There’s nothing like a trip to one of the best lakes in California. From alpine escapes to million-year-old geologic wonders, there’s no shortage of incredible lakes to experience.
I spent my summers throughout my childhood exploring the many lakes in California with my family and friends, using our personal watercraft like jet skis and boats. I have fond memories of spending hours wakeboarding, swimming, and riding jet skis on California`s inland bodies of water. Based on those experiences, I can attest that making a day trip to one the state`s lakes is certainly one of the top attractions in California.
To aid your decision on the best location, here is an extensive list of top-rated lakes throughout California.
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13 Best Lakes in California
Lake Tahoe
The biggest elevated lake in North America situated in the Eastern Sierras of northeast California.
📍 Google Maps | Lake Tahoe Website | 🅿️ Parking: Small charge for harbor entrance regions, includes parking | 🛎️ Locations Nearby to Stay: Edgewood Tahoe Resort
Lake Tahoe is potentially the most stunning lake in the state, and is surely one of the greatest attractions in Northern California. Surrounded by dense alpine woodlands, the granite peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains deliver an majestic backdrop for Lake Tahoe.
Straddling the border of northeastern California and western Nevada, Lake Tahoe is best accessed via Sacramento, only a 2-hour drive. The large amount of recreational options in the area makes it the perfect location for outdoor-loving travelers.
My preferred activities to partake in Lake Tahoe are swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking but fishing and boating are also wildly popular at Lake Tahoe. Emerald Bay Cove is one of the most scenic spots on the lake. Rent a boat and head directly for this contained fragment of paradise.
👉 Our epic California road trip schedule includes a stop at Lake Tahoe. Get a free, printable version of the schedule here!
Shasta Lake
The unique spirit of Mount Shasta includes its glacial run-off body of water and the majestic 14,000-foot mountain .
📍 Maps of Location | Shasta Lake Site | 🅿️ Parking: Public fee only at boat ramps, forest service parking lots are free along the lake | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Mountain Resort Site
Lake Shasta and the town of Mount Shasta are recognized locally as a spiritual oasis unlike any other California destination. Situated in Northern California 3 1⁄2 hours north of San Francisco, Shasta Lake is much less crowded than other popular lakes in California.
The prime draw to this large body of water is its setting and the majestic 14,179-foot summit of Mount Shasta visible in the backdrop. The lake is fed by glacial runoff from the mountain`s Whitney Glacier, so swim cautiously and come prepared for chilly temperatures.
As the water is so cold, the main lake activities at Lake Shasta are fishing and going for a cruise around the lake. Be sure to also check out the picnic tables and easy hiking trails around the Shasta Lake perimeter.
Mono Lake
Experience a geologic masterpiece at this Lee Vining state park.
📍 Maps of the area | Website about Mono Lake | 🅿️ Parking: A $3 fee is charged at the marina, with free parking available in other spots around the lake | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Lake View Lodge
Mono Lake is located just outside of Mammoth Lakes and resembles an otherworldly landscape that feels as though it comes from a place removed from California. This ancient lake is one of the oldest lakes in Northern California and dates to around one million years.
The most striking features at Mono Lake are the randomly spaced protrusions of rock jutting from the shoreline. Resembling the columns formed within caves, the limestone pillars known as tufa towers require thousands of years to shape. The otherworldly landscape and natural wonder of Mono Lake beckon visitors to walk along its saline banks each year.
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Big Bear Lake
A San Bernardino National Forest lake surrounded by dense foliage.
📍 Google Maps | Big Bear Lake Website | 🅿️ Parking: Free parking surrounding the lake and in the village, $20-$50 per vehicle at Big Bear Mountain Ski Resort | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Dream Gateway
Big Bear is among the most popular mountain communities in California. It’s also home to one of the most frequented lakes, Big Bear Lake. The resort town sees visitors passing through on the Pacific Crest Trail, avid winter skiers, and day trippers from Los Angeles who want to experience an alternative lifestyle for an afternoon or two.
Big Bear Lake is approximately 3 hours from the downtown area of Los Angeles with various cozy lodging rental options available as well as expansive, all-inclusive resorts for visitors to choose from.
Two of the most popular activities in Big Bear Lake involve kayaking and angling on Big Bear Lake as well as hiking through the hiking trails of the San Bernardino National Forest to excellent panoramic perspectives of the lake with 360-degree views.
Lake Havasu
The public beaches and party reputation of this lake keep lake-goers coming back time and again.
