Lakes Near Ventura
Sometimes you should pack up and find a spot by the water. As it turns out, when you come to Ventura there are some great spots when it comes to getting on, or in the water.
Whether you’re itching to go kayaking, get active with wakeboarding, go swimming, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Ventura offer you lots of opportunities for outdoor fun. Take a look at the table directly beneath this paragraph to see the nearby locations from small lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you to enjoy.
Lakes Close to Ventura
A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary
A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy trip provides an almost endless list of things to do for people of all stripes.
Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you make your way to a Ventura lake:
Have a picnic. The lakes near Ventura provide all sorts of great picnic areas for you to pack up some foods, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, good food and a view is hard to beat.
Get a little crazy with the water sports. Should you be able to get access to a ski boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of flying around the water showing off your water sports talents? Take the family out for some wakeboarding or knee boarding as the all sports lakes offer you a number of options.
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 tossing a line in from the dock.
How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake
Every day at the lake will have its own requirements based on the lake you’re heading to, what time of year it is, and what you want to do for entertainment. However, we put together a list that will give some ideas for your lake getaway so there’s nothing to stress over!
The basics
If the plan is to be in the sun for the majority of the day, our list of provisions below is a good starting point for essentials you are likely to need.
- Sweatpants and sweatshirt
- Towels
- Sunblock
- A blanket or sheet
- Swimsuits
- Garbage bags
- Cords and a charger for portable devices
- A picnic basket
- Flip flops or water shoes
- A sunhat or glasses
Specialty lake items
The list of items below can make your life easier for excursions to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check for some of these so you’re not missing something critical.
- Rafts and floaties
- Goggles or masks
- Paper towels and sanitizer
- Baby gear (if necessary)
- Fishing and boating licenses
- Fishing gear
- Bait
- Wine key
- Safety gear like life jackets
- Games for the beach
Lake Safety Checklist
While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Ventura, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. The following safety protocols should ensure that everyone stays safe on the water.
- Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Don’t swim alone
- Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
- Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
- Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Ventura
Few people get a chance to visit the amazing lakes around Ventura and likely have a lot of questions about how to make the most of their time there. Obviously, every lake is going to have their own character and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a few things to review when planning which could help put together a trip your whole family will remember.
- Maximize unique local resources. If you have time for a longer stay, find local state campgrounds and parks which give you the ability to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.
- Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches may be swarmed with beachgoers. To find some more peace and quiet, research a variety of lakes in the area 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 happening beach!
- Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Doing a quick Google search can usually help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
