Lakes Around Ithaca
When the weather is right you should pack up and find a spot by the water. A stay at a lake can be perfect for those that enjoy getting outside too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.
There are numerous great reasons for making a trip to a lake in Ithaca this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, enjoyable summer activities such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. Some of the lakes in Ithaca have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Pack up your vehicle with your fishing gear and a cooler then make the trip this weekend and discover your own number one location on a lake!
Lakes Close to Ithaca
Things to Do at the Lake
When you visit a lake near Ithaca you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by families and couples. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or decide to stay overnight at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.
Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you visit a Ithaca lake:
Have a picnic. Ithaca’s lakes provide all sorts of great picnic areas for you to pack up some tasty treats, or you could just do some cheese and crackers while enjoying the scenery. If you’re with that special someone, this plan should put a smile on their face.
Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. For those in search of some exercise, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake near Ithaca that has a public boat launch you can use and get out and enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.
Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near Ithaca will offer tons 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. 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 prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a beautiful public beach!
Preparing for a Day on the Lake
A day at the lake can be drastically different depending on which lake you’re going to, the weather forecast, and your plan of attack. However, we’ve assembled a rundown of popular lake necessities that you can use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.
Lake basics
If the plan is to be in the sun for the vast majority of the vacation, the following list of items is an excellent starting point for essentials to have on hand.
- A fully stocked cooler
- Proper footwear
- Radio or speaker
- Sunscreen
- Bathing suits
- Dry shirt
- Garbage bags
- Cords and a charger for portable devices
- A sunhat or glasses
- A blanket or sheet
More lake items
The list of items below could be helpful for trips to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check some of these prior to hitting the road.
- Inflatable pool toys
- Safety gear like life jackets
- Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
- Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
- Fishing and boating licenses
- Worms or other bait
- Tackle box and lures
- Fishing poles
- Masks and snorkels
- Something to read
Lake Safety Checklist
While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, safety should be top of mind. These safety tips will ensure that everyone are always safe while around the lake.
- Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
- Always swim with a buddy
- Keep your distance from wildlife
- Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Ithaca
Some people may not get a chance to visit the lakes near Ithaca and might have a few questions about how to make the most of their time there. Certainly, each lake near Ithaca will have their own character and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a few things to look into when assembling your itinerary which could help start your trip on the right foot.
- Make the most of unique local resources. When there’s time for a lengthier trip, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to stay directly on the water for a reasonable price.
- Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally the beaches near Ithaca may be swarmed with tourists. If you want some more peace and quiet, do some digging on a variety of lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!
- Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Doing a quick Google search will usually help you locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.