Merritt Island Lakes

Lakes Close to Merritt Island

The weather is warm so it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Merritt Island. Fortunately, when you visit Merritt Island there are quite a few great spots for getting on, or in the water.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to paddleboard, get active with watersports, swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Merritt Island offer you plentiful opportunities for aquatic adventures. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Load up your vehicle with your fishing gear and snacks then set out your next day off to find a brand new favorite location on the water!

Nearby Lakes for Merritt Island

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near Merritt Island you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by groups of all types. You could go for an exciting day trip or decide to stay overnight to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you make your way to a lake near Merritt Island:

Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near Merritt Island will provide tons of fun and excitement for the youngsters, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between getting that perfect golden tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a glorious public beach!

Grab a board. For those in search of some exercise, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake that has a public launch and start paddling around to enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.

Partake in some water sports. If you’re able to get access to a speed boat, why not spend the day kicking up a wake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports talents? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding or knee boarding as the local lakes give you all kinds of options.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be drastically different depending on which lake you’re going to, the season, and the activities on your to-do list. To make things easier we’ve assembled a rundown of popular lake and beach-related necessities for you to use as a checklist before you hit the road.

Lake basics

When you’re out on a lake near Merritt Island you will likely need to bring along several of the things in our list below to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and relaxed.

  • Radio or speaker
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Beach blanket
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Sunscreen
  • USB charger
  • Proper footwear
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Swimsuits
  • Towels and dry clothes

More lake items

Consider what you’ll be doing when at the water and who will be joining you, the items below will likely be helpful and worth packing before you get on the road.

  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Corkscrew
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Fishing poles
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Games for the beach
  • Swimming goggles
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes

Lake Safety Checklist

While spending a weekend on your favorite body of water can provide 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 general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside

Some More Tips

If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes near Merritt Island, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your weekend gameplan far more rewarding. For example, each lake has unique features so it is important to think about what you need to make an enjoyable trip as you plan yours.

  1. Find a marina. 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 a day fishing on the lake or a wild day of wakeboarding. Using a search engine can usually help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches may be very busy. To find some more peace and quiet, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!
  3. Maximize the best local resources. When there’s time for a lengthier getaway, find local state parks and recreation areas which give you the option to stay right on the water for a reasonable price.