Novato Lakes

Lakes Around Novato

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming family vacation. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Novato. A lake vacation is perfect for those that enjoy wildlife too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are numerous great arguments to visit a lake in Novato during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, fun summer entertainment such as paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. Some of the lakes in Novato have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Take a look at the data directly beneath this paragraph to see your nearby locations including small lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you to enjoy.

Nearby Lakes for Novato

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy getaway provides an almost endless list of things to do for families, couples, or even those looking for some quiet time.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you arrive at a Novato lake:

Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near Novato offer tons of fun and excitement for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a beautiful public beach!

Picnic time. Novato’s lakes offer a wealth of great picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite tasty treats, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy by the water. For a romantic evening, good food and a view is hard to beat.

Catch some fish. For those that love to fish, 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 roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Lake Checklist

A day at the lake can be very different based on which lake you go to, what the weather is going to be, what your goals are for the getaway. While every trip is its own animal, we took the time to make a list for some ideas for your watery excursion so you have everything you need!

General items

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to bring many of the things in our list below so that you’ll be safe, healthy, and having fun.

  • Sunscreen
  • Bottle opener
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Food
  • Bug spray
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Bathing suits

More lake stuff

Depending on the itinerary when at the water and who will be in your entourage, the list of gear might also prove useful and worth packing before you get on the road.

  • Books
  • Toys for the beach
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Wine key
  • Fishing poles
  • Bait
  • Your tackle box

Staying Safe on a Lake

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, safety should be top of mind. These safety tips should make sure that your whole group stays safe at your favorite Novato lake.

  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft

More Novato Lake Tips

Not everyone has had the opportunity to make their way to the lakes near Novato and might have some questions regarding planning. Clearly, any body of water will have unique qualities and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a few things to look into while making plans which could help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Find a marina. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Asking a local can usually help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Maximize unique local resources. If there’s time for a lengthier getaway, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the ability to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water without breaking the bank.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near Novato might be swarmed with tourists. If you want some more peace and quiet, do some digging on a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most happening beach!