Lakes Near Bay City
The weather is warm and that means it’s time to plan your next summer adventure. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Bay City. A lake getaway is perfect for those who love the outdoors too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.
There are numerous brilliant motivations for a getaway to a lake in Bay City this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer entertainment like paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. Some of the lakes in Bay City have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Pack up the car with your beach goodies and a picnic basket then set out your next day off and discover your own favorite spot on the water!
Lakes Near Bay City
A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary
On a day trip to a lake near Bay City there are many things to do for people of all persuasions. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make for a bigger, better getaway.
Any stay on or in the water gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.
Partake in some water sports. Should you be able to get access to a fast boat, why not get out on the water and start zipping around the lake showing off your water sports talents? Hit the water and go wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the local lakes offer you a number of choices.
Start paddling. If paddling is your thing, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake with a public launch and start paddling around to soak up the scenery on the waterfront.
Swimming. Finding a swimming lake near Bay City will offer tons of fun for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a magnificent public beach on a lake near Bay City!
How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake
A day at the lake can vary quite a bit when you take into consideration which lake you choose, the weather forecast, and what you want to do while you’re there. To make things easier we’ve put together a list of our favorite go-to items for you to use as a checklist for your getaway.
Common lake items
If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for most of the vacation, the following list of items should be a good starting point for essentials to have on hand.
- Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
- Sunblock
- Cords and a charger for portable devices
- Travel dinnerware and cups
- A blanket or sheet
- Insect repellant
- Bathing suits
- Towels and dry clothes
- Bottle opener
- Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
Additional lake items
Take into consideration what you’ll be doing when at the water and your guests, the list of gear could make your day more enjoyable and adding to your checklist before you get on the road.
- Baby gear (if necessary)
- Legal flotation devices
- Fishing and boating licenses
- Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
- Masks and snorkels
- Worms or other bait
- Something to read
- Corkscrew
- Rafts for the kids
- Tackle box
Staying Safe on a Lake
Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. Here are some general tips that should ensure that everyone remains safe at your favorite Bay City lake.
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
- 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
- Keep your distance from wildlife
- Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
- Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
- Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Bay City
When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes near Bay City, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your itinerary far more rewarding. Case in point, each individual lake is going to have unique qualities and surroundings which makes it important to think about what will make for an unforgettable adventure as you plan yours.
- Maximize the best local resources. If there’s time for a lengthier trip, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to stay directly on the water at an affordable price.
- Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches may be packed with beachgoers. If you want a little more privacy, do some digging on a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most happening beach!
- No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a day of watersports. Using a search engine will typically help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
