San Francisco Lakes

Lakes Around San Francisco

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming summer adventure. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near San Francisco. A lake getaway can be perfect for those that enjoy the outdoors too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

Whether you’re seeking to float in a tube with a book, buzz around doing wakeboarding, go swimming, or work on your tan, the lakes near San Francisco provide you with numerous options for aquatic adventures. Browse through the data below and see the nearby locations from small lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you and the family to visit.

Lakes Close to San Francisco

Lake Activities

When you visit a lake near San Francisco there are many things to do for families, couples, or with a group of friends. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or decide to stay overnight at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Any stay on or in the water gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’re able to get access to a speed boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of kicking up a wake showing off your water sports expertise? Hit the water and go tubing or skiing as the local lakes provide you with several options.

Start paddling. If you want a little physical activity, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake near San Francisco that has a public boat launch you can use and get out and enjoy the scenery in all it’s glory.

Catch some fish. 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 roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or fishing from shore.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique based on which lake you go to, what time of year it is, what your goals are for the getaway. While every trip is its own animal, we’ve created a list for some ideas for your watery excursion so you have everything you need!

Common lake items

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to bring many of these things so that you’ll be safe, comfortable, and enjoying your time.

  • Snacks
  • Reserve clothing
  • USB charger
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Towels
  • A receptacle for trash
  • Sunglasses
  • Swimsuits
  • UV protection
  • A fully stocked cooler

Additional lake items

The list of items below can make your life easier for excursions to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. You may want to double check for some of these prior to hitting the road.

  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Wine key
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Tackle box
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Masks and snorkels

Lake Safety

While a day on a lake in San Francisco should be tons of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some important safety tips.

  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in San Francisco

If you’re going to visit the one of a kind lakes near San Francisco, there are a few things that will make your trip plan much more rewarding. Case in point, every individual lake is going to have unique qualities so it’s important to take into account what will make for an unforgettable trip as you plan yours.

  1. Pay attention to the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near San Francisco may be extremely busy. To find some more space to spread out, do some digging on multiple nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!
  2. Make the most of unique assets in the area. When you have time for a lengthier getaway, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to stay near or even on the water without breaking the bank.
  3. Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a day of watersports. Using a search engine will typically help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.