Lakes Near Golden Gate
When the weather is right you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. A stay at a lake is amazing for those that enjoy wildlife too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.
It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to float in a tube with a book, partake in some wakeboarding, swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Golden Gate provide you with plentiful beautiful locations for outdoor adventures. The time is now! Pack up the car with your beach goodies and a picnic basket then make the trip your next day off to find your own number one location on a lake!
Lakes Near Golden Gate
A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary
On a day trip to a lake near Golden Gate there are many things to do for groups of all types. You could go for an exciting day trip or make it a long weekend at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make for a bigger, better getaway.
Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you visit a lake near Golden Gate:
Pack a picnic basket. The lakes near Golden Gate provide many great picnic areas where you can enjoy portable delicacies, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage while enjoying the scenery. Should you be with someone you want to impress, a picnic on the beach should put a smile on their face.
Start paddling. For those in search of some exercise, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake with a boat launch and start paddling around to soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.
Get a little crazy with the water sports. Should you be able to get access to a ski boat, why not spend the day flying around the water showing off your water sports expertise? Enjoy a day of tubing or skiing as the local lakes give you several options.
Lake Checklist
A day at the lake can honestly be all over the map when you take into consideration which lake you choose, the weather forecast, and the activities on your to-do list. However, we’ve assembled a rundown of some of the most common lake necessities for you to use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.
General items
When you’re out on a lake near Golden Gate you’ll probably want to bring along some of the things in our list below to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and enjoying your time.
- Cords and a charger for portable devices
- Flip flops or water shoes
- Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
- Bluetooth speaker
- Backup clothing
- Something to eat
- Something to dry off with
- UV protection
- A cooler and drinks
- Swimsuits
Specialty lake stuff
Consider the itinerary when at the water and who will be joining you, the items below could make your day more enjoyable and worth a quick spot check prior to leaving.
- Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
- Books
- Swimming goggles
- Fishing poles
- Games for the beach
- Bait
- Tackle box
- Pool noodles, rafts, floats
- Safety gear like life jackets
- Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
Lake Safety Tips
While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. These safety tips will make sure that your whole group remains safe on the water.
- Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
- Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
- Don’t swim alone
- Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
- Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
- Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
- Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
More Ideas for Lake Fun
Few people get a chance to make their way to the amazing lakes around Golden Gate and might have a few questions about how to make the most of their time there. Of course, no matter where you go each lake will have unique qualities and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a few things to review when making plans which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.
- Pay attention to the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches can get very crowded. To find more space to yourself, research multiple nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the busiest, most popular beach!
- Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local 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. Asking a local can usually allow you to locate a marina that has what you need.
- Maximize unique local resources. If you have time for a lengthier getaway, find local state parks and recreation areas which give you the ability to camp near or even on the water for a reasonable price.
