San Jose Lakes

Lakes Around San Jose

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 Jose. A lake getaway is amazing for those that enjoy getting outside too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are many brilliant arguments for a getaway to a lake in San Jose while it’s hot outside – the water is refreshing on hot days, enjoyable summer activities such as boating, fishing or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. So what are you waiting for? Pack up your vehicle with sunscreen and a cooler then make the trip your next day off and discover a brand new favorite spot on a lake!

Lakes Close to San Jose

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

When you visit a lake near San Jose there are many activities that can be enjoyed by families and couples. You could go for an exciting day trip or decide to stay overnight to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you arrive at a San Jose lake:

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 drifting behind a trolling motor or tossing a line in from the dock.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you like to paddle around, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake near San Jose with a boat launch and start paddling around to enjoy the scenery in all it’s glory.

Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near San Jose offer tons of fun for the big kids and little ones, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their 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 before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a magnificent public beach on a lake near San Jose!

Lake Checklist

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements based on the lake you’re heading to, when you go, or if there are any activities planned. While every trip is its own animal, we put together a list with some of our favorite ideas for your watery excursion so you have everything you need!

Common lake items

If the plan is to be in the sun for most of the weekend, our list of provisions below is a good place to start when it comes to the necessities that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • A cooler with water
  • Towels
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Food and snacks
  • UV protection
  • Bathing suits
  • Insect repellant
  • Backup clothes
  • A receptacle for trash
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices

Specialty lake stuff

Consider the itinerary at the lake and who will be joining you, the items below might also prove useful and worth a quick spot check before hitting the road.

  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Books
  • Toys for the beach
  • Wine key
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Your tackle box
  • Goggles or masks
  • Safety gear like life jackets

Lake Safety Checklist

While your getaway to a lake in San Jose can be lots of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some important safety tips.

  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves

Some More Tips

Some people may not get a chance to make their way to the amazing lakes around San Jose and likely have some questions on ways to maximize their fun. Certainly, no matter where you go each lake will possess unique qualities and trappings, but here are a few things to review when assembling your itinerary which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches can get exceptionally crowded. To find more space to spread out, research multiple nearby beaches and lakes to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!
  2. Rent a boat. Many lakes have local marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a wild day of wakeboarding. Using a search engine can usually allow you to find a marina that has what you need.
  3. Maximize the best local resources. When there’s time for a lengthier getaway, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water without breaking the bank.