Mission Viejo Lakes

Lakes Around Mission Viejo

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to plan your next summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Mission Viejo. As it turns out, when you come to Mission Viejo you have some options for getting on, or in the water.

There are many brilliant reasons for making a trip to a lake in Mission Viejo while it’s hot outside – the water is refreshing on hot days, fun summer activities such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Take a look at the data below and have a look your options including swimming lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you and the family to visit.

Lakes Near Mission Viejo

Lake Activities

A day trip to the lake, or a longer getaway offers a nearly endless list of activities for people of all stripes.

Any stay on or in the water offers you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you like to paddle around, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake near Mission Viejo with a public launch and get out and soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’re able to get access to a speed boat, why not get out on the water and start kicking up a wake showing off your water sports expertise? Take the family out for some tubing or skiing as the local lakes offer you a number of choices.

Go fishing. 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 fishing from shore.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can vary quite a bit depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the season, and your plan of attack. To make things easier we’ve assembled a rundown of our favorite lake and beach-related necessities for you to use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

Lake basics

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

  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • A receptacle for trash
  • Food
  • Bug spray
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Sunblock
  • A cooler with water

Additional lake gear

Depending on the itinerary for the day and who will be joining you, the list of gear might also prove useful and adding to your checklist before you get on the road.

  • Legal flotation devices
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Bait
  • Fishing poles
  • Games for the beach
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Goggles or masks
  • Kindle

Lake Safety Tips

Of course your getaway to the lake can be lots of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Keep your distance from wildlife

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Mission Viejo

If you’re going to visit the fabulous lakes near Mission Viejo, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your weekend gameplan far more successful. As an example, every individual lake near Mission Viejo has their own qualities and surroundings which makes it important to think about what will make for a memorable trip as you plan yours.

  1. Maximize unique local resources. When there’s time for a lengthier stay, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the option to stay near or even on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find 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. Asking a local can usually help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near Mission Viejo may be swarmed with tourists. To find some space to yourself, do some digging on a variety of lakes in the area 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 busiest, most popular sandy party scene!