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You can boat on the lake year-round, accessing beaches and picnic areas along the shoreline. Located south of. While it is referred to as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, it isn't the state with the largest concentration of naturally occurring lakes. And the Rubicon Trail, one of the best hikes around Lake Tahoe, connects Emerald Bay with the neighboring D.L. It's a popular destination in the summer, and the winter season also draws a small crowd for bald eagle watching. Located in the San Bernardino National Forest and about 100 miles west of downtown Los Angeles, Big Bear Lake is an incorporated city in California and a year-round tourism hub. Big Bear Lake is one of the best boating lakes in Southern California, and numerous marinas like Pleasure Point Marina line its seven-mile span. You can swim, go kayaking or canoeing, wakeboard or paddleboard. Sunrise at Convict Lake is magical! These day-use areas are popular family spots, with public beaches and shoreline fishing available. It also makes for a fun weekend getaway from San Diego or LA, since there is plenty to do. Head to Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, which maintains an easy 1-mile interpretive trail and an accessible boardwalk along the north shore. Others, like Tenaya Lake, are protected inside a national park. Snow brings opportunities for alpine activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. There's a 35-miles-per-hour speed limit on the lake, and as a result, the most common watercraft includes kayaks, sailboats, and Jet Skis. California in July: 12 Best Places to Visit for a Summer Vacation! The 5 Best Lakes in California for Swimming - AZ Animals Look for wildlife and birds. With more than 150 miles of shoreline, and many marinas, Lake Berryessa offers tons of fun activities. If anyone in your family complains that a lakeside vacation sounds dull, past travelers say Big Bear Lake offers a surefire counterpoint. While activities like water skiing, jet skiing, and swimming are not allowed on Cachuma Lake, personal and rented watercraft can still access the water. There are a number of hiking trails, with opportunities to spot wildlife and birds. Having too few options wont be a problem if youre looking to boat on the lake. The freshwater lake has a gorgeous setting in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and looks beautiful in every season. is located along the West Fork Mojave River in San Bernardino County. Lake Tahoe will have you feelin' all types of emotions. When the North Pacific high settle in over the west coast,Californians know to head for the water. By submitting your email address you agree to our Terms of Use Waterskiing, canoeing, rafting, and row boats are all popular. Silverwood Lake also borders the iconic Pacific Crest Trail, attracting plenty of visitors. A truly iconic experience is a helicopter tour to take in the views of Lake Tahoe from above. The largest clearwater lake in California, Clear Lake is also known as the "Bass Capital of the West." You can go boating or kayaking, or fish. 13. 1hr 30mins from L.A. Others, like Tenaya Lake, are protected inside a national park. Our recommended businesses are top-quality and are committed to their communities. Lake Almanor and the adjacent tourist-friendly city of Chester are a gateway to Lassen Volcanic National Park. Big Bear Lake is also a popular swimming lake, with numerous public beaches lining the shore. Youll find Convict Lake just a few miles south of the resort town of Mammoth Lakes in the Eastern Sierra. Some of the most developed stretches of water include the Sacramento Arm and the McCloud Arm. For aquatic attractions and activities in California, the top-rated beaches in the state deliver with a West Coast appeal. Exploring the Outdoors in California: A good place to begin exploring the great outdoors of California is checking out the best national parks in the state. You can rent a houseboat on Lake Shasta! Just under an hours drive from Santa Barbara or Ventura, Lake Casitas is a popular recreation area in the Los Padres National Forest. Boat rentals are available at the marina. California Lakes - 20 Best Lakes In California Bass Fishing - BassOnline Boat rentals are available at Parchers Resort, which you will pass on your way to the lake. The lake covers 1,800 acres at capacity, lending to popular activities like boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake's prime location also makes it easily accessible, straddling the California-Nevada border and sitting between Sacramento, California (about 110 miles southwest), and Reno, Nevada (about 40 miles northeast). Also known as the June Lake Loop, this region along the Mono Basin is sometimes called Eastern Sierra's original resort community, so there is no shortage of lodging options. Whether youre looking to gocamping near a lake, fishing, boating, or sightseeing, theres a beautiful lake in California thatll take your breath away. Drive up to Donner Pass for an aerial view of the lake. