Virginia Beach Lakes

Lakes Near Virginia Beach

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming family vacation. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Virginia Beach. Fortunately, when you come to Virginia Beach you have quite a few options when it comes to spending time on the lake.

There are countless great reasons for making a trip to a lake in Virginia Beach during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, fun summer activities like boating, fishing or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Load up the car with your fishing gear and a cooler then set out this weekend and discover your own number one spot on the water!

Nearby Lakes for Virginia Beach

Lake Activities

When you visit a lake near Virginia Beach there are many activities that can be enjoyed by families and couples. You could go for an exciting day trip or decide to stay overnight to a hotel or AirBnB to enjoy yourself more fully.

Every getaway at the lake gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Water sports. If you’re able to get access to a speed boat, why not get out on the water and start kicking up a wake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports talents? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the local lakes offer you a number of options.

Go fishing. For anglers, 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 drifting behind a trolling motor or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Grab a board. If paddling is your thing, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake near Virginia Beach that has a boat launch and get out and enjoy the scenery in all it’s glory.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A lake day itinerary can honestly be all over the map when you take into consideration the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the season, and the activities on your to-do list. However, we’ve assembled a rundown of popular go-to items that you can use as a checklist before you hit the road.

Common lake items

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for most of the weekend, the list below is an excellent starting point for essentials you are likely to need.

  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • A picnic basket
  • Swimsuits
  • Towels
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Bug spray
  • Beach blanket

Additional lake items

Take into consideration the itinerary at the lake and what your party looks like, the following items will likely be helpful and worth packing prior to leaving.

  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Life jackets
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Books
  • Corkscrew
  • Fishing poles
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Games for the beach

Staying Safe on a Lake

Of course your getaway to your favorite body of water can provide ample amounts of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • 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
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions

More Ideas for Lake Fun

Not everyone has had the opportunity to make their way to the lakes near Virginia Beach and likely have a few questions about how to make the most of their time there. Of course, no matter where you go each lake is going to possess their own character and trappings, but you should keep in mind a couple key points to review while assembling your itinerary which could help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Make the most of unique assets in the area. If there’s time for a lengthier getaway, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water at an affordable price.
  2. No boat, no problem. 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. Using a search engine can typically help you find a marina that has what you need.
  3. Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near Virginia Beach can get extremely crowded. To find some more peace and quiet, research a variety of lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the busiest, most popular beach!