Manhattan Beach Lakes

Lakes Near Manhattan Beach

Every once in a while you should spend some time on the water. A lake vacation can be perfect for people who love getting outside too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

There are numerous brilliant motivations for making a trip to a lake in Manhattan Beach this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer activities such as boating, fishing or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Pack up the car with your beach goodies and a picnic basket then set out your next day off to find a brand new number one spot on a lake!

Lakes Near Manhattan Beach

Things to Do at the Lake

On a day trip to a lake near Manhattan Beach there are many things to do for families, couples, or with a group of friends. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or decide to stay overnight at a hotel on the beach to make for a bigger, better getaway.

A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water offers you everything from fun to relaxation.

Swimming. The swimming lakes near Manhattan Beach provide all kinds of laughs and games 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 before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a magnificent public beach!

Picnic time. The lakes near Manhattan Beach provide a wealth of great picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite tasty treats, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, good food and a view should be suitably romantic.

Water sports. If you’ve got access to a ski boat, why not get out on the water and start flying around the water showing off your water sports expertise? Hit the water and go tubing or skiing as the local lakes provide you with several choices.

Lake Getaway Prep

A day at the lake can vary quite a bit depending on which lake you’re going to, the season, and what you want to do while you’re there. To make things easier we’ve put together a list of some of the most common lake and beach-related items for you to use as a checklist before you hit the road.

Common lake items

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the vast majority of the day, the following list of items should be a good place to start for essentials you are likely to need.

  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Insect repellant
  • UV protection
  • Portable stereo
  • Bathing suits
  • Portable phone charger
  • Food and snacks
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Something to dry off with
  • A blanket or sheet

More lake items

The gear in the list below can make your life easier for excursions to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check for some of these prior to hitting the road.

  • Wine key
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Games for the beach
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Fishing gear
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Tackle box
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Goggles or masks

Lake Safety Tips

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. These safety measures will make sure that everyone remains safe on the water.

  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • 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

When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes around Manhattan Beach, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your itinerary far more rewarding. For example, each individual lake near Manhattan Beach is going to have their own qualities and surroundings so it’s important to take into account what will make for a memorable trip when planning yours.

  1. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Using a search engine will typically help you locate a marina that has what you need.
  2. Maximize the best assets in the area. If you have time for a lengthier stay, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the option to camp near or even on the water at an affordable price.
  3. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes the beaches near Manhattan Beach might be swarmed with beachgoers. If you want some more peace and quiet, research multiple lakes and beaches 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 beach!