📍 Google Maps | Lake Havasu Website | 🅿️ Parking: $15 entry fee per vehicle on most days, $20 on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Havasu Landing Resort and Casino
Lake Havasu is famously recognized for being a party lake and borders eastern California and western Arizona. It is one of the preferable lakes in California for hiking, cycling, fishing, boating, golfing, shopping, and additional activities.
The very best element about Lake Havasu? You do not even require a boat to get pleasure from its sandy beaches! Site visitors from all more than the west coast line lounge on the general public beaches of Lake Havasu State Park and perform on their sunny California tan.
Located near the renowned London Bridge, Lake Havasu also hosts various campsites so you can enjoy an entire weekend lounging on the lakeside. If hotels are more your style, then Lake Havasu City offers plenty of lodging options.
Big Pine Lakes
One of California’s most stunning hidden gems, a hiking circuit around 7 alpine mountain lakes.
📍 Google Maps | Big Pine Lakes Website | 🅿️ Parking: Free parking in the trailhead. There is a day use lot and an overnight lot for campers | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Bristlecone Motel
California’s Big Pine Lakes are my absolute favorite spots. I’ve visited these high-altitude gems more times than I can count and will dream up any excuse to return.
Situated in Big Pine California just before Lone Pine and Bishop, these alpine lakes merit inclusion on everyone’s California road trip schedule. This lesser-known California destination in the Sierra Nevada Mountains aids in retaining its appeal.
There are seven beautiful alpine lakes accessible by hiking in the Big Pine Lakes area and several stunning camping spots in California along the route. The hiking trails even guide ambitious adventurers to the famed Palisades Glacier, a 16-mile round-trip hike.
👉 Helpful Hint: Many backcountry camping spots accessible only by permit are available along the route. Be sure to reserve yours in advance through Recreation.gov, particularly if planning to hike as far as the Palisades Glacier.
Lake Sonoma
Relax on the soothing waters of the lake surrounded by rolling vineyard-covered hills.
📍 Maps of the area | Lake Sonoma local site | 🅿️ Parking: $15 parking, $20 boat access | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Luxury resort near
The enchanting Lake Sonoma sits among the coastal hill country of Sonoma, California, surrounded by stunning vineyards and rolling valley slopes.
Bring a bottle of the county’s top local wine and cruise around the bay next time you’re in Northern California. With over 50 miles of coastline, Sonoma Lake is one of the finest lakes in California with ample beach access and space for everyone.
You will find boat rentals, patio lounging, and a deli at the Sonoma Lake Marina. Entry to the lake costs $15 and there is a fuel station inside of the lake’s boundaries, along with boat services, picnic areas, and plenty of beach access points.
If you are seeking additional activities, you can always check out the many enjoyable things to do in Sonoma County.
Bass Lake
A quaint recreational lake just minutes from Yosemite National Park.
📍 Location map | Bass Lake details | 🅿️ Parking: Free parking around the lake but a small fee to launch boats | 🛎️ Nearby lodging: The Pines Resort & Conference Center
Bass Lake, located just outside Yosemite National Park`s entrance, serves as an excellent pause for water sports during trips to the area. Though smaller surrounding bodies of water, it offers a more intimate setting for activities like skiing and angling.
My preferred way to experience Bass Lake is by spending the day on the water with my family and our rented pontoon boats. There is no better way to relax than with an alcoholic drink on the smooth lake surface.
There are large homes directly along the lake which can be leased. This is the perfect place to unwind after exploring the walking paths in Yosemite National Park.
Donner Lake
Escape the tourist crowds by exploring an alpine lake away from the main roads.
📍 Google Local |Donner Lake Site | 🅿️ Parking:$10 per car in the state park daily May-September, $5 October-April | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Northstar Lodge
Donner Lake sits at an elevation of six thousand feet and is one of the top lakes in California near the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. Its somewhat secluded location in the thick of the forest has prevented Donner Lake from becoming overly crowded.
There are abundant hiking routes encircling the boundary of the lake along with trails to elevated viewpoints with phenomenal panoramas of Donner Lake. This is one of the most picturesque lakes in California because of the surrounding alpine woodland.
Positioned north of Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake offers a tranquil escape from the busy peak season in Tahoe. Located inside Donner Memorial State Park, Donner Lake only necessitates a small fee for parking. All other amenities like beach access, picnic tables, and restrooms are freely accessible.
Silverwood Lake
Among the most accessible lakes in California, easily within reach from Los Angeles.
I spent many weekends and summer breaks during my youth around Silverwood Lake. Situated near the I-15 freeway, Silverwood Lake makes for an ideal day destination for practicing water sports like wakeboarding and water skiing. A scattering of campgrounds around the beautiful body of water provide accommodations for longer stays.
Silverwood Lake is encircled by the San Bernardino Mountains and its stunning scenery makes it one of the premier lakes in California. The peak visiting season is in April-October so if you wish to visit during this time, weekdays are your best choice to avoid long boat launch lines and the maximum capacity closure.
👉 Important Item to Bring: The Southern California sun can be very intense. Be sure to pack strong sunscreento protect your skin from burns. Check our California packing suggestions for additional tips.
Convict Lake
A lake in Mono County offering dramatic views of the Sierra Mountains as a backdrop.
📍 Google Maps | Convict Lake Website | Accommodation Recommendations Near Mammoth Lakes | 🅿️ Parking: Free parking alongside Convict Lake Road
Convict Lake finds its home in the scenic Mammoth Lakes region of Northern California, just off the beautiful 395 highway. The dramatic Sierra Nevada Mountains define the landscape around the lake and the abundance of freshwater trout lures many anglers to its shores.
This easily accessible lake is surrounded by a trail that stretches approximately three miles around the stunning body of water. The sharp peak of 12,241-foot Mount Morrison stands prominently in the backdrop and lends the lake its striking character.
The lake was initially carved out by glacial ice and is among the deepest lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Brave and enduring visitors take a chilly dive into the lake’s frigid waters but most people visit the lake for a quick photo or to catch an evening meal.
Pyramid Lake
An immense dam reservoir in Southern California that caters to tent and RV campers.
📍 Google Maps | Pyramid Lake Website | 🅿️ Parking: Free parking at the lake recreational area | 🛎️ Where to Lodge Nearby: Residence Inn by Marriott Lancaster
Pyramid Lake, one of the few lakes situated in Southern California that was carved out by the construction of a dam, serves as a vast recreational area with ample space for skiers, wakeboarders, and jet skiiers alike.
Emigrant Landing is the largest recreational region at Pyramid Lake and has a marina that offers boat rentals, a multi-boat launch ramp, a beach, and picnic spots. The Los Alamos campground contains 90 tent and RV sites that provide services like drinkable water, toilets, a dump station, volleyball courts, and a camp store.
Vehicle entrance to the lake is allowed from 6 am to 7 pm, and the fee is $15 per vehicle and $16 per watercraft or attached trailer. This Southern California lake makes a good stop for those traveling north on the I-5 freeway from Los Angeles.
June Lake
A popular fishing location in California with a scenic 16-mile loop around the perimeter of the Mammoth Lakes Basin.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 279-8092 | Golden City Brewery Website | Hours: 11 am – 8 pm Sun-Thu, 11 am – 9 pm Fri-Sat | 👉 Explore Excursions on Viator
The June Lake waters can be found just outside of Mammoth Lakes, one of the best destinations to explore in California. The quiet forested area is a hidden gem in California that has not yet been overrun by tourists.
The small resort town offers visitors rustic cabin lodges but I prefer to drive my motorhome to June Lake and stay at one of the convenient RV parks in the area. Entrance to the lake is free and there are lakefront kayak and paddleboard rentals in the area and small beaches for lakeside relaxing.
One of the most popular activities in the area is taking a drive around the June Lake Loop. This scenic drive takes you past the perimeter of June Lake and past Gull Lake, Silver Lake, and Grant Lake. This drive is the best way to get acquainted with the area.
👉 Things to Remember: June Lake is one of the most scenic places in Northern California for swimming. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit so you can fully enjoy all that the lake has to offer.
FAQs About Lakes in California
What is the cleanest lake in California?
Lake Tahoe is one of the purest lakes in California. Due to its large size and isolated location in the remote Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe remains a swimmable lake with clean water in California.
What are California’s main lakes?
Lake Tahoe,Shasta Lake,Big Bear Lake,Mono Lake,June Lake,Lake Havasu, and Bass Lake are some of the leading lakes found in California. With over 3,000 lakes located in California, there are plenty to opt for close to any geographical area you take a trip to.
What is the most visited lake in California?
Lake Tahoe welcomes the most annual visitors. This place also boasts a ski resort and striking granite peaks alongside hiking routes. The diverse outdoor activities here are a major draw to Lake Tahoe City and the expansive alpine waterway can offer relaxation or fishing possibilities for anyone in the region.
What is California’s largest lake?
Clear Lake is California’s largest natural lake. The Salton Sea is California’s biggest artificial lake and stretches 35 miles long and 15 miles wide.
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Thanks for reading my guide to the best lakes in California! There are recreational lakes near most California metropolitan areas, offering visitors a unique aquatic experience. Have fun exploring California’s lakes and give our best beaches in Southern California guide a look for more maritime fun.
