Galveston Lakes

Lakes Around Galveston

It’s summertime so it’s time to plan your next family vacation. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Galveston. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to Galveston you have quite a few options for spending time on the lake.

There are countless brilliant reasons to visit a lake in Galveston during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer entertainment like boating, fishing or swimming. Some of the lakes in Galveston have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Has there ever been a better time? Pack up your vehicle with your fishing gear and a cooler then set out on your next vacation and discover a brand new number one spot on a lake!

Lakes Near Galveston

Things to Do at the Lake

On a day trip to a lake near Galveston you’ll find all kinds of things to do for people of all persuasions. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or take a longer vacation to a hotel on the beach to make the most of your time unwinding.

Every getaway at the lake gives you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Galveston offer all kinds of laughs and games for the youngsters, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active 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 just isn’t as much fun as a magnificent public beach on a lake near Galveston!

Water sports. If you’re able to get access to a ski boat, why not spend the day zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports talents? Take the family out for some wakeboarding or knee boarding as the all sports lakes provide you with a number of options.

Picnic time. The lakes near Galveston provide many great picnic areas for you to pack up some portable delicacies, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage as you enjoy the view. Should you be with someone you want to impress, a picnic on the beach should put a smile on their face.

Lake Checklist

A day at the lake can be very different depending on which lake you go to, what time of year it is, what your goals are for the getaway. However, we put together a list for some ideas for your next summer trip so everything goes smoothly!

Common lake items

If the plan is to be in the sun for the majority of the vacation, the following list of items should be an excellent place to start for essentials to have on hand.

  • A picnic basket
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Tennis shoes
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Towels
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Beach blanket
  • Bug spray
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Backup clothing

Additional lake gear

Consider your planned activities for the day and who will be joining you, the items below could make your day more enjoyable and worth a quick spot check before you make the trip.

  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Swimming goggles
  • Wine key
  • Tackle box
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Bait
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Something to read

Lake Safety

Of course your getaway at a lake in Galveston can provide tons of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some important safety tips.

  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices

More Galveston Lake Tips

Not everyone has had the opportunity to visit the lakes near Galveston and likely have some questions on ways to maximize their fun. Of course, no matter where you go each lake will have unique qualities and trappings, but you should keep in mind a few things to review while making plans that might help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches could be really busy. To find some space to yourself, do some digging on a variety of lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!
  2. Make the most of the best assets in the area. If there’s time for a lengthier trip, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the option to camp near or even on the water without breaking the bank.
  3. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Using a search engine will usually help you find options for renting the perfect boat.