The broad spectrum of colors, glassy surfaces, and riveting reflections make California’s lakes some of the most magnificent sights on the planet. While the beaches tend to draw the attention of many, there’s nothing more soothing than standing near the lake and admiring its surroundings.
California has many must-visit attractions, including Lake Tahoe, which is on the western side. But are there other lakes that adventurers can visit for in-based and on-land activities? Anyone looking to add spectacular lakes to their bucket list should consider these 10 lakes in California. They are great destinations for secluded camping, fishing, hiking scenic trails, boating, and stand-up paddleboarding.
10 Lake Cachuma
Situated in Santa Barbara County, this lake makes an ideal getaway destination for hikers, birdwatchers, and campers. The surrounding oak forests add to Lake Cachuma’s rugged beauty creating a perfect backdrop for lovebirds looking for a stunning picnic setting.
Although swimming, skiing, and windsurfing aren’t allowed in this domestic water supply, that doesn’t stop adventurers from visiting it. Tourists can go boating to have a magnificent 360-degree view of the lake.
Guests can also bring compact binoculars to make viewing intricate details or small aquatic animals seamless.
9 Silverwood Lake
Silverwood Lake is one of San Bernardino County’s most captivating attractions. The San Bernardino Mountains, which enclose the lake, provides an eye-catching backdrop to add to the lake’s beauty.
Birdwatchers will be delighted with the abundance of red-tailed hawks, blue herons, and loons, which are attracted to the lush vegetation of the lake. Apart from the picturesque views, this lake is a popular destination for watersport lovers as they can kayak, ski, swim, and boat in designated areas.
8 Convict Lake
This 170-acre lake is arguably one of California’s most spectacular lakes. Its vibrant turquoise color pops up nicely during summer to make activities like fishing and boating exciting. Tackling the 2.5-mile trail is a must, especially since it exposes hikers to stunning birds, wildlife, and wildflowers.
Photographers can wake up early and capture the spectacle created when the lake waters are calm and glassy.
7 Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu sits on the Colorado river between the California and Arizona border. Apart from the iconic London Bridge, Lake Havasu attracts tourists with its pristine blue waters. This year-round fishing paradise pleases anglers with its breathtaking scenery as they catch bluegill, smallmouth, and largemouth bass.
The best times to fish for largemouth bass are early mornings from March to May near structures and underwater vegetation. During this time, visitors can catch a glimpse of the orange rays of the sun breaking into the still waters.
6 Folsom Lake
Folsom Lake is a gorgeous waterside paradise featuring hiking and biking trails. A two-hour guided horseback riding tour also allows thrill seekers to see Folsom Lake and the beautiful Mooney Ridge from a different perspective.
Animals and lovely plant species are abundant near the lake. As visitors hike the trails or do water activities, they should keep an eye out for raccoons, otters, birds, and deer.
A long-lens camera is handy for avid photographers who want to capture the blooming wildflowers and pine trees across the foothills.
5 Mono Lake
Mono Lake is a spectacular body of water, over a million years old, which spans approximately 65 square miles. The snow-capped Sierra Nevada reflects beautifully on the blue water, adding more allure to the lake. Some outdoor activities to enjoy in this unusual lake include hiking, swimming, and birdwatching.
This lake is also a favorite spot among photographers as they come to capture the interaction between the desert, water, and mountains. Stunning shots are captured during sunrise or late in the evening.
4 Lake Berryessa
Known as the largest lake in Napa County, California, Lake Berryessa is an ideal spot for year-round recreational activities. Visitors are welcome to hike and bike along the scenic trails, where they can spot wildlife and admire the grassy hills sprinkled with manzanita and oak.
The picnic tables near trails and camping areas are suitable spots for travelers to relax and admire the surrounding beauty. This lake also has quiet coves with splendid views awaiting to be explored by curious adventurers.
3 Big Bear Lake
Sitting in Southern California, Big Bear Lake is an all-season mountain lake paradise famous for skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and snowboarding. The 3.5-mile paved Alpine Pedal Path along the lake is suitable for hikers, cyclists, strollers, and pets.
It’s the most convenient trail for everyone to see and enjoy the views of Big Bear Lake. The path is lined with wildflowers and pine trees on both sides and leads to the sandy beach, where people can get an up-close view of the crystal-clear lake.
2 Manzanita Lake
Manzanita is a beautiful lake situated in the Lassen Volcanic National Park. The park is one of the less visited parks in California, making Manzanita Lake a beautiful paradise of solitude and awe-inspiring views.
The Lassen Peak reflects gorgeously on the lake, but the best time to take a picture is in the early morning or on a calm summer day. A walk on the scenic trails surrounding the lake is a must, as it gives panoramic views of the lake and the green vegetation.
1 Shasta Lake
Shasta Lake, California’s largest reservoir, continues to impress with its unrivaled beauty. Seeing this 30,000-plus acre reservoir is a delight, but adventurers can enjoy boating, fishing, and waterskiing. On-land activities include camping and hiking as travelers admire the awe-inspiring views of Mount Shasta. It also creates a magnificent backdrop for taking spectacular pictures.
Touring Shasta Caverns adds more excitement to the trip. A guided tour provides a mystical adventure where guests can see natural formations like flowstone and calcite formed over 250 million years ago.