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Changing water levels, unseen rocks, and river bottoms that have shifted with currents and seasonal weather can turn a well-known jumping area into a serious hazard. A quick note about SoCal. Five minutes from the Sierra Nevada Mountain town of Mammoth Lakes, home to Mammoth Mountain ski and snowboard resort, the Mammoth Lakes Basin offers a surreal collection of alpine water. And that's just the beginning, We might be a bit biased, but were pretty sure the best lakes are found right here in the Golden State. California's Greatest Lakes You can cruise Lake Tahoe, go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, take a boat out, go parasailing, jet ski, scuba dive, or fish. Take in the Emerald City's top sights from the water. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Also near Bishop is South Lake, situated at an altitude of close to 10,000 feet above sea level. There are so many beautiful lakes in the Eastern Sierra! Measuring 1,200 feet long, this site is awe-inspiring. The Donner Memorial State Park runs along the east and south shores. Located in the Shasta Cascade region of northeastern California, Shasta Lake is a reservoir, created by the damming of the Sacramento River. Lake Shasta also has plenty of campgrounds, if youd like to spend the night eating smores and gazing at the stars! The 9,000-acre Cachuma Lake Recreation Area also features the San Rafael Mountains in the background and the Danish community of Solvang, about 12 miles away. ), or go kayaking or boating. The magnificent sunset hues have us awe-inspired. The stunning beauty of Mono Lake will leave you mesmerized. Your weekend guide to Sausalito, California, a gorgeous coastal town offering fine dining, luxe accommodations, and an enviable art scene. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. 15 Top-Rated Lakes in California | PlanetWare We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. Visitors are welcome to hike, boat, camp and even swim at the lake. The largest clearwater lake in California, Clear Lake is also known as the "Bass Capital of the West." It has a large sandy beach area, a grassy area with picnic tables, and a public restroom. Marvel at the Shasta Dam, visit the Lake Shasta Caverns, and look for wildlife and birds, including bald eagles. If you're looking for a lake in the Santa Ynez Valley, bookmark Lake Cachuma. It's worth the time to visit the Shasta Dam, the second-largest concrete dam in the country and the site where Woody Guthrie reportedly penned the lyrics to "This Land Is Your Land." Among the beautiful lakes of California is Folsom Lake - home to popular freshwater fish species, including rainbow trout, catfish, and bass. 2023 California.com All Rights Reserved. We were on our way to see the almond bloom near Los Baos when we came upon this beautiful body of water and had to stop! Camping, picnicking, and horseback riding are also popular pastimes here. You can swim in the lake, go boating or fish for trout. (Due to its salt content, past visitors say that swimming will be more akin to floating.) This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. In fact, it is the largest reservoir in California. Still, each side boasts a wealth of activities, ranging from every water sport imaginable, including lake cruises, to hiking trails with waterfalls, cycling paths, skiing slopes, impressive golf courses, bird- and bear-watching hideouts, photography tours and even gambling. Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance for the lowest price. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. The top-notch campgrounds and hotels nearby are the perfect place to crash after spending the day at this. The Forest Service and other local management agencies are considering closing access to many of these sensitive locations due to excessive trampling of plants, large amounts of garbage, cans and glass bottles, human waste, and toilet paper left behind. Over the years, we have visited many of Californias beautiful lakes (some more than once! 12 Most Beautiful Lakes in California You Must See in 2023 The San Bernardino Mountains and forested hills surrounding the bright-blue lake make it an extremely beautiful backdrop suitable for any type of adventure. The marina can house up to 100 houseboats. Theabove list isa goodplace to start your research on California's swimming holes, but the list of freshwater locales to cool off doesn'tend here. You can also swim in the lake, or fish. 14 Best Things to Do in Cambria, California: Stay, Play, and Eat! Bridge to Nowhere / East Fork San Gabriel River, Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area