By Alexander El Sawi, Staff Writer
As summer approaches, students are debating a classic vacation dilemma: Lake or beach? Both offer an experience by the water but differ in activities, scenery, and environment. We will lay out the pros and cons and put a little less stress on your vacation destination decision.
For many students, the beach represents the perfect summer getaway. The combination of sun, sand, and tanning is a huge attraction, Sophomore Rebekah Santos says, “I’ve always loved the beach. I think the main difference for me though is the water. I like being able to see my feet and I love saltwater, despite it may burn my eyes, plus the tanning is amazing.”
Students who favor the beach often highlight the variety of activities the beach offers. Because it is such an open and unobstructed area, the beach is a great candidate for many sports and activities. “When I’m with friends, it’s really fun to throw a football because of all the space and the feel of the sand,” freshman Milan Shah shares. Not to mention the attractions just off the seaside like the boardwalk or mini golf you’re bound to find something to enjoy.
Another significant appeal of the beach is the social scene. Beaches attract crowds, making them great for meeting new people. Milan Shah says, “I love the social aspect of the beach. I feel like you make a lot of new friends, play volleyball with a lot of new people, network a little bit and just overall have a good time.”
On the other side of the debate, there are the lake enthusiasts. Students who prefer the lake often mention the relaxing and natural beauty of the setting. “The lake is more peaceful. You can chill on a boat if you’d like and the water is nice and warm. Especially at night, it’s really calming to hear the birds and crickets chirp as you rock on a boat in the water or a hammock,” said freshman Vuki Simendic. “at the beach, you get all burnt and the sand gets in the way too. The saltwater also messes up your hair.”
Lakes often have fewer crowds. In some cases lakes can offer the choice of seclusion, freshman Will Short adds, “Lakes can provide a private side of the lake and a public side. Both sides are really good and that’s coming from a guy that has been on both sides of the lake. But there are some pros and cons of being at a lake. One of them is that the private side tends to have warmer water than the public. A positive thing about the private side is how quiet it is. Something that could be both a pro and a con of the public side depending on who you are is that you can jet ski, waterski, ride boats, and just be more reckless. I can make a whole list about the public side. But the main con of the public side is that during the early part of the day, there can be a lot of boats and it can get very loud and crowded but it’s only for an hour or two.”
Fishing, kayaking, and hiking are popular activities at lakes, providing a different engagement with nature. Lakes are a much more “outdoorsy” setting, this can make the lake life feel like a much more glorified form of camping, “I remember gathering around a fire pit to make smores,” said Will.
The debate between beach and lake is far from over. Each destination has its unique differences and appeals, which come down to preference. Whether it’s the thrilling, and active appeal of the beach or the relaxing nature of the lake, whichever you choose there’s one thing for sure, you can’t make the wrong choice when it comes to enjoying a well-deserved summer break.