Los Angeles Lakes

Lakes Close to Los Angeles

Every once in a while you should spend some time by the water. A lake getaway can be amazing for those that enjoy the outdoors too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are many brilliant motivations for making a trip to a lake in Los Angeles this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. Has there ever been a better time? Pack up the car with sunscreen and a cooler then make the trip this weekend and discover a brand new favorite spot on the water!

Lakes Close to Los Angeles

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip, or a more lengthy trip provides an almost limitless list of activities for families, couples, or even those seeking some quiet time.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you make your way to a Los Angeles lake:

Grab a board. If you want a little physical activity, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake with a public boat launch you can use and start paddling around to enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.

Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near Los Angeles offer all kinds of laughs and games for the big kids and little ones, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between getting that perfect golden tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a glorious public beach!

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 out on a boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements depending on the lake you’re heading to, what time of year it is, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. However, we took the time to make a list with some of our favorite ideas for your lake getaway so there’s nothing to stress over!

Common lake items

When the plan is to be outdoors for the vast majority of the weekend, the following list of items should be a good starting point for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • A receptacle for trash
  • Insect repellant
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Bathing suits
  • Portable phone charger
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • A cooler and drinks
  • A picnic basket
  • Beach blanket

Specialty lake stuff

The following items could be helpful for getaways to the lake based on your plans. You may want to double check for some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Wine key
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Toys for the beach
  • Tackle box
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Something to read
  • Worms or other bait

Lake Safety Checklist

While your getaway at the lake can provide ample amounts of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. If you’re going to be out on the water these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Los Angeles

When you make a trip to the beautiful lakes around Los Angeles, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your itinerary far more rewarding. For example, every individual lake has unique environment which makes it important to consider what will make for an unforgettable getaway when planning yours.

  1. Maximize unique local resources. When you have time for a longer getaway, find local state parks and recreation areas that offer the option to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.
  2. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches can get very crowded. To find some space to yourself, research multiple lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the busiest, most popular beach!
  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 fishing with family and friends or a day of watersports. Using a search engine can usually allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.