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Lakes in Southern California: Ideas for your Next Gateway!

This article focuses on the most awesome lakes in Southern California.  Take a look at where they are and what you can do close to them.

Beaches come to mind when you think about Southern California.  The image of boardwalks, piers, and palm trees can easily describe one of the state’s biggest pulls.

But, what about lakes? Yes, lakes.

Southern California has plenty of them.  The best thing is that the public has the opportunity to use these places for recreational purposes.

I love beaches but lakes are pretty awesome too!  In this article, I am providing a detailed list of the best lakes in Southern California.

Please note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link. Of course, this comes at no extra cost to you and helps me to keep offering solid information to readers.

Lake Arrowhead

About These Lakes in Southern California

First, let’s talk about how I am defining Southern California.  For the purposes of this article, I am using the eight counties description.  My guide includes lakes in the Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties.

There many lakes in Southern California (more than you think).  Because of that, it is not possible to include every single one here.  I have decided to include lakes with developed facilities and a variety of amenities.  In other words, lakes with a lot to do in and around them.

Keep in mind that with the great weather we have in California, lakes can be visited all year round.  There are things to do suitable for different seasons.

Lake Hemet, Lakes in Southern California

Lakes in Southern California

I am providing information about the amenities and food facilities at each lake.  Also, I am giving you an idea of how far are these places from the big cities in the area.

Pyramid Lake

I think every Angeleno has seen the blue and green waters of Pyramid Lake when driving to the San Joaquin Valley through I-5.

This reservoir, formed by the Pyramid Dam, is an excellent place to escape the hustling and bustling of the big city without having to commit to a long drive.  The pyramid structure, that gives the lake its name, is located in front of the dam.  This is a pretty large lake with a 21 miles shoreline.

The Vista del Lago Visitors Center has a large viewing platform open to the public.  You can stop by just for the view even if you have no plans to use the facilities.  In addition, the visitors center has educative exhibitions about geology and water supply systems.

This is bear country so, it is important to follow the signs posted on-site at all times.

Activities: Camping, fishing, boating, jet-skiing, picnicking, and swimming

Where to Eat: Bring your own food.  There are not a lot of eating options located nearby.

Operating Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. No entrance after 9:00 p.m. (even for campers)

Distance from Santa Barbara: 92 miles

Distance from Los Angeles: 60 miles

Distance from San Diego: 176 miles

Pyramid Lake in Los Angeles

Castaic Lake

Very close to Pyramid Lake, you will find Castaic Lake.  This is Southern California’s largest reservoir and, apart from serving as a source of freshwater, it has been dedicated to serving the public as a recreational area.

The lower lake has about 3 miles of shoreline (or beach) and several acres of shallow water suitable for equipment such as float tubes, kayaks, and canoes.

Activities: Camping, fishing, boating, hiking, kayaking, sailing, swimming

Where to Eat: Bring your own food.  There are not a lot of eating options located nearby.

Operating Hours: Depends on the season.

Distance from Santa Barbara: 78 miles

Distance from Los Angeles: 45 miles

Distance from San Diego: 165 miles

Lakes in Southern California, Castaic Lake in Los Angeles

Cachuma Lake

Not a lot of people living in Southern California have heard about this place but I think is one of the most idyllic places in the area.  Since it is surrounded by the Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains, it feels like a mountain retreat.  The good news is that you do not have to drive ugly, twisted roads to reach it.

From Santa Barbara (or Highway 101), you can reach Lake Cachuma in a scenic way by taking Highway 154.  You will get great views of the mountains and the coast.

There is a lot to do in and around the lake.  You can visit the Neal Taylor Nature Center, take a narrated lake cruise, take a dip in a swimming pool or take a hike in the early morning. And, there are all those wineries located nearby (like dozens of them).  Bring the entire family for a couple of days of fun!

Activities: Fishing, hiking, camping, lake cruises, playgrounds.  You can stay in one of the yurts located inside the recreational area

Where to Eat: I recommend bringing some food even though there is a general store on-site.  The towns in the Santa Ynez Valley (Solvang, Santa Ynez, and Buellton) are located nearby.  You can drive there for breakfast or lunch if you prefer (they have some good restaurants).  Keep in mind these are small places and businesses close before 7:00 p.m.

