Palm Harbor Lakes

Lakes Near Palm Harbor

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to start planning your upcoming grand getaway. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Palm Harbor. A lake vacation can be wonderful for those who love wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

It doesn’t matter if you’re itching to float in a tube with a book, partake in some water skiing, swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Palm Harbor offer you lots of options for aquatic adventures. Scan the table below and have a look the nearby locations including swimming lakes to all sports lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Lakes Near Palm Harbor

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A quick excursion to a lake, or a longer getaway offers a nearly endless list of things to do for people of all stripes.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you arrive at a Palm Harbor lake:

Have a picnic. Palm Harbor’s lakes provide many excellent picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite culinary delights, or you could just do some cheese and crackers as you enjoy the view. Should you be with someone you want to impress, good food and a view is hard to beat.

Partake in some water sports. If you’re able to get access to a fast boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of kicking up a wake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Hit the water and go wakeboarding or knee boarding as the local lakes provide you with several choices.

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 with a public launch and get out and enjoy nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Your plan for a lake getaway can be drastically different when you take into consideration which lake you choose, the time of year, the weather, and your plan of attack. For your convenience we’ve assembled a rundown of popular go-to necessities that you can use as a checklist before you hit the road.

The basics

When you’re out on a lake near Palm Harbor you will likely need to bring many of these things so that you’ll be safe, comfortable, and enjoying your time.

  • Insect repellant
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Dry shirt
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Sunblock
  • Towels
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Bathing suits
  • Food and snacks

Specialty lake gear

Depending on the itinerary for the day and who will be joining you, the list of gear might also prove useful and worth a quick spot check prior to leaving.

  • Corkscrew
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Paper towels and sanitizer

Lake Safety

While your getaway at the lake can be tons of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some important safety tips.

  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong

Some More Tips

If you’re going to visit the one of a kind lakes near Palm Harbor, there are a few things that will make your itinerary substantially more rewarding. Case in point, each lake has their own qualities and surroundings so it is important to take into account what you need to make an enjoyable getaway when planning yours.

  1. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes beaches may be swarmed with beachgoers. If you want some more peace and quiet, research 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, search out the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!
  2. Make the most of the best assets in the area. If there’s time for a lengthier trip, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the ability to stay near or even on the water without breaking the bank.
  3. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a wild day of wakeboarding. Doing a quick Google search can typically allow you to locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.