Tracy Lakes

Lakes Close to Tracy

Every once in a while you should gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. A lake vacation can be perfect for people that enjoy getting outside 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 itching to go kayaking, buzz around doing wakeboarding, swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Tracy offer you numerous options for outdoor adventures. So what are you waiting for? Load up your vehicle with your fishing gear and a cooler then set out your next day off and discover your own favorite spot on a lake!

Lakes Near Tracy

Things to Do at the Lake

On a day trip to a lake near Tracy you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by families, couples, or with a group of friends. You could go for an exciting day trip or make it a long weekend to 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.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’re able to get access to a ski boat, why not spend the day zipping around the lake showing off your water sports talents? Hit the water and go tubing or skiing as the local lakes give you several choices.

Catch some fish. For those that love to fish, 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 tossing a line in from the dock.

Grab a board. If paddling is your thing, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake that has a public boat launch you can use and start paddling around to enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

Your plan for a lake getaway can be drastically different when you take into consideration which lake you’re going to, the season, and what you want to do while you’re there. However, we’ve put together a list of our favorite lake necessities that you can use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

General items

When you’re out on a lake near Tracy you will likely need to bring many of the items below to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and relaxed.

  • Sunscreen
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Tennis shoes
  • Snacks
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices

Additional lake gear

The gear in the list below can make your life easier for getaways to the lake based on your plans. You may want to double check for some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Tackle box
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Bait
  • Wine key
  • Swimming goggles
  • Fishing gear
  • Books
  • Baby gear (if necessary)

Lake Safety

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. These safety protocols can make sure that you and your family are always safe at your favorite Tracy lake.

  • Don’t swim alone
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • 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
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning

More Tracy Lake Tips

When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes near Tracy, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your itinerary substantially more successful. For example, every lake has their own qualities and surroundings so it’s important to consider what will make for a memorable getaway when planning yours.

  1. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Asking a local can typically allow you to find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches can get very crowded. If you want some more peace and quiet, do some digging on 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, then look for the busiest, most popular beach!
  3. Make the most of the best assets in the area. When you have time for a longer stay, look for local state parks and recreation areas which give you the ability to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.