Operating Hours: 6:00 a.m. to sunset

Distance from Santa Barbara: 22 miles

Distance from Los Angeles: 120 miles

Distance from San Diego: 240 miles

Cachuma Lake in Santa Barbara

Lake Casitas

Lake Casitas, located in Ventura County, is a man-made lake created by a dam.  Like with many other reservoirs, a recreational area was created close to the lake shores.

The recreational area can be seen as a mini-city.  It has 400 campsites, a café, a store and trailer storage. On top of that, there is a popular water park within the facilities.  Make sure to reserve tickets in advancement since they sell out often.

Activities: Camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, biking, hiking, water park, lazy river. Swimming in the lake is not allowed.

Where to Eat:  There is a café (breakfast and lunch) and a store on-site.  It is a good idea to bring snacks and drinks.

Operating Hours: Daily use area is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Waterpark is open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Distance from Santa Barbara: 27 miles

Distance from Los Angeles: 80 miles

Distance from San Diego: 200 miles

Big Bear Lake

This is one of the most popular high-altitude (7,000 feet in the San Bernardino National Forest) escapes for Angelenos and a popular favorite.  We associate the area with snow and skiing.  Winter tends to be the most popular season to visit.

Even though the winter connotation is strong, this resort is in business all year long and I prefer to visit when there is no snow in sight. Because, in all honesty, spring, summer, and fall are gorgeous seasons to visit.

This is a huge lake (man-made).  There are tons of things to do and you will need several visits to get to know the area well.  You can take a scenic drive around the lake, take a guided boat tour, hike, kayak, bike or chill out in a cabin.

Plus, there is a village full of restaurants, cafes, shops, ice cream parlors, and even a movie theater.  This resort caters to the entire family since there are several activities to choose from.

Activities: Boating, kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, fishing, parasailing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, zip lining, helicopter tours, off-roading. During winter, you can ski and snow tube.

Where to Eat: You can visit The Village.  There is a wide array of restaurants serving dishes from different cuisines (American, Indian, Italian, Thai).

Operating Hours: Vary per attraction.  Check specific businesses for more info.

Distance from Santa Barbara: 185 miles

Distance from Los Angeles: 96 miles

Distance from San Diego: 145 miles

What to do in Big Bear, Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino, California, Los Angeles

Lake Arrowhead

Lake Arrowhead is located 24 miles from Big Bear Lake.  Consequently, you can hit two birds with a stone while in the area (or choose to concentrate in only one area).

Lake Arrowhead is smaller than Big Bear Lake but the surrounding village is reminiscent of an alpine or Bavarian town.  In some way, this resort is more upscale.

While in town, you can walk around the village (which has a lake promenade), take a boat tour, or have lunch with views of the lake. There are 5-star accommodations and restaurants serving all sorts of dishes.

Arrowhead is a private lake.  Thus, swimming is not allowed to the general public.

Activities: Hiking, backpacking, water skiing, biking, fishing, camping

Where to Eat: The several restaurants in The Village.

Operating Hours: Vary per attraction.  Check specific businesses for more info.

Distance from Santa Barbara: 170 miles

Distance from Los Angeles: 80 miles

Distance from San Diego: 129 miles

Lake Arrowhead, San Bernardino, California, Los Angeles

Lake Gregory

Since swimming in Lake Arrowhead is not allowed, nearby Lake Gregory offers beaches and all imaginable water-related activities.

It has a beautiful location within the San Bernardino Mountains.  The only negative is that you have to pay for parking, entrance, water park and use of equipment.  When adding all the different fees, you will end up paying prices similar to water parks in the city.  It is something to consider if you are on a budget.

Activities: Swimming, paddle boats, slides, inflatable water play structures, diving platforms, swings

Where to Eat: Cove Cafe

Operating Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Distance from Santa Barbara: 162 miles

Distance from Los Angeles: 74 miles

Distance from San Diego: 124 miles

Lakes in Southern California, Lake Gregory in the San Bernardino Mountains, California

Photo by Phil Scoville

Silverwood Lake

As opposed to Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, and Lake Gregory, Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area can be accessed through the freeway (I-15).  There is no need to battle mountain roads!

Part of the lake is located inside a State Recreational Area.  The park has 13 miles of hiking and biking trails.  As a matter of fact, the Pacific Crest Trail passes through the park. The other interesting thing is that bald eagle watching tours are offered from January to March (on Saturdays).

