St. Petersburg Lakes

Lakes Close to St. Petersburg

Sometimes you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to St. Petersburg there are some great spots for getting on, or in the water.

It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to paddleboard, buzz around doing wakeboarding, go swimming, or work on your tan, the lakes near St. Petersburg offer you plentiful beautiful locations for aquatic fun. So what are you waiting for? Pack up the car with your beach goodies and a picnic basket then set out this weekend to find your own favorite spot on the water!

Lakes Near St. Petersburg

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near St. Petersburg you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by people of all persuasions. You could go for an exciting day trip or decide to stay overnight at a hotel on the beach to enjoy yourself more fully.

Every getaway on or in the water offers you everything from fun to relaxation.

Catch some fish. For those that love to fish, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or fishing from shore.

Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near St. Petersburg will provide all kinds of fun 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! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a glorious public beach!

Partake in some delicious delights outside. The lakes near St. Petersburg provide a wealth of excellent picnic areas where you can enjoy foods, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage as you enjoy the view. If you’re with that special someone, good food and a view should be suitably romantic.

Lake Getaway Prep

Your plan for a lake getaway can honestly be all over the map when you take into consideration the specific lake you’ll be visiting, when you decide to go, and what you want to do while you’re there. To make things easier we’ve put together a list of popular lake and beach-related items for you to use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.

General items

When the plan is to be outdoors for the majority of the weekend, the following list of items should be an excellent starting point for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • A cooler and drinks
  • Towels
  • Radio or speaker
  • Insect repellant
  • A receptacle for trash
  • Bathing suits
  • Backup clothing
  • USB charger
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • A beach blanket and umbrella

Additional lake gear

Take into consideration your planned activities for the day and who will be joining you, the list of gear could make your day more enjoyable and adding to your checklist prior to departure.

  • Masks and snorkels
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Books
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Life jackets
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Tackle box
  • Bait
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes

Staying Safe on a Lake

While spending a weekend to the lake can be lots of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some important safety tips.

  • Always wear sunblock
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding

More St. Petersburg Lake Tips

When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes near St. Petersburg, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that will make your itinerary far more successful. Case in point, each lake has unique qualities which makes it important to think about what will make for an unforgettable adventure as you plan yours.

  1. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally beaches can get extremely crowded. To find a little more privacy, 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, search out the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!
  2. No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a wild day of wakeboarding. Asking a local will usually help you find a marina that has what you need.
  3. Make the most of unique local resources. When you have time for a lengthier getaway, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.