Newport Beach Lakes

Lakes Close to Newport Beach

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to plan your next summer adventure. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Newport Beach. A lake vacation is perfect for those who love the outdoors too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

There are numerous great reasons for making a trip to a lake in Newport Beach this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. Some of the lakes in Newport Beach have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. Browse through the table below to see the options including small lakes to all sports lakes for you to enjoy.

Nearby Lakes for Newport Beach

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip to the lake, or a longer trip offers a nearly boundless list of things to do for people of all stripes.

Every getaway on or in the water offers you everything from fun to relaxation.

Partake in some water sports. If you’ve got access to a ski boat, why not spend the day kicking up a wake showing off your water sports skills? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding or knee boarding as the all sports lakes give you several options.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you like to paddle around, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake with a public boat launch you can use and start paddling around to enjoy nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Go fishing. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re out on a boat or tossing a line in from the dock.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different depending on which lake you go to, what time of year it is, what your goals are for the getaway. For your benefit, we put together a list for some ideas for your watery excursion so everything goes smoothly!

Common lake items

When the plan is to be outdoors for the majority of the weekend, our list of provisions below should be an excellent starting point for essentials you are likely to need.

  • Bug spray
  • Portable phone charger
  • Sunblock
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Swimsuits
  • A cooler with water
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Bottle opener
  • Towels
  • Reserve clothes

Specialty lake stuff

The list of items below can make your life easier for excursions to the lake based on your plans. You may want to double check some of these prior to hitting the road.

  • Bait
  • Fishing poles
  • Swimming goggles
  • Tackle box
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Games for the beach
  • Legal flotation devices

Lake Safety

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. Here are some general tips that can ensure that everyone are always safe while around the lake.

  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Keep your distance from wildlife

More Newport Beach Lake Tips

Not everyone has had a chance to make their way to the amazing lakes around Newport Beach and might have some questions on ways to maximize their fun. Obviously, no matter where you go each lake will possess their own character and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a few things to review when planning which could help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a day of watersports. Doing a quick Google search will usually allow you to locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Maximize unique assets in the area. If you have time for a longer getaway, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to camp right on the water for a reasonable price.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally the beaches near Newport Beach could be very busy. If you want some space to yourself, do some digging on multiple nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!