Activities: Day use area, hiking, swimming, camping, boating, water skiing, fishing

Where to Eat: Café and store on-site but it is a good idea to bring food, snacks, and water

Operating Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Distance from Santa Barbara: 170 miles

Distance from Los Angeles: 80 miles

Distance from San Diego: 140 miles

Silverwood Lake in San Bernardino County, California Lakes in Southern California

Photo by Don Graham

Lake Perris

I have been to Lake Perris many times and, even though it is not my first choice for a lake getaway, I am including it in this list since it is one of the biggest lakes in Southern California.

This is a desert area and as such it gets extremely hot during summer.  A lot of people go to the lake to cool down but keep in mind you will need to bring equipment to cover you from the sun (umbrellas, tents).  There are some big trees located feet away from the shore.  You can find some refuge under those.

I do not recommend hiking or biking during summer (unless it is very early or when the sun is going down).  Shadow in the camping area is limited.

Activities: Camping, boating, hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding

Where to Eat: The town of Perris is located nearby and it has a decent selection of places to eat.  However, I will recommend bringing food to the lake.

Operating Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Distance from Santa Barbara: 166 miles

Distance from Los Angeles: 72 miles

Distance from San Diego: 90 miles

Lake Perris located in Riverside County, California

Lake Elsinore

This is another lake I am not that excited about.  I am including it here since it may be a good camping option for those passing by.  Plus, some of my friends enjoy the area.  So, maybe it is not the kind of place I would frequent but it may be appealing to others.

The interesting thing is that this is the largest natural freshwater lake in Southern California.

Activities: Boating, jet-skiing, waterskiing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, camping, golfing (nearby camp)

Where to Eat: The cities of Lake Elsinore and Murrieta are located nearby

Operating Hours: The public beach area is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Distance from Santa Barbara: 165 miles

Distance from Los Angeles: 70 miles

Distance from San Diego: 75 miles

Flowers in Lake Elsinore

Lake Hodges

I have a feeling Lake Hodges is not that well known by residents of Southern California.  Because of that, it is a great place to enjoy the outdoors away from the crowds.

There is a day-use area open to the public.  In there, you will find barbecues, picnic tables, and restrooms.  Dogs are allowed on a leash.  Boats, canoes, rowboats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are allowed on the lake.  An on-site concessionaire rents water equipment.

The lake is stocked with bass, sunfish, catfish, crappie, and carp. The lake store sells fishing supplies (open only during the fishing season). 

There are over 7 miles of hiking trails in the area.  As a matter of fact, the trail on the northern shore of the lake is part of the Coast to Crest Trail, a 70-mile planned trail (over 65% of the trail has been completed).

Activities: Fishing, hiking, picnicking

Where to Eat: You may find something to eat in nearby Rancho Bernardo (a neighborhood of the City of San Diego) or Escondido but it is recommendable to have provisions and drinks with you

Operating Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Distance from Santa Barbara: 205 miles

Distance from Los Angeles: 110 miles

Distance from San Diego: 35 miles

Lake Hodges near Escondio, Lakes in Southern California

Lake Murray

The good thing about Lake Murray is that it is located inside the popular Mission Trails Regional Park.  Since the lake is located within San Diego’s city limits, it is one of the residents’ favorite playgrounds.

There are 60 miles of trails, a visitor’s center, guided tours, and opportunities to spot birds, butterflies, and small mammals.  Camping is allowed in the Lake Kumeyaay area. This is one of the easiest places to grab a campsite in San Diego (even in high season).  Overall, this is a fun area to explore with the entire family.  As mentioned, you are very close to all of San Diego’s attractions.

Activities: Fishing, kayaking, hiking, biking, picnicking, camping

Where to Eat: You may be able to find something to eat in the area but I recommend bringing your own food.

Operating Hours: The visitor’s center is open from 9:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Distance from Santa Barbara: 220 miles

Distance from Los Angeles: 122 miles

Distance from San Diego: 12 miles

Lake Murray located inside the Mission Trails Regional Park, San Diego

Vail Lake

Vail Lake is a reservoir covering a 1,737 square mile area. The recreation space surrounding the reservoir has 385-acres of open space with lots of amenities. 

