San Juan Lakes

Lakes Near San Juan

When the weather is right you just need to pack up and find a spot near the water. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to San Juan you have quite a few great spots when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

There are numerous brilliant reasons for a getaway to a lake in San Juan this summer – the cool water for swimming, fun summer activities like boating, fishing or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Browse through the table directly beneath this paragraph and see the nearby locations including small lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you to enjoy.

Lakes Close to San Juan

Lake Activities

On a day trip to a lake near San Juan there are many activities that can be enjoyed by families and couples. You could go for an exciting day trip or make it a long weekend at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you make your way to a lake near San Juan:

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you want a little physical activity, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake near San Juan that has a boat launch and start paddling around to soak up the scenery in all it’s glory.

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near San Juan will provide tons of fun for the big kids and little ones, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their 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 before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a magnificent public beach!

Water sports. Should you be able to get access to a ski boat, why not spend the day zipping around the lake showing off your water sports expertise? Hit the water and go wakeboarding or knee boarding as the all sports lakes give you a number of choices.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique based on the lake you’re heading to, when you go, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. While every trip is its own animal, we took the time to make a list that will give some ideas for your next summer trip to ensure nothing gets forgotten!

Lake basics

If the plan is to be in the sun for the vast majority of the day, the list below is an excellent starting point for essentials to have on hand.

  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Towels
  • Reserve clothes
  • A picnic basket
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Beach blanket
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • A cooler with water
  • Insect repellant

Additional lake items

The following items can make your life easier for excursions to the lake depending on what your plans are. It’s also worth checking so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Goggles or masks
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Games for the beach
  • Corkscrew
  • Fishing poles
  • Safety gear like life jackets

Staying Safe on a Lake

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near San Juan, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. Following a few standard safety tips that should ensure that your whole group stays safe at your favorite San Juan lake.

  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions

More San Juan Lake Tips

Some people may not get a chance to make their way to the amazing lakes around San Juan and likely have a few questions on ways to maximize their fun. Certainly, each lake near San Juan will have unique qualities and trappings, but you should keep in mind a handful of items to look into when making plans that might help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Maximize unique assets in the area. If you have time for a longer trip, look for local state campgrounds and parks which give you the option to camp right on the water at an affordable price.
  2. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally beaches might be really busy. If you want some more space to spread out, research a variety of lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most happening beach!
  3. Rent a boat. Many lakes 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 can typically allow you to find a marina that has what you need.