnic time. La Mesa’s lakes gives you the chance to visit many great picnic areas for you to pack up some culinary delights, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy by the water. If you’re with that special someone, good food and a view is hard to beat.

Grab a board. If you like to paddle around, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake near La Mesa with a public boat launch you can use and get out and enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near La Mesa provide all kinds of fun for the youngsters, 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 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 beautiful public beach!

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different depending on which lake you go to, what time of year it is, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. However, we put together a list that will give some ideas for your next summer trip so there’s nothing to stress over!

Common lake items

When the plan is to be outdoors for the majority of the vacation, our list of provisions below is a good starting point when it comes to the necessities that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • UV protection
  • Bug spray
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Dry shirt
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Sneakers
  • Swimsuits
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Food

Additional lake items

Consider your planned activities when at the water and who will be in your entourage, the items below could make your day more enjoyable and worth packing prior to departure.

  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Life jackets
  • Goggles or masks
  • Kindle
  • Tackle box
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Worms or other bait
  • Wine key

Lake Safety Tips

While spending a weekend to the lake should be lots of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. When you decide to spend a day at the lake these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning

More Ideas for Lake Fun

Not everyone has had a chance to visit the amazing lakes around La Mesa and might have some questions about how to make the most of their time there. Of course, no matter where you go each lake will have unique qualities and trappings, but you should keep in mind a handful of items to look into while assembling your itinerary that might help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches might be really busy. If you want some more space to spread out, do some digging on a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!
  2. Maximize unique local resources. When there’s time for a longer trip, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the option to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.
  3. Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas where you can rent a boat. 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 will usually allow you to locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.