A lot of people love to camp around the lake since it provides easy access to the many wineries located in Temecula (about 13 miles away) and hikes in Cleveland National Forest.  

The Vail Lake Loop is a great option for hikers. This moderate 7.2 miles long trail has excellent views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.  Keep in mind you can hike as much as you want (you do not have to complete the loop).

Activities: You will find about 467 campsites, three beautiful swimming pools, basketball courts, an 18-hole mini-golf course, horseshoe pits, pickleball courts, and over 200 acres dedicated to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding (facilities are managed by KOA).

Where to Eat: There is a snack bar on-site but I recommend bringing your own food.  You can grab something to eat in Temecula.

Operating Hours: Open 24 hours for campers.  Day use hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Distance from Santa Barbara: 192 miles

Distance from Los Angeles: 98 miles

Distance from San Diego: 70 miles

Lake Skinner

Lake Skinner, also known as Skinner Reservoir, is a popular recreational area administered by Riverside County. This beautiful lake sits at the foot of Bachelor Mountain in the Auld Valley. 

This is a great place for a picnic, family weekend trip, and/or camping with friends.  The site has about 200 full hookup sites, 18 sites with water and electricity, and 40 sites with water only.

This is another spot located super close to Temecula’s wine country (the lake is pretty much in the wineries’ backyard).

Day-use admission is $6 and it is good for most amenities (showers, restrooms, splash pad, horseshoe pits, tables, BBQs, etc).

Activities: Hiking, biking, fishing, sailing, horseback riding, camping

Where to Eat: You can grab something to eat in Temecula or Murrietta.

Operating Hours: 6:00 a.m. to Sunset

Distance from Santa Barbara: 190 miles

Distance from Los Angeles: 94 miles

Distance from San Diego: 71 miles

Hiking in Temecula, Balloons over Lake Skinner

Lake Cahuilla

Lake Cahuilla, located in La Quinta, feels like a secluded getaway even though it is relatively close to the city center and other cities in the Coachella Valley.

Another positive is that there seems to be plenty of camping availability.  If you live in Southern California, you may know campsites get filled super quickly.

The lake offers camping, hiking, fishing, and horseback riding opportunities.  Day users are welcomed.  Swimming is not allowed in the lake but there is a pool on-site.  In addition, there is a campsite dedicated to equestrians.

The lake is located in the desert.  Therefore, it is better to avoid the area during the summer months.

Activities: Hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, camping, wildlife viewing (it is easy to spot bighorn sheep)

Where to Eat: Old Town La Quinta is full of great restaurants

Operating Hours: Varies with the season.  Operating hours are shorter during summer (May-Sep).  The recreation area is closed some days during summer as well.

Distance from Santa Barbara: 232 miles

Distance from Los Angeles: 136 miles

Distance from San Diego: 138 miles

Lake Cahuilla in La Quinta

Lake Cuyamaca

Lake Cuyamaca may not be as big or popular as other lakes in Southern California but I need to include it because the area surrounding it is gorgeous.

There are campsites and cabins surrounding the lake.  There is more camping at nearby Rancho Cuyamaca State Park.  In addition, the lake is popular with boaters and fishermen.

On top of that, there are miles of hiking trails located in Ranch Cuyamaca State Park and Mount Laguna (suitable for all ages and skills).  It is easy to spot wildlife such as deer, woodpeckers, squirrels, and rabbits.

And, you may pass by the town of Julian on the route.  Stop to have a piece of apple pie.

Activities: Hiking, biking, fishing, boating, horseback riding, camping, wildlife viewing

Where to Eat: You can grab something to eat in the Lake Cuyamaca Restaurant (try the chicken potpie and the pies).  There are several restaurants in the town of Julian.

Operating Hours: 6:00 a.am. To Sunset

Distance from Santa Barbara: 260 miles

Distance from Los Angeles: 164 miles

Distance from San Diego: 52 miles

View of Lake Cuyamaca from Stonewall Peak

Other Lakes in Southern California

  • Lake Henshaw (CA-76, close to Warner Springs)
  • Dixon Lake (Escondido)
  • Lake Wohlford (Escondido)
  • Lake Piru
  • Hollywood Reservoir
  • Franklin Canyon Reservoir
  • Silver Lake Reservoir
  • Echo Lake
  • Puddingstone Lake/Reservoir
  • Irvine Lake
  • Peter Canyon Reservoir
  • Barbara Lake
  • Lake Matthews
  • Diamond Valley Lake
  • Lake Hemet
  • Lake Ramona
  • Lake Poway
  • Sweetwater Reservoir
  • Lower Otay Lake
  • Lake Morena
  • Lake Havasu

Well, we are done exploring the lakes in Southern California.  I hope this article has provided enough ideas and inspiration for a future trip.  If you have more ideas in terms of lakes, let me know in the comments section.

Lake Gear

As I spend a lot of time near lakes, I have my gear packed and ready to throw in the car.  Here is an idea of what I take to the lake (notice a lot of the gear is similar to the gear you will use at a beach).

Sunset in Castaic Lake, Lakes in Southern California

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions I get about Southern California lakes (and about California lakes in general).

What are some lakes in Southern California for swimming?

You can swim at Pyramid Lake, Castaic Lake, Big Bear Lake (there are designated beach areas), Lake Gregory, Silverwood Lake, Lake Perris, and Lake Elsinore.

You cannot swim at Lake Cachuma or Vail Lake but there are pools within their recreational facilities.

What are some lakes in Southern California with cabins?

Big Bear Lake has lakefront cabins and cabins located close to the lake.  The same rentals can be found at Lake Arrowhead.  Green Lake, a small lake located between Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead offers cabin rentals as well.

I recommend heading to a rental site with a good reputation in the area where you want to rent.  They can get you exactly what you are looking for.

Santee Lakes (near San Diego) has floating cabins for rent.

What are some mountain lakes in Southern California?

Lake Cachuma is located within the San Rafael and Santa Ynez Mountains (Los Padres National Forest).

Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Lake Gregory, and Silverwood Lake are located in the San Bernardino National Forest.  Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 6,500 feet.

Cuyamaca Lake is located in the Cuyamaca Mountains 

What are some lakes for fishing in Southern California?

You can fish at all the lakes featured in this article.

What are some lakes near Los Angeles?

My article dedicated to Lakes in Los Angeles answers this question.

More Lake Escapes

California is a land of lakes.  If you enjoy these bodies of water, then California is the place for you.

If you are exploring Northern California, then you need to check my article dedicated to Lakes in Northern California. 

This article will cover lakes in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and lakes located close to popular sports such as San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, and Sierra National Forest.

Here are other articles related to lakes in northern or central California.

Driving around Lake Tahoe

Photos of Lake Tahoe

Mammoth Lakes Basin

June Lake Loop

Mono Lake

Also, I have an article dedicated to lake camping in California.

Lakes for Camping in California

And, do not miss my Lakes in Los Angeles and Lakes in San Diego articles.

More of Southern California

Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List

Ultimate San Diego Bucket List

150+ Places to Go in Orange County

200+ Places to Visit in Santa Barbara

Ventura County Bucket List

What are your favorite lakes in Southern California?

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Things to do in Southern California – Travel tips and vacation ideas - Beaches come to mind when you think about California. The image of boardwalks, piers and palm trees can easily describe one of the state’s biggest pulls. But, what about lakes? Yes, lakes. #SouthernCalifornia has plenty of them. In this article, I am providing a detailed list of the best lakes in Southern California. #LosAngeles #SantaBarbara #SanDiego

Things to do in Southern California – Travel tips and vacation ideas - Beaches come to mind when you think about California. The image of boardwalks, piers and palm trees can easily describe one of the state’s biggest pulls. But, what about lakes? Yes, lakes. #SouthernCalifornia has plenty of them. In this article, I am providing a detailed list of the best lakes in Southern California. #LosAngeles #SantaBarbara #SanDiego

Things to do in Southern California – Travel tips and vacation ideas - Beaches come to mind when you think about California. The image of boardwalks, piers and palm trees can easily describe one of the state’s biggest pulls. But, what about lakes? Yes, lakes. #SouthernCalifornia has plenty of them. In this article, I am providing a detailed list of the best lakes in Southern California. #LosAngeles #SantaBarbara #SanDiego

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The narration and the dramatic reenactments gives you a glimpse into what life must have been like for the prisoners. You can even take a night tour if you’re looking for an extra spooky vibe. Read More: San Francisco Itinerary: 1, 2 or 3 Days in the City Walk Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower By Rachel from Rachel Ruminations The hills are what make San Francisco a particularly beautiful town: the views of the sea or the bay, the sight of those long, straight downhills that filmmakers so enjoy for chase scenes. Topped by art-deco Coit Tower, Telegraph Hill is a particular joy to climb on a free afternoon. Starting from Washington Square Park, the walk up is pretty, but steep. You will be rewarded by the phenomenal view of the city at Coit Tower’s base, and you can see an even better view if you take the elevator to the top. Make sure to check out the Depression-era murals on the inside of the tower’s ground floor even if you don’t go up. The walk downhill is even prettier than the walk up, if that’s possible. The long Filbert Street steps lead all the way down to sea level near Fishermen’s Wharf, where you’ll undoubtedly meet the tourist throngs. Take your time on the steps, though, and enjoy the lush Grace Marchant Garden and the narrow “streets” leading off on either side. To learn more about this walk, read Coit Tower & Telegraph Hill: An unmissable walk in San Francisco. Ski Lake Tahoe By Christina from Travel2next.com A year-round outdoor playground with amazing beaches, 12 fabulous ski resorts and miles of biking and hiking trails, Lake Tahoe is a paradise for those who love the outdoors. With soaring peaks and stunning lakes, Lake Tahoe is also a skier’s parades that straddles both California and Nevada. One of the unique things about a Lake Tahoe winter is you can ski across the border! One of the benefits of skiing in Lake Tahoe is that the ski areas are within easy reach of one another and you can try several ski resorts in one trip. Sierra at Tahoe has some of the best tree skiing and plenty of powder. NorthStar is an excellent intermediate ski resort with a fabulous base village to hang out at the end of the day. Sugar Bowl is the most convenient resort to get to if you’re coming from San Francisco Bay Area. It has a mid-sized ski area and is excellent for families. Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley are two ski areas covered under one lift ticket. Squaw Valley hosted the 1960 Olympics and is a favorite of many professional skiers. The fifth-largest ski area in North America has a fun party atmosphere is Heavenly Mountain Resort, which has plenty of terrain and is the. Read More: Drive Around Lake Tahoe Bike Across the Golden Gate Bridge By Luda from Adventures with Luda If you’re traveling to San Francisco and looking for a fun (and adventurous) activity, rent a bike and get to pedaling across the Golden Gate Bridge! I recommend this for three main reasons: you’ll see amazing views of the San Francisco bay, work off some calories (psst - Japantown has some pretty great restaurants!), and you can explore other cities. There are plenty of places to rent a bike, but I recommend picking a company in the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood since it’s closest to the Bridge. The 20-minute bike ride over to the starting point will take you through some fairly flat streets, and you can stop near Crissy Field if you’d like to take a few photos of the waterfront. When biking across the Golden Gate Bridge, it’s important to note that there are two sidewalks: one is for pedestrians, and the other is for bikers. If you don’t know which one to take, just take a look at where everyone else is going or ask one of the employees at the concession stand. If you’re flexible on timing, you can bike all the way across the bridge and explore the neighboring town of Tiburon. This cozy little town is famous for its quirky boutiques, grassy parks, and scenic waterfront. If you plan to make the trip to Tiburon, ask the bike rental employee for a bicycle lock, as there are plenty of bicycle “parking” near the waterfront. Read More: Los Angeles to San Francisco Drive Book a Spot at the Sonoma Wine Trolley By Taima from Poor in a Private Plane If you are looking for a unique way to discover Sonoma then check out the Sonoma Wine Trolley. The tour begins in downtown Sonoma which is a great place to grab a bite before starting your wine adventure. Grab a bite at Sunflower Cafe and then make your way to Sonoma Plaza where you will board your wheels for the day. The wine trolley is a replica of a vintage California Street Cable Car used in San Francisco in the early 1900s. It’s an excellent way to experience Sonoma Valley in the open air trolley. The tour will take you to four different wineries with a stop for lunch. At one of the wineries you will be served a picnic lunch catered by The Girl and The Fig, one of the best restaurants in Sonoma. Once you have visited all four wineries the tour will drop you back off at Sonoma Plaza where you will have your pick of places to have dinner before turning in for the night. Whether it is your first time visiting Sonoma or you’re looking for a new way to experience Sonoma, the Sonoma Wine Trolley is a truly unique and fun experience. Photo by Taima Taste Craft Beer at the Russian River Brewery By Derek from Robe Trotting Napa and Sonoma valleys are rightly world-renowned for the vineyards, but one of my favorite stops in Sonoma valley was actually one of the best craft breweries in the world. Russian River Brewing Company has become world-famous for its Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger IPAs, hailed by many aficionados as the best beers in the world (Pliny the Younger is brewed once a year and is an especially hot ticket to enjoy). But they offer more than just IPAs, as their sours (named Consecration, Supplication, and Temptation) are world-class. Russian River now offers two locations in Sonoma Valley, including their original taproom in Santa Rosa and a new brewery and brewpub in Windsor. The Santa Rosa location can get packed in evenings, but they offer excellent pizzas and wings to pair with the beers. The Windsor location has a little less traffic and offers a broader menu, plus you can take a tour of their brewery. Visit the Mystery Spot By Rosie from Popcuria The Mystery Spot is a fun and quirky addition to any California trip and a great activity for all ages. This classic roadside attraction is now a California Historical Landmark and worth a stop on any drive up Highway One. Tucked away in the redwoods just outside of Santa Cruz, CA, the Mystery Spot is home to strange gravitational anomalies that will make you question your own eyes. Take the Mystery Spot’s guided tour and experience this supernatural phenomenon for yourself. Your tour will take you on a whimsical walk through the redwoods where the basics of physics do not seem to apply. Within the confines of the Mystery Spot, balls roll up hill instead of down and your friends and family appear taller and shorter than in real life. Take Instagram-worthy shots of your friends leaning off tables at unnatural angles inside the Spot’s topsy-turvy house. Snag the Mystery Spot’s bumper sticker at the end of your tour to commemorate your time at this iconic roadside pitstop. Read More: Santa Cruz Boardwalk in Pictures Hold a Baby Goat and Eat Cheese By Constance from Adventures of Panda Bear Harley Farms in Pescadero, CA is goat dairy farm located off of the northern California coast between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. The farm has a variety of animals including chickens, a donkey, guardian llamas, Anatolian shepards, and of course, goats. All of the animals on the farm are working animals, the goats, in particular, provide milk for goat cheese. The farm’s dairy produces a variety of award-winning goat cheeses ranging from plain to cranberry walnut and garden chive, and more. The cheeses alone are well worth the visit! The best thing about visiting Harley Goat Farms is their baby goats. Take a farm tour during the spring months after the baby goats, or “kids” as they’re called, are born. Then, you’ll be able to see and hold a baby goat! The farm tour is also super informative and you’ll learn a lot about how to hold a baby goat, the farm’s operations, animals, and their cheese. The highlight of it all are definitely the baby goats, they are too cute! Stop by a Hot Spring By Athul from Our Backpack Tales Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Glass Mountain Ridge in California is the Crowley Hot Springs also known as Wild Willy's Hot Springs. You can reach the trail close to US 395 by taking the Benton Crossing Road. The Crowley Hot Springs are open 24 hours a day and it is absolutely free. From the parking lot, you can see an elevated wooden walkway. A short walk of around 0.32 km through the beautiful backdrop of mountains is an amazing experience. The walkway slopes slightly downward and ends almost abruptly by the pools. It is about 10 feet wide and 3 feet deep, and you can easily take a dip in it! This hot spring contains one small and one large pool. The temperature in these pools can vary from 95 to 105 degrees. The bigger pool can accommodate a dozen of people but the small pool can accommodate some. The area surrounding the pool is stunning with mountains and grasslands in the backdrop. There are few option for camping in the surrounding area. These hot springs are in a fragile ecosystem so all should follow leave no trace behind policy to keep them clean. Things to Do in California - Central California Here are some of the things you can do around California’s Central area. If you ask me, this is one of the most thrilling parts of the state. Drive Around Big Sur By Dhara from It's Not About the Miles Driving the Big Sur stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway between Carmel and Ragged Point should be high on your list of things to do in California. Considered one of the most scenic coastlines on the planet, the drive gives you the opportunity to enjoy magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Central California coastline. Just a little over 75 miles in length, Highway One hugs the water for most of this route. Where it does not, for short