Swimming Hole, McCloud River - In the shadow of Mount Shasta flows the McCloud River, fed year round by snow melting from the slopes. Lake Nacimiento offers boat and waterski rentals. would be a crime. Lake Tahoe Lake Tahoe Best Places to Stay Straddling the California and Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is one of the country's favorite lake retreats. Committed outdoors enthusiasts also frequent Lake Hemet, as the area is one of the most popular camping spots in Southern California with several different types of campsites. Explore the center of the tech world located within one of California's most dynamic areas. Lake Arrowhead is another aquatic vacation destination in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, also known as the "Alps of Southern California." If you'd rather not gamble with a tent, book a stay at the postcard-pretty Tioga Pass Resort. Carmel Highlands, California (Things to Do + Travel Guide!). The lake is so popular that the surrounding state recreation area often reaches capacity during the busy season between April and October. From the visitor center, take in the panoramic view of the lake: its a wonderful photo spot. Did you find this article informative? These beautiful lakes are bound to satisfy your wanderlust. Whether in California's mountains or cities, you're never too far from a gorgeous lake. This lake is so clear you can see your reflection. This large reservoir was created by the damming of Putah Creek, and is a popular water recreation area in Northern California. Our roundup of beach towns, historic sites and top attractions is sure to inspire love for the small but mighty Garden State. Lake Almanor can get pretty foggy during the early hours of the day; pulling out fresh catch while admiring the backdrop of the foggy, scenic lake will have you feeling like a superherocongrats, you're quite the talented fisher. Today, Convict Lake serves as a haven for trout anglers and hikers. Sand Harbor Beach is great for swimming, as is Pope Beach in South Lake Tahoe. 25 Most Beautiful Lakes in California (+ Map!) With 50 miles of shoreline and plenty of recreational areas, Lake Sonoma is a top spot for Californians looking to go boating at one of the top lakes in California. We visited Lake Hemet when driving the scenic Palms to Pines Scenic Byway, officially California SR 74. Discover the 6 Best Swimming Holes In Sequoia National Park - MSN The town is small, so if you want to widen your search, consider accommodations in the Mammoth Lakes region, 30 miles to the south. Nestled in the scenic Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Lake Shasta is one of the best lakes in California for boating. Take a boat tour of the lake's fascinating underground cave system if you're looking for even more Shasta Lake history. to just a handful. If you enjoy photography, youll get the best photos of Lassen Peaks reflection on a still bright morning. Particularly popular with anglers and photographers, Tioga Lake offers fishing and picnic spots. Considered by many travelers to be one of the best lakes in Northern California, Shasta is a 30,000-acre reservoir, making it the state's largest reservoir. Driving the June Lake Loop is a must when you are in the area: youll be charmed by the beauty of all four lakes that you will see on the loop. This vast expanse lends to other popular activities in the area like hiking, rock climbing, and horse riding. The Vista del Lago Visitor Center is free to access, and it features kid-friendly interactive exhibits about the California State Water Project in addition to its panoramic lake views. You can also just go boating. Lake Tahoe Nevada State Parks: Best things to see and do - SFGATE Travel The Best Lakes in Southern California It doesn't matter whether you're looking for a fishing spot or a quiet getaway, these places make us want to splash around. Birding and fishing are also popular at Castaic Lake. We might be a bit biased, but were pretty sure the best lakes are found right here in the Golden State. Convict Lake's namesake and its views are both dramatic; a shootout of escaped Carson City convicts in 1871 led to the renaming of both mountains and the lake where it took place. Lake Perris is also home to an expansive campground, with over 400 campsites catering to all types of overnight travel. Located south of Lassen National Volcanic Park, this gigantic Northern California lake is all about the trout. Don't own a boat? Horseshoe Lake offers a beach for swimming and for launching paddleboards or kayaks. This breathtaking Southern California lake is a mere 90-minute drive away from Los Angeles and is located along the West Fork Mojave River in San Bernardino County. Hi! There is a swim area at North Beach, and you can take a boat out on the water. Lower Deep Creek Canyon - A long hike along the Pacific Crest