Search results
Jun 7, 2022 · Seeking to explore the most scenic lakes in CA? Discover our list of the top California lakes including Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake, Folsom Lake, and Lake Sonoma.
- Brittany Chrusciel
- Contributor
People also ask
Are there any beautiful lakes in California?
What are the best swimming lakes in California?
Why are California's Lakes so beautiful?
What is the best lake in California for boating?
- Lake Tahoe
- Lake Shasta
- Lake Berryessa
- Mono Lake
- Big Bear Lake
- Tenaya Lake
- June Lake
- Gull Lake
- Silver Lake
- Lake Cachuma
Lake Tahoe has to be number one on any list of lakes in California. In volume, only the five Great Lakes surpass Lake Tahoe, and in depth, it is second only to Crater Lake in Oregon. The largest alpine lake in North America, Lake Tahoe lies on the border of California and Nevada. The freshwater lake has a gorgeous setting in the Sierra Nevada mount...
Located in the Shasta Cascade region of northeastern California, Shasta Lake is a reservoir, created by the damming of the Sacramento River. In fact, it is the largest reservoir in California. You can rent a houseboat on Lake Shasta! Enjoy the beautiful scenery, with snowcapped Mount Shasta dominating the skyline. Marvel at the Shasta Dam, visit th...
Lake Berryessa is an easy and fun day trip from anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area. This large reservoir was created by the damming of Putah Creek, and is a popular water recreation area in Northern California. With more than 150 miles of shoreline, and many marinas, Lake Berryessa offers tons of fun activities. Oak Shore Parks is a popular day...
One of the more unique lakes in California, Mono Lake is a saltwater lake located near Lee Vining and the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park. It’s an ancient lake, formed nearly a million years ago. It’s also one of the largest lakes in California, offering wonderful water views. Mono Lake is famous for its tufa formations: towers of calciu...
Located in the San Bernadino mountains, Big Bear Lake is a popular Southern California mountain lake escape, with its beautiful scenery and many recreation opportunities. It is a popular day trip from Palm Springs in the summer, or from the LA area or San Diego. It also makes for a fun weekend getaway from San Diegoor LA, since there is plenty to d...
A beautiful alpine lake in Yosemite National Park, Tenaya Lake is a less crowded attraction in the park, mainly because it’s located on Tioga Road, a ways from Yosemite Valley. Be aware that the road is only open to vehicles from early June until sometime in November. With a long lovely shore, and a setting in the midst of granite cliffs, Tenaya La...
Located in the Eastern Sierra a few miles north of Mammoth Lakes, June Lake is spectacular in the fall, and beautiful in other seasons as well. Driving theJune Lake Loopis a must when you are in the area: you’ll be charmed by the beauty of all four lakes that you will see on the loop. June Lake is a popular fishing spot. You can also go boating, an...
Also part of the June Lake Loop, Gull Lake is a small lake, but very charming. In the fall, the trees fringing the lake are reflected in the water, making for beautiful photos. Walk the Gull Lake Trail around the lake, take a boat out onto the water to enjoy the scenery from a different perspective, or fish. Fishing is a popular activity at Gull La...
Another beautiful Eastern Sierra lake and part of the scenic June Lake Loop, Silver Lake has a stunning setting at the base of Carson Mountain. Swim in Silver Lake, go boating or kayaking, or fish. You can see anglers on the shore with their lines in the water, but you can also rent a boat to fish deeper into the lake. Hike the trails in the area, ...
Located off the scenic California SR 154, about a 30-minute drive from Santa Barbara, Cachuma Lake is a reservoir created by the damming of the Santa Ynez River. It makes for one of the easiest day trips from Santa Barbarayou can do! Cachuma Lake has a beautiful setting against the backdrop of the Santa Ynez and San Rafael mountains. You can go boa...
- Mono Lake[SEE MAP] For those who plan on visiting a number of California’s lakes on their trip, Mono Lake may stand out the most for its uniqueness and otherworldly charm.
- Lake Tahoe[SEE MAP] Probably the most famous of all of California’s lakes, Lake Tahoe is also one of the ritziest and draws well-to-do travelers from all over the world.
- Mammoth Lakes[SEE MAP] Even in a state full of stunning scenery like California, Mammoth Lakes has a reputation for standing out. Previous visitors have noted that its alluring mix of towering mountains, pine forests, clear waters, and traditional alpine lodges all combine to create the kind of place they never thought really existed.
- June Lake[SEE MAP] Especially with trout fisherman and travelers dreaming of quaint mountain towns, northern California’s June Lake is a particularly popular destination.
- 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.
- Shasta Lake. Where: 20 miles north of Redding. Shasta Lake is known as California’s boating capital for good reason. It’s all about the numbers: the Golden State’s largest reservoir has 30,000 surface acres of water, 370 miles of shoreline, more than a dozen campgrounds, eight full-service marinas, and six public boat ramps.
- Whiskeytown Lake. Where: 10 miles west of Redding. There’s no better way to beat the summer heat than tooling around Whiskeytown Lake’s 3,200 surface acresof crystal-clear water in a sailboat, kayak, motorboat, paddleboard, or windsurfer.
- Donner Lake. Where: 3 miles west of Truckee. With its classic alpine style, 3-mile-long Donner Lake is an ideal spot for old-fashioned family fun. Some lucky people own cabins on the lakeshore, but for the rest of us, there’s swimming at Donner Lake’s West End Beach and hiking and camping at Donner Memorial State Park.
- Lake Tahoe. Where: 100 miles northeast of Sacramento. Blue as a topaz and circled by majestic peaks, Lake Tahoe is a bucket-list essential. The 22-mile-long lake can fill a record book with its statistics—it’s the world’s 10th deepest lake, the second deepest in the U.S., and it boasts 72 miles of shoreline.
Dec 14, 2020 · 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. But to help those who can’t decide where to go, we’ve compiled a list of our 13 favorites. These beautiful lakes are bound to satisfy your wanderlust.
Aug 2, 2022 · 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.
