Orlando Lakes

Lakes Around Orlando

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to plan your next family vacation. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Orlando. Fortunately, when you visit Orlando there are lots of options when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

There are numerous great motivations to visit a lake in Orlando this summer – the cool water for swimming, relaxing summer entertainment such as paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Pack up the car with your fishing gear and snacks then make the trip on your next vacation and discover your own number one location on the water!

Lakes Near Orlando

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

When you visit a lake near Orlando there are many things to do for people of all persuasions. You could go for an exciting day trip or take a longer vacation to a hotel or AirBnB to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you visit a lake near Orlando:

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. For those in search of some exercise, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake near Orlando with a public launch and start paddling around to enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Go fishing. For those that love to fish, 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 fishing from shore.

Picnic time. The lakes near Orlando offer all sorts of excellent picnic areas where you can enjoy culinary delights, 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, this plan is hard to beat.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different depending on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, or if there are any activities planned. However, we took the time to make a list that will give some ideas for your next trip to a lake near Orlando so everything goes smoothly!

General items

When you’re out on a lake near Orlando you will likely need to bring many of the items below so that you’ll be safe, comfortable, and enjoying your time.

  • Beach blanket
  • Towels
  • USB charger
  • Tennis shoes
  • Backup clothes
  • Swimsuits
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • A cooler and drinks
  • A receptacle for trash
  • UV protection

More lake stuff

Take into consideration your planned activities for the day and who will be in your entourage, the following items might also prove useful and worth packing prior to leaving.

  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Wine key
  • Life jackets
  • Tackle box
  • Something to read
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Swimming goggles
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats

Lake Safety Tips

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. Following a few standard safety tips that can ensure that you and your family are always safe while around the lake.

  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside

Some More Tips

When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes around Orlando, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your trip plan much more successful. Case in point, each lake is going to have unique qualities and surroundings so it is important to consider what will make for an enjoyable adventure as you plan yours.

  1. Make the most of the best local resources. If you have time for a lengthier trip, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the ability to camp right on the water at an affordable price.
  2. Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy fishing with family and friends or tubing with the kids. Asking a local can typically allow you to locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches can get very crowded. To find a little more privacy, research 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 busiest, most popular sandy party scene!