Vista Lakes

Lakes Around Vista

Every once in a while you just need to spend some time by the water. As it turns out, when you visit Vista there are lots of options for spending time on the lake.

It doesn’t matter if you’re itching to float in a tube with a book, partake in some wakeboarding, go for a swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Vista provide you with numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. The time is now! Load up the car with sunscreen and a picnic basket then hit the road this weekend to find your own number one location on a lake!

Lakes Near Vista

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip, or a more lengthy trip offers an almost limitless amount of stuff for people of all stripes.

A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water offers you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you want a little physical activity, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake with a public launch and get out and enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Swimming. Finding a swimming lake near Vista will provide all kinds of fun and excitement for the big kids and little ones, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between working on their tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a glorious public beach on a lake near Vista!

Fishing. For anglers, 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 out on a boat or fishing from shore.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique depending on the lake you’re heading to, when you go, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. For your benefit, we put together a list that will give some ideas for your next trip to a lake near Vista so you have everything you need!

Common lake items

When the plan is to be outdoors for the majority of the weekend, the following list of items should be a good starting point for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Bug spray
  • Proper footwear
  • UV protection
  • Swimsuits
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Snacks
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • A sunhat or glasses

Specialty lake gear

The following items might prove useful for trips to the lake based on your plans. You may want to double check some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Your tackle box
  • Games for the beach
  • Bait
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Corkscrew
  • Rafts for the kids

Staying Safe on a Lake

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. Here are some general tips that should make sure that everyone remains safe while around the lake.

  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves

More Vista Lake Tips

If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes near Vista, there are a few things that can make your itinerary substantially more rewarding. For example, each lake near Vista has unique environment so it is important to think about what you need to make an enjoyable trip when planning yours.

  1. Maximize unique local resources. When you have time for a lengthier stay, find local state parks and recreation areas which give you the ability to camp directly on the water at an affordable price.
  2. Pay attention to the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches can get extremely crowded. If you want some more peace and quiet, do some digging on 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. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the biggest, most happening beach!
  3. Find a marina. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Using a search engine will usually help you locate options for renting the perfect boat.