Pleasanton Lakes

Lakes Close to Pleasanton

Every once in a while you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. A lake getaway can be amazing for people that enjoy wildlife too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

There are countless great motivations to visit a lake in Pleasanton during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, fun summer activities like boating, fishing or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Scan the local listings below to have a look the nearby locations from swimming lakes to larger lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Lakes Near Pleasanton

Lake Activities

A day trip, or a more lengthy trip provides a nearly endless list of things to do for families or couples.

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

Pack a picnic basket. Pleasanton’s lakes provide all sorts of top-notch picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite culinary delights, or you could just do some cheese and crackers while enjoying the scenery. If you’re with that special someone, this plan should be suitably romantic.

Swimming. The swimming lakes near Pleasanton provide tons of fun and excitement for the big kids and little ones, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want 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 sandy beach and a designated swimming area prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a magnificent public beach on a lake near Pleasanton!

Go fishing. For those that love to fish, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements depending on the lake you’re heading to, what time of year it is, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. For your benefit, we took the time to make a list with some of our favorite ideas for your lake getaway so everything goes smoothly!

The basics

When you’re out on a lake near Pleasanton it makes a lot of sense to take many of the things in our list below so that you’ll be feeling good, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Sunglasses
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • UV protection
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt
  • Towels
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Something to eat
  • Garbage bags
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Proper footwear

Specialty lake items

Take into consideration what you’ll be doing when at the water and what your party looks like, the following items could make your day more enjoyable and worth packing prior to departure.

  • Games for the beach
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Something to read
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Wine key
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Masks and snorkels

Staying Safe on a Lake

While spending a weekend to the lake should be lots of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. When you decide to spend a day at the lake these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding

More Ideas for Lake Fun

Some people may not get a chance to visit the amazing lakes around Pleasanton and might have a few questions regarding planning. Certainly, any body of water will possess their own character and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a handful of items to look into while making plans that might help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. 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. Doing a quick Google search will typically allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.
  2. Maximize unique assets in the area. When you have time for a lengthier trip, find local state campgrounds and parks which give you the option to camp near or even on the water for a reasonable price.
  3. Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes the beaches near Pleasanton could be extremely busy. To find more space to spread out, 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 busiest, most popular sandy party scene!