Downtown Miami Lakes

Lakes Near Downtown Miami

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to plan your next summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Downtown Miami. Lucky for you, when you come to Downtown Miami you have some options when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

Whether you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, get active with water skiing, go swimming, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Downtown Miami provide you with plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities. The time is now! Load up your vehicle with your beach goodies and a picnic basket then make the trip this weekend and discover your own number one spot on the water!

Nearby Lakes for Downtown Miami

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip to the lake, or a longer getaway provides a nearly boundless amount of stuff for families, couples, or even those looking for some quality alone time.

Any stay at the lake offers you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Downtown Miami provide 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 sandy beach and a designated swimming area prior to packing the car and the family! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a magnificent public beach on a lake near Downtown Miami!

Grab a board. If you like to paddle around, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake that has a public boat launch you can use and get out and enjoy nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Partake in some delicious delights outside. The lakes near Downtown Miami offer all sorts of top-notch picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite tasty treats, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, a picnic on the beach should put a smile on their face.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

Your plan for a lake getaway can honestly be all over the map when you take into consideration which lake you choose, the season, and the activities on your to-do list. However, we’ve put together a list of some of the most common go-to items for you to use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

The basics

For a day spent on the water it makes a lot of sense to take along many of the items below so that you’ll be safe, comfortable, and having fun.

  • Insect repellant
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Food
  • Something to dry off with
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Backup clothing
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Tennis shoes

Specialty lake stuff

Consider your planned activities when at the water and who will be joining you, the following items might also prove useful and adding to your checklist before hitting the road.

  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Games for the beach
  • Books
  • Corkscrew
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Worms or other bait
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Fishing poles

Lake Safety Checklist

While a day at the lake can be ample amounts of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some important safety tips.

  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft

More Downtown Miami Lake Tips

Some people may not get the opportunity to make their way to the lakes near Downtown Miami and might have some questions regarding planning. Clearly, every lake is going to have unique qualities and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a handful of items to review while making plans that might help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Make the most of unique local resources. When there’s time for a longer getaway, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the option to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes the beaches near Downtown Miami can get extremely crowded. To find some more peace and quiet, do some digging on a variety of lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most happening beach!
  3. Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Using a search engine will typically allow you to locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.