Lakes Near Santa Fe
Sometimes you just need to spend some time on the water. A lake getaway is perfect for those who love wildlife too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.
Whether you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, partake in some water skiing, go swimming, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Santa Fe offer you numerous options for aquatic activities. So what are you waiting for? Load up your vehicle with your fishing gear and a cooler then make the trip this weekend and discover a brand new favorite spot on a lake!
Lakes Near Santa Fe
Lake Activities
A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy getaway provides a nearly boundless list of things to do for people of all stripes.
A day, weekend, or a week at the lake offers you everything from fun to relaxation.
Swimming. The swimming lakes near Santa Fe offer 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 sandy beach and a designated swimming area before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a beautiful public beach!
Water sports. If you’ve got access to a fast boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of kicking up a wake showing off your water sports skills? Enjoy a day of tubing or skiing as the lakes near Santa Fe give you several options.
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 out on a boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.
How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake
A day at the lake can be very different depending on the lake you’re heading to, what time of year it is, or if there are any activities planned. While every trip is its own animal, we took the time to make a list for some ideas for your next summer trip to ensure nothing gets forgotten!
General items
If the plan is to be in the sun for most of the vacation, the list below should be an excellent starting point when it comes to the necessities that you’ll be happy to have on hand.
- Travel dinnerware and cups
- Sneakers
- Sweatpants and sweatshirt
- A sunhat or glasses
- Something to dry off with
- A beach blanket and umbrella
- Bluetooth speaker
- A receptacle for trash
- Cords and a charger for portable devices
- Bug spray
Additional lake stuff
Consider the itinerary for the day and your guests, the following items might also prove useful and worth packing prior to departure.
- Games for the beach
- Fishing gear
- Corkscrew
- Life jackets
- Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
- Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
- Your tackle box
- Pool noodles, rafts, floats
- Kindle
- Swimming goggles
Staying Safe on a Lake
While your getaway on 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 these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.
- Don’t swim alone
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
- Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
- Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
- Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
- Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
More Ideas for Lake Fun
Few people get the opportunity to visit the lakes near Santa Fe and likely have a few questions on ways to maximize their fun. Obviously, no matter where you go each lake will possess unique qualities and trappings, but you should keep in mind a handful of items to review while assembling your itinerary which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.
- No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or tubing with the kids. Doing a quick Google search can typically allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.
- Make the most of unique assets in the area. When there’s time for a longer trip, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.
- Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches can get exceptionally crowded. If you want some more space to spread out, research a variety of lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!