Van Nuys Lakes

Lakes Around Van Nuys

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to plan your next family vacation. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Van Nuys. As it turns out, when you come to Van Nuys there are some options for spending time on the lake.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to paddleboard, partake in some wakeboarding, go swimming, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Van Nuys offer you numerous beautiful locations for aquatic activities. So what are you waiting for? Pack up your vehicle with your beach goodies and a picnic basket then make the trip this weekend to find your own number one location on a lake!

Lakes Near Van Nuys

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A quick excursion to a lake, or a longer trip gives you an almost boundless list of things to do for families, couples, or even those looking for some quality alone time.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you make your way to a Van Nuys lake:

Go fishing. For those that love to fish, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re out on a boat or tossing a line in from the dock.

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near Van Nuys will offer tons of fun and excitement for the big kids and little ones, 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 prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a beautiful public beach on a lake near Van Nuys!

Water sports. If you’re able to get access to a ski boat, why not spend the day zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports skills? Hit the water and go wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the local lakes give you a number of options.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can vary quite a bit depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, when you decide to go, and what you want to do while you’re there. To make things easier we’ve assembled a rundown of popular go-to necessities for you to use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

Common lake items

For a day spent on the water you will likely need to take along some of the items below to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Bathing suits
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Radio or speaker
  • Food and snacks
  • Garbage bags
  • Portable phone charger
  • Towels
  • Bug spray
  • Dry shirt
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)

Specialty lake items

Consider your planned activities at the lake and what your party looks like, the list of gear will likely be helpful and worth packing prior to departure.

  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Games for the beach
  • Worms or other bait
  • Tackle box
  • Books
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Wine key
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Fishing poles

Lake Safety Tips

While spending a weekend at your favorite body of water can be ample amounts of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some important safety tips.

  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves

Some More Tips

Not everyone has had a chance to visit the amazing lakes around Van Nuys and might have a lot of questions regarding planning. Certainly, every lake is going to possess their own character and trappings, but it’s worth noting a few things to look into when planning which could help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near Van Nuys could be very busy. If you want more space to spread out, do some digging on multiple lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!
  2. No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or tubing with the kids. Doing a quick Google search can typically allow you to find a marina that has what you need.
  3. Make the most of unique local resources. If there’s time for a longer trip, find 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.