Harlingen Lakes

Lakes Close to Harlingen

Sometimes you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be on the water. A stay at a lake can be amazing for those who love the outdoors too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are many brilliant arguments for a getaway to a lake in Harlingen while it’s hot outside – the water is refreshing on hot days, fun summer entertainment like boating, fishing or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. Has there ever been a better time? Load up the car with your beach goodies and a picnic basket then hit the road on your next vacation to find a brand new number one spot on a lake!

Lakes Close to Harlingen

Things to Do at the Lake

A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy trip gives you an almost limitless amount of stuff for families, couples, or even those looking for some quality alone time.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you visit a lake near Harlingen:

Partake in some delicious delights outside. The lakes near Harlingen provide a wealth of excellent picnic areas for you to pack up some portable delicacies, or you could just do some cheese and crackers while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, this plan should put a smile on their face.

Grab a board. For those in search of some exercise, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake near Harlingen with a public boat launch you can use and start paddling around to enjoy the scenery in all it’s glory.

Swimming. Finding a swimming lake near Harlingen will offer all kinds of fun for the big kids and little ones, 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 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 on a lake near Harlingen!

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements based on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. However, we took the time to make a list that will give some ideas for your next trip to a lake near Harlingen so there’s nothing to stress over!

Lake basics

For a day spent on the water it makes a lot of sense to bring some of these things so that you’ll be feeling good, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • Something to eat
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Backup clothes
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Sunscreen
  • Portable stereo
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Bathing suits

Additional lake items

Take into consideration the itinerary at the lake and who will be in your entourage, the following items could make your day more enjoyable and worth a quick spot check prior to departure.

  • Your tackle box
  • Fishing poles
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Books
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Games for the beach
  • Bait
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Diapers and baby gear

Lake Safety

While a day at a lake in Harlingen can be tons 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
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft

Some More Tips

If you’re going to visit the one of a kind lakes around Harlingen, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your trip plan substantially more successful. As an example, each individual lake near Harlingen is going to have unique qualities which makes it important to think about what you need to make a memorable getaway as you plan yours.

  1. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally the beaches near Harlingen could be extremely busy. To find some more peace and quiet, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most popular beach!
  2. Maximize the best local resources. When there’s time for a longer getaway, look for local state parks and recreation areas which give you the ability to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.
  3. 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 day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Doing a quick Google search can typically allow you to locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.