Lakes In California: 10 Spectacular Destinations To Explore

California, where rising mountains meet scorching deserts, is home to some of the most picturesque lakes in the US. Whether its crystal-clear alpine waters, tranquil desert oases or massive reservoirs fit for boating, the lakes in California are for every adventure. Each place beckons with its unique natural beauty, ways to explore the outdoors, and seasonal sights. Some are perfect for summer kayaking and paddleboarding, while others turn into winter wonderlands that are made for skiing and snowshoeing. Many lakes are also accompanied by charming towns, scenic hiking trails and historic sites, making them great travel destinations.

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Lakes In California That Deserve A Spot On Your List

From adrenaline-pumping wakeboarding to tranquil, mirror-like waters, these 10 Lakes in California offer the perfect adventure.

1. Lake Tahoe

An image of Lake Tahoe with sandy shoreline, people on beachside chairs and distant trees

Photo: dconvertini / Wikimedia Commons

Lake Tahoe, the glittering jewel of the Sierra Nevada, is one of the most beautiful Alpine lakes in California. Kayaking is a very popular activity in the summer in Emerald Bay, granting access to the intriguing Fannette Island and Vikingsholm Palace. The sandy beaches at Sand Harbour are perfect for swimming and paddleboarding, and the Tahoe Rim Trail features jaw-dropping panoramic hikes. In winter, the region turns into a skiing attraction, with top resorts such as Heavenly and Squaw Valley. The lake is teeming with wildlife and the warm lakeside cabins add to its allure.

Location: Sierra Nevada Mountains, on the California-Nevada Border
Best Time To Visit: June – September for water activities; December – March for skiing

2. Mono Lake

An image of Mono Lake in California with rocky and sandy shores and brown sandy mountains

Photo: King of Hearts / Wikimedia Commons

Mono Lake is a 760,000-year-old saline lake with ghostly limestone tufa formations that jut up from the water. This high-desert lake has no outlet, making its water so salty that visitors can float as if in an ocean. The area with the most surreal formations is South Tufa, where the calcified columns glow in golden hues at sunrise and sunset. The lake is critical to the diets of millions of migrating birds that eat its brine shrimp, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Popular pastimes include canoeing and photography and the lake’s distinctive terrain provides excellent fodder for compositions.

Location: Eastern Sierra, near Yosemite National Park
Best Time To Visit: May – October

3. Shasta Lake

Shasta Lake with a distant green bridge surrounded by trees and Mt. Shasta in the back

Photo: Radomianin / Wikimedia Commons

California’s largest reservoir, Shasta Lake, epitomises house boating bliss, ringed by verdant forests and craggy mountains. There are speedboats, jet skis and paddle boards, and there are endless inlets and coves to roam. You can visit the Shasta Caverns, an exquisite subterranean limestone cave network that can only be accessed by boat. The snow-capped peak of Mount Shasta looms majesty nearby, and hiking trails circling the lake lead to vantage points with panoramic views. In summer, the lake serves as a destination for camping and water activities, and in fall, the area is awash in colourful foliage.

Location: Northern California, near Redding
Best Time To Visit: May – September

4. June Lake

An image of June Lake with Sierra crest in California with a shoreline and hills

Photo: Frank K. / Wikimedia Commons

Located in the Eastern Sierra is June Lake, a gorgeous glacial lake nicknamed the “Switzerland of California.” Surrounded by rugged peaks, it has calm, turquoise waters that are ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding. The June Lake Loop, a 16-mile scenic drive, links June Lake to other nearby lakes, including Gull, Silver and Grant, amid stunning alpine scenery. The region becomes a snowy paradise, and June Mountain has affordable, uncrowded skiing. The lake is known for its golden aspen groves in the fall and is one of the best places in California to view fall foliage.

Location: Eastern Sierra, near Mammoth Lakes
Best Time To Visit: June – October for hiking, water activities; December – March for skiing

5. Convict Lake

An image of Convict Lake with the laurel mountain in the back partially covered in snow

Photo: Gwillhickers / Wikimedia Commons

Convict Lake’s turquoise waters and dramatic mountain backdrop make for a stunning day trip to the Eastern Sierra. The lake, named for an 1871 shootout between escaped convicts and lawmen, is rich with history. An out-and-back 2.5-mile scenic loop trail is built around the lake that provides views of the towering Mount Morrison. Kayaking and canoeing offer a serene way to see the shoreline, and in winter, the frozen lake makes for a picturesque alpine landscape. The Convict Lake Resort, with rustic cabins and a fine dining restaurant, provides a cosy escape.

Location: Eastern Sierra, near Mammoth Lakes
Best Time To Visit: May – October for hiking; December – March

6. Donner Lake

Donner Lake from McClashan Point surrounded by tall green trees and hills in the back

Photo: J.smithn / Wikimedia Commons

Donner Lake in the Sierra Nevada is a peaceful, less crowded place to be. The lake gets its name from the infamous Donner Party tragedy and provides a mix of a history lesson and outdoor adventure. Donner Memorial State Park, on the lake’s eastern shore, has exhibits about Native American history. The lake itself is wonderful for swimming and kayaking. The Donner Pass Summit Tunnel hike offers unique views of the gorgeous valley through abandoned railroad tunnels. Nearby Sugar Bowl and Boreal ski resorts also offer excellent skiing in the winter. Paddling during sunset on the tranquil waters provides a serene retreat.

Location: Northern Sierra, near Truckee
Best Time To Visit: June – September for water activities, hiking; December – March for skiing

7. Big Bear Lake

Big bear lake in California with rocks and a grey hut on the rocks under a cloudy sky

Photo: H.G. Judd / Wikimedia Commons

Big Bear Lake is the No. 1 alpine getaway in Southern California, with stuff to do all year long. By the San Bernardino National Forest, the lake is a centre of water sports like jet skiing and wakeboarding. Hiking trails such as Castle Rock Trail give sweeping views of the lake, and the Alpine Pedal Path offers scenic lakeside bike riding. Big Bear Lake also has an active village packed with restaurants, breweries and shops. Come winter, the region becomes a snow-filled hideaway, with skiing at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain.

Location: San Bernardino Mountains, Southern California
Best Time To Visit: June – September for boating, hiking; December – March for skiing, snowboarding

8. Silverwood Lake

An image of Silverwood Lake with people swimming in the lake and lying on the shoreline

Photo: Ian D. Keating / Wikimedia Commons

Tucked away in Southern California, Silverwood Lake is a beautiful, natural reservoir with plenty of placid waters and scenic views. Tree-covered hills of oak and pine surround it and it’s great for boating and jet skiing. The Pacific Crest Trail also borders the lake, offering terrific hiking and spectacular vistas. The hills erupt with colourful wildflowers in the spring, and it’s a popular spot for photographers. The lake’s remote coves are perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking while swimming beaches provide a relaxing retreat. For something off the beaten path, check out the Cedar Springs Dam to see some great engineering views.

Location: San Bernardino Mountains, Southern California
Best Time To Visit: March – October for hiking, boating

9. Lake Almanor

Vista Point on the east rocky shore of Lake Almanor with tree branches with no leaves

Photo: Frank Schulenburg / Wikimedia Commons

A hidden paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, Lake Almanor is a large reservoir in the Cascade area. Its placid waters make it a great spot for kayaking, sailing and paddleboarding. The Lake Almanor Scenic Drive wraps around the shoreline, providing breathtaking views of Mount Lassen in the distance. Hiking and biking trails snake through nearby forests, and the Almanor Rail Trail offers an easy lakeside route. A sunset boat ride across the lake’s glassy surface isn’t to be missed. Nearby Lassen Volcanic National Park with its geothermal wonders makes it a bonus combo destination.

Location: Northern California, near Lassen Volcanic National Park
Best Time To Visit: June – September for boating, hiking

10. Eagle Lake

Eagle Lake in the evening with a reflection of the sky on the lake and trees on the side

Photo: Northfielder / Wikimedia Commons

Eagle Lake is among the second-largest natural lakes in California. Nestled by hills of sagebrush and pine forest, it’s a quiet retreat for anglers, kayakers and animal watchers. The Eagle Lake Recreation Area has scenic picnic spots, and hiking trails provide views of the lake and access to hidden coves. The area is rich with birdlife, osprey and pelicans, to name a couple. Its elevation is high, so summer days are hot but nights can be cool. The region around the lake is still mostly untouched, allowing the wild and rugged beauty of the area to be preserved.

Location: Northeastern California, near Susanville
Best Time To Visit: June – October for camping, hiking

Lakes in California showcase an impressive variety of landscapes and activities, spanning from mountain hikes to relaxing getaways in the southern deserts. Explore dramatic alpine scenery and sunset cruises for an unforgettable experience every season. There’s a right place for every traveller to enjoy so plan your visit to California with TripXL now and experience the waters of California smoothly.

Cover Photo: Carol M. Highsmith / Wikimedia Commons

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