Trail through San Bernardino National Forest will reward you with immaculate swimming holes in Lower Deep Creek Canyon. Although Honey Lake is quite stunning on its own, the surrounding wildlife and wetlands make it one of the. It is just that spectacular in the fall. Bliss State Park, which also offers camping and lakeside attractions. But thats not alltheres room for water-skiing boats, fishing boats, patio boats, jet skis, and paddleboards. Through this blog, we hope to inspire you to roadtrip the beautiful state of California in search of unforgettable travel experiences. Campers receive complimentary access to the Splashing Eagle Swim Zone in the summer, which consists of a large beach and swimming area where life vests are provided. 15 Best Lakes in California - The Crazy Tourist One of the best views of this interesting geo-history is found in the South Tufa Area. There are over 3,000 lakes and reservoirs in the Golden State, so it can be tough to narrow down the best lakes in California to just a handful. Bass fishing is a popular activity at Lake Casitas, and the lake holds other types of fish as well. Guided Vatican tours can make the experience less overwhelming and more enjoyable. Use our guide to plan your next inspiring outing. Top 14 Lake Getaways in California - Trips To Discover The abundant brine shrimp at Mono Lake attracts numerous migratory birds to the area, which also makes Mono Lake a premiere destination for bird-watching. Eagles are also occasionally spotted in the sky, according to recent visitors, so bring binoculars for bird watching. Here are some of the best swimming holes in the state. Situated along the border of California and Nevada, this is a famed destination for a variety of reasons. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Accommodation: Best Resorts in Big Bear, CA, Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Big Bear, CA. There are several picnic areas, so bring a meal to enjoy! To experience California is to get outdoors and breathe it in. Catfish, bluegill, and bullhead are other species commonly found in the lake. Be sure to bring your best camera to snap the changing reflections of the tufa towers on the lake's surface. Made famous by the Donner Party, a group of early pioneers who were stranded here during the winter of 1846-1847, Donner Lake is a freshwater lake about 6,000 feet above sea level in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Does your business rank among the best in California? So, to admire Honey Lake in all of its glory, make sure to visit in the wintertime. is a mere 90-minute drive away from Los Angeles and. The San Bernardino National Forest grounds, where Lake Hemet is nestled, cost $5 per day to enter. It's surrounded by desert landscapes and is popular for motorized boating, bass fishing, and swimming from the shore. It is an especially beautiful walk in the fall. Want more thrills? Although temperatures are typically mild here, no swimming is allowed in this lake. Check your inbox soon for the latest from California.com. The day hike to Blue Lake is very popular. From South Lake, you can hike to many beautiful alpine lakes in the region. If you're roughing it, the recreation area offers eight cabins on-site that sleep up to six. Hiking trails allow you to explore the surrounding forests and wilderness, and there are birding and wildlife viewing opportunities. The campground is temporarily unavailable, but were optimistic that by the time summer rolls around, well get to experience Lake Del Valle in all its busy, beautiful glory. Walk down this wooden bridge to jump into the waters of Big Bear Lake. Freshwater Oases: 10 Stunning Lakes You Can Swim In Straddling the Arizona and California border, this, is popular among boaters, fishers, and swimmers alike. Lake Berryessa is a massive freshwater reservoir and the largest lake in Napa County, less than two hours north of San Francisco. If you enjoy birding, bring your binoculars: many birds of prey nest around the lake. North Fork Falls North Fork Falls is an isolated tributary in the Sierra, located on the North Fork of the American River. There are many beautiful hiking trails around Lake Sabrina, some of them leading to beautiful alpine lakes! Plan for potential altitude sickness before you visit; Tioga is one of the country's highest lakes accessible by car, at 9,700 feet above sea level. The aquatic wildlife is unique in Mono Lake, also, with brine shrimp thriving on the native green algae. The recreation area's Granite Bay Main Beach section offers picnic sites that can comfortably accommodate 100 people with tables, barbecues and flush toilets. The campground is temporarily unavailable, but were optimistic that by the time summer rolls around, well get to experience Lake Del Valle in all its busy, beautiful glory. Dhara loves to explore her home state of California.