stretches, you will drive through towering redwoods or bucolic countryside. There are numerous pullouts where you can park and enjoy the views at leisure, and take lots of photos. Some of the best places to stop on the Big Sur Coast drive include Point Lobos State park, just south of the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the very wild Garrapata State Park, with hiking trails if you want to stretch your legs, and the historic Bixby Creek Bridge, considered an engineering marvel. Drive the road in late spring after the rains are over, and you will see gorgeous wildflowers along the road. The hills are green at this time as well, and look gorgeous against the blue of the ocean. Ride a Buggy at the Oceano Dunes By Sharon from Daily Dream 360 If you are looking for a little adventure on the beach, you may want to consider a dune buggy ride at Oceano Dunes State Park, which is located 3 miles from Pismo Beach. This activity is a great add-on when visiting the San Luis Obispo region of California. You will find plenty of Dune Buggy rental companies just outside the state park entrance. Once you complete a vehicle orientation, you'll be driven to the site within the state park and get set up with your vehicles. Your tour operator will offer directions, a map and will guide you to the area where you are allowed to drive your buggy. The park has a designated area for off-road vehicles and several restrictions with regards to speed. What I loved about the Dune Buggy ride was that I was able to choose my level of thrill. Some of the Sand Dunes were very high, and there was a high risk from coming down from a dune and getting stuck before moving back up another. For thrill-seekers, there is plenty of challenging dunes to conquer. For those less adventurous, there were some smaller hills and the very scenic ride along the ocean. Photo by Sharon Read More: Things to Do in Pismo Beach Things to Do in Avila Beach Things to Do in California - Southern California This is the part of the state I call home. After more than 15 years living here, I am still discovering new places. Check out the super fun recommendations below! Road Cycle in Santa Barbara County By Clare from Epic Road Rides If you fancy a spot of road cycling, Santa Barbara County in southern California, is a fantastic place to do it. It's a beautiful region that’s warm and sunny for much of the year. Winters tend to be short and mild. Head to the Santa Ynez valley and you’ll find quiet rolling roads that take you through gorgeous vineyards and pretty ranches with wide open fields dotted with well-groomed horses. In the village of Solvang, you’ll find an excellent bike shop that can fit you out with everything you need (you can rent too) and set you off to explore the countryside. There are around 120 wineries in this area, clustered around the pretty towns and villages of Solvang, Los Olivos and Santa Ynez. Many cyclists take the opportunity to combine cycling with a wine tour as many of the wineries open their doors to people who want to come and learn about wine and enjoy some wine tasting. Exploring by bike is the best way to really get to know a region, and I highly recommend the Santa Ynez Valley! Photo by Clare Read More: Things to Do in Solvang Mountain Bike at Snow Summit By Heather from That OC Girl If you thought Big Bear’s Snow Summit was only for winter, you got it wrong. In the summertime, the ski lifts at Snow Summit are transformed into mountain bike lifts, taking you up to an elevation of 8,000 feet and dropping you into the coolest downhill bike park in Southern California. Snow Summit has around 18 miles of mountain bike trails, including trails for the beginner all the way to the most advanced riders. The beginner level trail “Going Green” is the longest in the park at 2.5 miles, and is the most basic of all. It’s a great idea to start with this trail to get warmed up! The blue-rated trails are the most fun; this is where you can really let loose and sharpen your skills. The trails rated as black diamond are the most difficult trails in the park. You will find built-in features like jumps and berms, but most of the time you can bypass those features if you are not up for the challenge. Get some practice in at the Base Area to improve your skills before attempting those difficult trails! Day or season passes are available and the park is open to all – kids and adults! Open and closing dates. Photo by Heather Read More: Big Bear Weekend Guide Dive the Channel Islands By James from Travel Collecting One of the top things to do in California is to dive the Channel Islands. There are eight Channel Islands off the coast of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Five of them make up the Channel Islands National Park. The largest, Catalina Island, has places to stay and shore dives as well as boat dives are available. However, you can take day trips straight from just north of LA (Ventura Harbor) to Anacapa Island and just south of LA (San Pedro) to dive sites around Catalina. Dive boats also leave from Santa Barbra to the northern islands, though these are further offshore. The main attraction is diving the Californian giant kelp forests. