South San Francisco Lakes

Lakes Around South San Francisco

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to plan your next summer adventure. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near South San Francisco. A lake getaway is amazing for those who love the outdoors too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are countless brilliant motivations to visit a lake in South San Francisco this summer – the cool water for swimming, relaxing summer activities like wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. 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 to find your own favorite location on a lake!

Lakes Close to South San Francisco

Things to Do at the Lake

A quick excursion to a lake, or a longer getaway gives you an almost boundless list of activities for people of all stripes.

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

Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near South San Francisco will offer tons of fun and excitement for the kids, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want 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 before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a glorious public beach on a lake near South San Francisco!

Grab a board. If paddling is your thing, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake near South San Francisco that has a boat launch and start paddling around to enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Fishing. For those that love to fish, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun 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.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different depending 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 took the time to make a list for some ideas for your watery excursion so everything goes smoothly!

Common lake items

When the plan is to be outdoors for most of the vacation, the list below is an excellent place to start when it comes to the necessities that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Portable stereo
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • USB charger
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Something to eat
  • Insect repellant

Additional lake items

The gear in the list below can make your life easier for trips to the lake based on your plans. You may want to double check for some of these before heading out.

  • Bait
  • Corkscrew
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Fishing poles
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Kindle
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Toys for the beach
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Life jackets

Lake Safety Tips

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. Here are some general tips that can ensure that you and your family remains safe on the water.

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

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in South San Francisco

When you make a trip to the beautiful lakes near South San Francisco, there are a few things that can make your itinerary far more successful. As an example, each lake is going to have unique qualities and surroundings which makes it important to consider what will make for a memorable getaway as you plan yours.

  1. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Doing a quick Google search will typically allow you to find a marina that has what you need.
  2. Maximize the best assets in the area. If you have time for a longer stay, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to camp near or even on the water without breaking the bank.
  3. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches may be swarmed with beachgoers. If you want some more peace and quiet, research a variety of lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most happening beach!