Santa Monica Lakes

Lakes Close to Santa Monica

When the weather is right you should spend some time by the water. Fortunately, when you come to Santa Monica you have some great spots when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

There are countless great reasons to visit a lake in Santa Monica during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, enjoyable summer activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. Some of the lakes in Santa Monica have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Scan the table below and have a look the options including small lakes to larger lakes for you and the family to visit.

Nearby Lakes for Santa Monica

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near Santa Monica there are many things to do for groups of all types. You could go for an exciting day trip or make it a long weekend to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you make your way to a Santa Monica lake:

Water sports. If you’ve got access to a speed boat, why not get out on the water and start flying around the water showing off your water sports skills? Enjoy a day of tubing or skiing as the all sports lakes give you several options.

Start paddling. If you like to paddle around, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake near Santa Monica that has a public launch and start paddling around to soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Pack a picnic basket. The lakes near Santa Monica offer all sorts of excellent picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite culinary delights, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy by the water. If you’re with that special someone, good food and a view should be suitably romantic.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be drastically different when you take into consideration which lake you’re going to, the weather forecast, and the activities on your to-do list. To make things easier we’ve built out a short list of some of the most common lake and beach-related necessities for you to use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

The basics

When the plan is to be outdoors for most of the weekend, the list below should be a good starting point when it comes to the necessities that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Portable stereo
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Sunblock
  • Backup clothes
  • Something to eat
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Tennis shoes
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Beach blanket

Specialty lake gear

Consider your planned activities at the lake and who will be in your entourage, the items below might also prove useful and worth a quick spot check before you get on the road.

  • Goggles or masks
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Something to read
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Worms or other bait
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Tackle box

Staying Safe on a Lake

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. Here are some general tips that can ensure that you and your family remains safe on the water.

  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • 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
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Santa Monica

When you make a trip to the one of a kind lakes near Santa Monica, there are a few things that can make your weekend gameplan much more rewarding. Case in point, each lake has their own qualities so it’s important to take into account what you need to make an enjoyable adventure when planning yours.

  1. Make the most of unique assets in the area. If you have time for a lengthier stay, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to camp near or even on the water without breaking the bank.
  2. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches may be very busy. If you want some more peace and quiet, research multiple lakes and beaches 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 popular sandy party scene!
  3. Rent a boat. Many lakes have local marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or tubing with the kids. Doing a quick Google search can typically help you locate a marina that has what you need.