San Juan Capistrano Lakes

Lakes Close to San Juan Capistrano

Every once in a while you should pack up and find a spot by the water. A stay at a lake can be wonderful for people who love the outdoors too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to paddleboard, buzz around doing watersports, swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near San Juan Capistrano offer you plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities. Browse through the table directly beneath this paragraph to see your nearby locations from small lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Lakes Close to San Juan Capistrano

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near San Juan Capistrano you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by families and couples. You could go for an exciting day trip or take a longer vacation to a hotel on the beach to enjoy yourself more fully.

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

Go fishing. For anglers, 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.

Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near San Juan Capistrano provide all kinds 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 nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a glorious public beach on a lake near San Juan Capistrano!

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’re able to get access to a speed boat, why not get out on the water and start zipping around the lake showing off your water sports expertise? Hit the water and go wakeboarding or knee boarding as the all sports lakes provide you with all kinds of choices.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can vary quite a bit depending on which lake you choose, the weather forecast, and what you want to do while you’re there. However, we’ve put together a list of popular go-to necessities that you can use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.

Common lake items

When you’re out on a lake near San Juan Capistrano you’ll probably want to take along several of these items so that you’ll be safe, comfortable, and having fun.

  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Something to dry off with
  • A cooler with water bottles
  • Sunscreen
  • Something to eat
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Sunglasses
  • Bug spray
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Plates, cups and utensils

Additional lake stuff

The following items could be helpful for excursions to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. You may want to double check some of these prior to hitting the road.

  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Life jackets
  • Swimming goggles
  • Bait
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Wine key
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Something to read
  • Toys for the beach
  • Fishing gear

Lake Safety Checklist

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. Here are some general tips that can make sure that you and your family are always safe while around the lake.

  • 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
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Don’t swim alone

More Ideas for Lake Fun

If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes near San Juan Capistrano, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your trip plan far more successful. Case in point, each lake near San Juan Capistrano is going to have their own environment which makes it important to consider what you need to make a memorable trip when planning yours.

  1. Find a marina. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or tubing with the kids. Doing a quick Google search will typically help you find a marina that has what you need.
  2. Make the most of the best local resources. If you have time for a longer trip, look for local state campgrounds and parks which give you the option to stay directly on the water at an affordable price.
  3. Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near San Juan Capistrano may be swarmed with beachgoers. To find a little more privacy, research a variety of lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most happening beach!