Lakes Around Gulfport
The weather is warm so it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming summer adventure. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Gulfport. A stay at a lake is wonderful for people who love the outdoors too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.
There are numerous brilliant arguments for a getaway to a lake in Gulfport while it’s hot outside – the water is refreshing on hot days, enjoyable summer activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. The time is now! Pack up the car with your beach goodies and a picnic basket then set out on your next vacation to find a brand new favorite spot on the water!
Nearby Lakes for Gulfport
Things to Do at the Lake
When you visit a lake near Gulfport you’ll find all kinds of things to do for families, couples, or with a group of friends. You could go for an exciting day trip or take a longer vacation at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.
Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you arrive at a lake near Gulfport:
Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near Gulfport will offer all kinds of fun and excitement for the kids, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between getting that perfect golden 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 glorious public beach!
Grab a board. If you like to paddle around, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake with a boat launch and start paddling around to soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.
Go fishing. For anglers, 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 out on a boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.
Checklist for a Day at the Lake
A lake day itinerary can be drastically different depending on which lake you’re going to, the season, and the activities on your to-do list. However, we’ve assembled a rundown of some of the most common lake and beach-related necessities that you can use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.
The basics
If the plan is to be in the sun for most of the day, our list of provisions below should be an excellent place to start when it comes to the necessities you are likely to need.
- A fully stocked cooler
- Towels
- Insect repellant
- Beach blanket
- Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
- Cords and a charger for portable devices
- UV protection
- Dry shirt
- Something to eat
- Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
More lake stuff
The following items could be helpful for trips to the lake based on your plans. It’s also worth checking before heading out.
- Worms or other bait
- Safety gear like life jackets
- Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
- Fishing gear
- Your favorite magazine or book
- Paper towels and sanitizer
- Toys for the beach
- Masks and snorkels
- Wine key
- Inflatable pool toys
Lake Safety
Of course a day on your favorite body of water should be lots of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
- Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
- Always wear sunblock
- Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
- Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
- Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
- Make sure no one swims alone
Some More Tips
Some people may not get a chance to visit the lakes near Gulfport and likely have a lot of questions regarding planning. Certainly, any body of water is going to possess their own character and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a couple key points to look into when making plans that might help put together a trip your whole family will remember.
- Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes the beaches near Gulfport may be swarmed with beachgoers. To find some more peace and quiet, research a variety of lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!
- Find a marina. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a wild day of wakeboarding. Asking a local will typically allow you to locate options for renting the perfect boat.
- Maximize unique local resources. If you have time for a longer getaway, find local state parks and recreation areas that offer the option to stay right on the water without breaking the bank.