California has beautiful lakes. The vast Lake Havasu holds 19,000 acres of water, and Lake Tahoe has amazing blue water. There are so many great lakes to visit in California it can be hard to plan a trip just to see the lakes. trip to the Golden State
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If you need a starting point, here are 17 stunning lakes in California to help you create amazing memories in some of the most beautiful settings you’ll ever experience.
Lake Tahoe
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Lake Tahoe is situated in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and is the largest and one of the deepest alpine lakes in North America. The lake has crystal clear waters that are over 2 million years old. The year round activities at the lake include skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports in the mountains as well as swimming in the lake and picnicking on the beaches during the summer. Summer activities also include hiking on The Tahoe Rim Trail and visiting the historical site of Vikingsholm. Lake Tahoe is a perfect blend of nature and history and is one of the most unique destinations on a California road trip.
Big Bear Lake
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Big Bear Lake is located within the San Bernardino Mountains. It boasts over 300 days of sunshine each year. It is the only snow and rain-fed reservoir in the region and features skiing and hiking, along with fishing and shopping in the local resort community. There is a seven-mile-long lake, and Big Bear Lake has hidden nature areas. Big Bear Lake combines the sunshine of California with the beauty of the mountains.
Lake Havasu
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Adventure and history converge in Lake Havasu’s 19,000 acres of wild fun. Located on the border of California and Arizona, Lake Havasu offers a perfect location for motor boating, bass fishing, and swimming along the shore. Away from the water, Lake Havasu City has the famous London Bridge, and you can explore the history of the Mojave people. adventure-filled activities
Lake Berryessa
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Lake Berryessa is the largest body of water in Napa County and has a stunning location at the Blue Ridge and Cedar Roughs. Each year, Lake Berryessa attracts more than 1.5 million outdoor enthusiasts. It has over 165 miles of shore and many water recreation activities. The quiet nooks and corners of the lake are perfect for kayaking, swimming, fishing, and other fun water activities. In the summer, the water level of the lake is about 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Water activities are a great way to cool down after warm days of vineyard tours and hiking.
Folsom Lake
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Folsom Lake, located at the Sierra foothills, offers a variety of outdoor activities, interesting history, and beautiful scenery. You can go horseback riding, have a picnic, and go fishing for bass, trout, and catfish. There are lots of things to do. If you don’t know what to do, you can learn about the history of the Folsom Powerhouse and take a mental and physical test on the 32-mile bike path that goes to Old Sacramento.
Shasta Lake
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With over 30,000 acres of space, Shasta Lake is the largest reservoir in California. Shasta lake is also an adventure for anglers and houseboaters. Quick and easy access to bass and catfish fishing, and even wildlife viewing such as osprey and bald eagles, is available at the many coves along the lake’s 370 miles of mirrored-smooth shoreline. Mt. Shasta is in the background of many breathtaking pictures taken at this historic site, that has a striking history dating back to the time of the Shasta Dam’s construction.
Mono Lake
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Mono Lake is California’s oldest lake and a unique experience at over 1 million years old. It is the oldest lake in the western hemisphere. Bird watchers and kayakers can enjoy the many tufa towers that provide a history of over 1 million years. The Lake is a bird watcher’s paradise with more birds than you can count, and the many tufa towers are a great place to explore. Come and enjoy the lake’s beautiful history.
Tenaya Lake
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Tenaya Lake is located in Yosemite’s alpine region and is often referred to as the “Jewel of the High Country.” At over 8,150 feet, Tenaya Lake offers tranquility and adventure to every visitor. The inviting blue waters, surrounded by towering granite domes in the Sierra Nevada, provide the perfect space for boating, swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. It is easily accessible via Tioga Road and, more than just a beautiful lake, offers a variety of outdoor opportunities.
Lake Sonoma
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Lake Sonoma is surrounded by world-famous vineyards and steeped in Sonoma County’s history. It is also an example of the most beautiful sides of nature. The lake is formed by the Warm Springs Dam and has a surface of 2,700 acres, with a shoreline that stretches 50 miles. Lake Sonoma presents a variety of recreational pursuits, including fishing, hiking, water sports, and even camping under the stars! Come find a new escape at Lake Sonoma.
Big Pine Lake
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Big Pine Lakes is located within the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and consists of beautiful glacial lakes that rest below extremely tall 14,000-foot peaks. A high alpine lake gem is waiting for you at the end of a beautiful high waterfalls trail, along with five other lakes. There are also many other trails and lakes at the base of the Palisade Glacier.
Convict Lake
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Convict Lake is easily accessible if you’re driving along Highway 395 and is a great place to visit captured within steep Sierra Nevada Mountains. The lake is glacial and deep, and as a result, it is very clear. Of the many great fishing spots, of course, this is one. Just beside the lake is a trail that is three miles long and with great views of the mountains. The lake has historic significance as it is the site of the 1871 shootout between a prison break gang and a local posse.
Donner Lake
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Donner Lake is one of the best lakes in California. It’s less crowded than Lake Tahoe. It has a mix of fun water activities and mountain recreation. It has 2.7 miles of trails that can be used for hiking, snow shoeing, and skiing. Be sure to visit the visitor center at Donner Memorial State Park to learn about the infamous Donner Party.
Mammoth Lakes Basin
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Mammoth Lakes Basin is located right in the Sierra Nevada Range. It has a unique combination of beautiful lakes, tall evergreen trees, and streams with mountains next to them. When the weather warms up, there are a ton of flowering plants. This area has a hidden playground for all campers, hikers, fishermen, and paddleboarders.
Bass Lake
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Bass Lake is located in the Sierra National Forest. Summer time brings warm water and lots of activities at the lake. There is a 30 minute drive to Yosemite National Park. This area is great for water skiing, wake boarding, or wave running. There are some calm areas as well with some coves to sail through. There are also some land activities like hiking to Goat Mountain Fire Lookout or the scenic Willow Creek Trail.
June Lake
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June Lake offers adventure and beauty. Each of the 320 plus acres has some combination of water and sand. The Sierra Nevada offers lakes to fish in and sand to hike on. Canoeing is also an option. The Oh Ridge vantage point is added to the list of photo opportunities offered by June Lake. The lake is a postcard.
Silverwood Lake
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Silverwood Lake is a collection of fun and peace in the San Bernardino National Forest. The water is cool and inviting to swim, fish, or canoe. 80 miles from downtown Los Angeles, the lake has campgrounds to set up and nature trails to walk on. For more nature, take a barge tour to see the resident bald eagles.
Lake Almanor
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Almanor Lake is a great family road trip stop in the summer with its great swimming temperature and family activities. Water skiing and jet skiing are super fun too. It is a huge lake with a 52 mile coastline. The summer fishing is great. Lassen Peak and Dyer Mountain are the perfect backdrop.
8 Most Unique Places To Kayak In The US — Stunning Beauty
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Want to explore some more of the beauty of the US? Featured here are some unique options, including Puerto Rico’s glowing bioluminescent bays and the stunning Apostle Islands in Wisconsin. Whatever your adventure type, these options have what you need!
The 10 Most Beautiful Hikes In The US — Discovering America
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From most of the US’s coasts to the east, from Maine to California, some of the best hikes in the US are detailed here. No matter if you’re a beginner or a hiking veteran, the trails will blow you away. Prepare to hit the amazing hiking spots of the US and all of the incredible nature that comes along with them!
10 National Parks To Skip If You Have Young Children
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One of the articles you must read if you’re going on a trip to a national park with young kids is this one! Make sure you don’t get stuck on rough terrain, short water supplies, or long, long hikes with your kids! Avoid difficulties when visiting these parks with small children so you can have a fun and safe trip.
