San Mateo Lakes

Lakes Around San Mateo

It’s summertime so it’s time to start planning your upcoming family vacation. There aren’t many better options than a lake near San Mateo. As it turns out, when you visit San Mateo you have some great spots when it comes to spending time on the lake.

Whether you’re itching to go kayaking, get active with wakeboarding, swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near San Mateo offer you lots of beautiful locations for outdoor activities. Browse through the data directly beneath this paragraph to see the nearby locations from swimming lakes to larger lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Lakes Near San Mateo

Lake Activities

When you visit a lake near San Mateo you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by people of all persuasions. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or decide to stay overnight at a hotel on the beach to enjoy yourself more fully.

Every getaway at the lake offers you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Catch some fish. 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 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.

Pack a picnic basket. The lakes near San Mateo gives you the chance to visit all sorts of top-notch picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite culinary delights, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy as you enjoy the view. If you’re with that special someone, this plan should put a smile on their face.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near San Mateo offer tons of laughs and games for the youngsters, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on prior to packing the car and the family! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a magnificent public beach!

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique based on the lake you’re heading to, what time of year it is, what your goals are for the getaway. For your benefit, we took the time to make a list that will give some ideas for your lake getaway so you have everything you need!

General items

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

  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Towels
  • Radio or speaker
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Tennis shoes
  • A picnic basket
  • Insect repellant
  • Swimsuits
  • Dry shirt

Additional lake stuff

Consider the itinerary at the lake and who will be joining you, the following items might also prove useful and adding to your checklist prior to departure.

  • Your tackle box
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Games for the beach
  • Swimming goggles
  • Bait
  • Fishing poles
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Life jackets
  • Your favorite magazine or book

Lake Safety

Of course spending a weekend at a lake in San Mateo should be lots of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Always wear sunblock

Some More Tips

Some people may not get the opportunity to make their way to the amazing lakes around San Mateo and might have some questions on ways to maximize their fun. Certainly, each lake near San Mateo is going to have unique qualities and trappings, but it’s worth noting a couple key points to look into when assembling your itinerary which could help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Maximize unique local resources. If you have time for a lengthier stay, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the option to camp right on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a day of watersports. Using a search engine will typically allow you to locate a marina that has what you need.
  3. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near San Mateo might be really busy. To find some space to yourself, do some digging on a variety of lakes in the area 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 happening sandy party scene!