San Rafael Lakes

Lakes Around San Rafael

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to plan your next summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near San Rafael. As it turns out, when you visit San Rafael there are some options when it comes to spending time on the lake.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to go kayaking, buzz around doing watersports, swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near San Rafael provide you with numerous beautiful locations for outdoor fun. Take a look at the data below to have a look the options including small lakes to all sports lakes for you to enjoy.

Nearby Lakes for San Rafael

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy trip offers an almost endless amount of stuff for families or couples.

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

Catch some fish. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re out on a boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near San Rafael will offer tons of fun and excitement for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their 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! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a glorious public beach on a lake near San Rafael!

Start paddling. For those in search of some exercise, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake with a public boat launch you can use and start paddling around to soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A lake day itinerary can be drastically different when you take into consideration which lake you’re going to, the time of year, the weather, and the activities on your to-do list. To make things easier we’ve assembled a rundown of our favorite go-to items that you can use as a checklist for your getaway.

The basics

For a day spent on the water you will likely need to bring along some of the items below so that you’ll be safe, comfortable, and relaxed.

  • Proper footwear
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Insect repellant
  • Food
  • Towels
  • Portable stereo
  • Sunscreen
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Dry shirt
  • A blanket or sheet

More lake stuff

The list of items below can make your life easier for getaways to the lake based on your plans. It’s also worth checking prior to hitting the road.

  • Bait
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Something to read
  • Games for the beach
  • Your tackle box
  • Goggles or masks
  • Corkscrew
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Fishing poles

Lake Safety Tips

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near San Rafael, safety should be top of mind. These safety measures should ensure that your whole group remains safe on the water.

  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Keep your distance from wildlife

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in San Rafael

Some people may not get a chance to make their way to the amazing lakes around San Rafael and might have a few questions about how to make the most of their time there. Of course, each lake near San Rafael will possess their own character and trappings, but here are a couple key points to review when making plans that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes the beaches near San Rafael might be very busy. If you want some more space to spread out, do some digging on multiple lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!
  2. Make the most of the best assets in the area. If there’s time for a longer stay, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water at an affordable price.
  3. Rent a boat. Many lakes have nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a day of watersports. Doing a quick Google search will usually help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.