Menlo Park Lakes

Lakes Close to Menlo Park

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to plan your next family vacation. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Menlo Park. A lake vacation is perfect for those who love wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

Whether you’re itching to go kayaking, partake in some water skiing, go for a swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Menlo Park offer you plentiful options for outdoor activities. Take a look at the local listings directly beneath this paragraph and see the options including swimming lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you to visit.

Lakes Close to Menlo Park

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip, or a more lengthy trip gives you an almost limitless list of activities for families, couples, or even those looking for some quality alone time.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you arrive at a lake near Menlo Park:

Pack a picnic basket. The lakes near Menlo Park gives you the chance to visit all sorts of great picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite portable delicacies, or a quick snack by the water. If you’re with that special someone, this plan should put a smile on their face.

Catch some fish. For those that love to fish, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard 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.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you want a little physical activity, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake near Menlo Park with a boat launch and start paddling around to soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A day at the lake can honestly be all over the map depending on which lake you choose, when you decide to go, and your plan of attack. However, we’ve put together a list of popular go-to necessities for you to use as a checklist before you hit the road.

The basics

When you’re out on a lake near Menlo Park you will likely need to bring along many of these things to make sure you’re safe, comfortable, and enjoying your time.

  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Bathing suits
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Towels
  • Dry shirt
  • A receptacle for trash
  • Insect repellant
  • Snacks

Additional lake items

Take into consideration the itinerary when at the water and who will be in your entourage, the following items could make your day more enjoyable and worth packing before you make the trip.

  • Rafts and floaties
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Fishing gear
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Corkscrew
  • Worms or other bait
  • Games for the beach

Lake Safety

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 tips will make sure that your whole group stays safe while around the lake.

  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water

More Menlo Park Lake Tips

Few people get a chance to visit the lakes near Menlo Park and likely have a few questions about how to make the most of their time there. Obviously, every lake will have their own character and trappings, but you should keep in mind a couple key points to review while assembling your itinerary which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near Menlo Park can get extremely crowded. To find some space to yourself, research multiple lakes in the area 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!
  2. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or tubing with the kids. Doing a quick Google search can typically allow you to find a marina that has what you need.
  3. Maximize the best local resources. When you have time for a lengthier stay, look for local state campgrounds and parks which give you the option to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water at an affordable price.