Winter Park Lakes

Lakes Around Winter Park

Sometimes you should gather your family and friends and make time to be near the water. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to Winter Park there are some great spots for spending time on the lake.

It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to go kayaking, get active with water skiing, go for a swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Winter Park offer you plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities. The time is now! Pack up the car with your fishing gear and snacks then set out this weekend to find your own favorite location on the water!

Lakes Near Winter Park

Things to Do at the Lake

On a day trip to a lake near Winter Park there are many things to do for groups of all types. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or decide to stay overnight at a hotel or AirBnB to enjoy yourself more fully.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you arrive at a lake near Winter Park:

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 roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or fishing from shore.

Partake in some water sports. If you’ve got access to a ski boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of flying around the water showing off your water sports skills? Take the family out for some wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the local lakes offer you a number of options.

Have a picnic. The lakes near Winter Park provide many excellent picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite foods, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy while enjoying the scenery. Should you be with someone you want to impress, good food and a view should put a smile on their face.

Lake Checklist

Your plan for a lake getaway can honestly be all over the map when you take into consideration which lake you choose, the season, and the activities on your to-do list. However, we’ve assembled a rundown of popular go-to items for you to use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

Common lake items

If the plan is to be in the sun for most of the weekend, the following list of items is a good starting point when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.

  • Something to dry off with
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Bug spray
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Garbage bags
  • Snacks
  • Portable stereo
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Sunblock
  • Beach blanket

Additional lake items

The list of items below might prove useful for excursions to the lake based on your plans. You may want to double check for some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Your tackle box
  • Worms or other bait
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Swimming goggles
  • Corkscrew
  • Books
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes

Lake Safety Checklist

Of course your getaway at a lake in Winter Park can provide lots of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. If you’re going to be out on the water these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft

Some More Tips

When you make a trip to the beautiful lakes near Winter Park, there are a few things that can make your weekend gameplan far more successful. As an example, every individual lake has unique features which makes it important to think about what will make for an unforgettable trip when planning yours.

  1. Pay attention to the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes the beaches near Winter Park may be swarmed with beachgoers. To find more space to spread out, research multiple nearby beaches and lakes to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!
  2. Maximize the best local resources. When there’s time for a longer stay, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the ability to camp near or even on the water for a reasonable price.
  3. Find a marina. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a wild day of wakeboarding. Using a search engine will typically help you locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.