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1 day ago · Panoramic View of Mt Shasta Lake in Northern California on a sunny day. Beneath the continually snowcapped Mount Shasta at 14,000 feet above sea level, this small town feels like a self-sustainable world of its own, a safe oasis from the daily stressors. Shasta Lake, the largest reservoir in California, is an amoeba-like freshwater body ...
Aug 25, 2023 · You have a choice of many lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Lake Mary, Lake Mamie, Twin Lakes, Horseshoe Lake, and Lake George are the main lakes in the basin. With beautiful settings surrounded by mountains, the lakes of Mammoth Lakes Basin offer swimming, boating, and fishing. Look for wildlife and birds.
- Finding The Best Lakes in California
- Best California Lakes in Southern California
- Best California Lakes in The San Joaquin Valley
- Best California Lakes in The Sierra Nevada
- Best California Lakes in Wine Country
- Best California Lakes in Greater Sacramento
- Best California Lakes in Gold Country
- Best California Lakes in The Shasta Cascades
California is home to more than 3,000 lakes and reservoirs, so you’re sure to find a lovely lake nearby no matter which part of the state you are visiting. Many of the resorts that have sprung up around some of California’s best lakes have put year-round recreation front and center. Others, like Yosemite’s Tenaya Lake, remain quietly protected by t...
BIG BEAR LAKE
Big Bear is one of Southern California’s favorite mountain lakes. Its location, beautiful scenery, and range of recreation opportunities make it a popular day tripor weekend getaway from LA, San Diego, and Palm Springs. Adventurous families can seek out amusement park-style activities like the Magic Mountain Alpine Slide, Southern California’s only bobsled experience. If you’re looking to unwind and recharge, canoeing or kayaking along the lake to Boulder Baymight be more your speed. When it’...
LAKE ARROWHEAD
Perfectly situated in the San Bernardino National Forest, Lake Arrowhead is known as the “The Alps of Southern California.” An easy escape from L.A., Lake Arrowhead offers mountain recreation all year long. There are miles of trails surrounding the lake, and of course, the lake itself. A popular activity is touring the lake on the Lake Arrowhead Queenpaddleboat. If you have young children, make a stop at Lollipop Park amusement park. Families with older kids will enjoy the SkyPark at Santa’s...
LAKE CACHUMA
Cachuma Lake Recreation Area is set on 9,000 acres of wilderness between the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley and San Rafael Mountains. If camping within easy reach of Santa Barbara and Solvang appeals to your family, reserve a campsite, cabin, or yurt here. Wake up to spectacular views of the lake, enjoy a guided nature cruise on a pontoon boat, or rent a kayak at the Cachuma Marinato explore at your own pace. The lake is well-stocked with trout and would make an excellent spot for a family fishi...
SHAVER LAKE
At an elevation of 5,300 feet and surrounded by the Sierra National Forest’s thick pine trees, Shaver Lake is a popular summer escape for people living in the heat of San Joaquin Valley. The land around Shaver Lake is owned by Southern California Edison which also manages many of the recreation activities nearby. One of the most popular places to stay is Camp Edison. It has a reputation for being loud and crowded, but it has easy lake access. We weren’t able to get a Camp Edison day pass duri...
HUNTINGTON LAKE
About 40 minutes east of Shaver Lake you’ll find Huntington Lake, another popular recreation area for folks looking to escape the Fresno heat. This beautiful High Sierra lake offers plenty of opportunities to make memories with a range of popular recreation options. But what makes Huntington really stand out is sailing. Huntington Lake is one of California’s premier sailing lakes. In the summer, hot air from the San Joaquin Valley expands and rises, forcing the cooler air above the lake into...
CONVICT LAKE
Though it has an eyebrow-raising name, many call Convict Lake one of the most beautiful lakes in California. Surrounded by the steep backdrop of the Sierra Nevada, the lake was originally carved out by glaciers. At 140 feet deep in some places, it’s one of the deepest lakes in the area. To top it all off, the water is famously crystal clear. Convict Lake offers great trout fishing, especially near its two annual fishing derbies: “Round Up at the Lake” in the spring and “Ambush at the Lake” in...
MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN
With over a dozen lakes, five well-appointed campgrounds, and over 50 miles of hiking trails, Mammoth Lakes Basin is a perfect getaway for active families. Anchored by the resort town of Mammoth Lakes in the Eastern Sierra, the Lakes Basin offers a natural playground for outdoor adventures. Located on the edge of one of the earth’s largest volcanic calderas, you’ll find a landscape of granite domes, craters, lava tubes, warm creeks, and natural hot spring pools with the spectacular Sierra Nev...
JUNE LAKE
A few miles north of Mammoth Lakes Basin you’ll find the June Lake Loop. Known for its fall beauty, this lake is known as the “Eastern Sierra’s Original Resort Community” is lovely all year round. June Lake is anchored by a downtown village with several lodges and restaurants. The lake itself is served by two marinas with boat rentals and launches. Families enjoy relaxing and splashing at the popular swimming beach at the northeast end of the lake, accessible through the Oh Ridge Campground....
LAKE SONOMA
This is a perfect stop for a family-friendly getaway in Sonoma County. With 50 miles of shoreline, families have plenty of space to enjoy hiking, swimming, or fishing. Boat and equipment rentals on Lake Sonoma include family-friendly options like pontoons, wave runners, water skis, and wakeboards. There are also trails for all skill levels. When you need a break from the water, hike, bike, or horseback ride through the scenic Lake Sonoma Recreation Area. A popular viewpoint is the South Lake...
LAKE BERRYESSA
Lake Berryessa is one of California’s largest freshwater lakes. It’s known for its warm water, which can reach 75 degrees in the summer. Family-friendly Lake Berryessa offers something for everyone. Those seeking more action will enjoy water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and other water sports. Those looking for a quieter experience can relax in the lake’s quiet coves perfect for kayaking, swimming, and fishing. If you’re looking for a unique stay, you can rent a houseboat on Lake Berryessa a...
LAKE OROVILLE
And the winner for the most unique campsite goes to Lake Oroville! Where else can you boat to a floating campsite right in the middle of the lake? Each floating campsite comes with a table, sink, propane BBQ grill, bathroom, covered living area, and a sun deck space for tents. Lake Oroville also offers boat-in campgrounds, equestrian campgrounds, and of course, standard campgrounds with easy access to park marinas. It’s also a popular location for house boating, should you like your floating...
PINE MOUNTAIN LAKE
I’m always surprised to find how few people have heard of this little gem. Pine Mountain Lake is a family-friendly gated community in Groveland, about 25 miles from Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat entrance. The community is private, but you can access the lake and other community amenities with a $40 entrance pass. The pass is good for 7 days. This is a great place to simply rent a lake house and relax. Some of the lakefront homes have access to their own docks and beaches. There are also three swimm...
PINECREST LAKE
This is one of those summer destinations that families visit generation after generation. Slightly off the beaten track in the heart of the Stanislaus National Forest, Pinecrest is a wonderful spot to enjoy the quiet serenity of mountain life. The Pinecrest Lake Marina offers motorboats, paddle boats, kayaks, sailboats, and pontoon rentals. During the day, families can relax on the sandy swimming beach, hike into the backcountry, or explore on horseback. At night, Pinecrest Theatershows movie...
LAKE ALMANOR
Lake Almanor is another surprisingly hidden gem. This lake is perfect for families looking for a unique outdoor escape away from the Yosemite and Tahoe crowds. Almanor is a man-made reservoir with 52 miles of coastline full of family-friendly activities. This is a great spot to rent a lake house and spend time on the water fishing, water skiing, and swimming in the protected area off Almanor Beach. Lassen Peak is visible from Lake Almanor and makes a particularly stunning impression at sunset...
MANZANITA LAKE
Manzanita Lake is one of the most popular campsites and destinations in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Motorboats aren’t allowed on the lake, but you can kayak, canoe, catacraft, or paddleboard here. Rent watercraft at the Manzanita Lake Camper Store Marina, the only one in the park. In addition to swimming and boating, Manzanita Lake is known for fly fishing. It’s managed as a catch and release fishery with only barbless hooks allowed. If fly fishing is something you’d like to try, this coul...
BUTTE LAKE
Butte Lake is not included on many of California’s must-see lists, but we had a wonderful experience camping there. I read that there wasn’t much for kids to do before our trip, but I have to disagree. There aren’t as many amenities at Butte Lake as there are near Manzanita, but we wanted a quiet outdoor getaway for our family and that’s exactly what we found. Butte Lake was formed when theFantastic Lava Beds spilled from nearby Cinder Cone’slast eruption creating a natural dam between what i...
- Lake Tahoe. The granite Sierra Nevada Mountains frame the dazzling blue water of Lake Tahoe, one of the most beautiful lakes in California and one of the most popular lakes in the United States.
- Shasta Lake. Shasta Lake is less than 15 miles north of Redding in Northern California and is the state's largest reservoir. The 30,000-plus acres of Shasta Lake comprise sprawling fingers and river ways that collect behind the massive Shasta Dam.
- Big Bear Lake. In San Bernardino National Forest, less than 100 miles from Los Angeles, Big Bear Lake breaks the typical conventions of Southern California landscapes.
- Mono Lake. Mono Lake is just outside the eastern entrance of Yosemite National Park, near Lee Vining, and features distinctive ancient tufa towers sprouting from the water.
Sep 27, 2021 · The lake is great for hiking and is referred to as the “Jewel of the North Country.” Truly, it’s one of the most beautiful lakes in California. Located at over 8,000 feet above sea level, this lake also provides a great setting for kayaking or canoeing. Motorized boats are not permitted on the lake so as to preserve the serene atmosphere.
Aug 12, 2021 · Boat and kayak rentals at the marina. The Forks Resort, 39150 Road 222, Bass Lake; (559) 642-3737. Cabins and suites for rent within walking distance of the lake. WHERE TO EAT. South Gate Brewing ...
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Aug 2, 2022 · Donner Lake. Lake Havasu. Lake Hemet. Mono Lake. Shasta Lake. Silverwood Lake. Lake Tahoe. California is home to many pretty lakes that come with year-round scenery and recreational pursuits. Calling for an imminent visit, these lakes offer swimming and relaxation in the sun's last rays within the immense views of the state's most beautiful nature.
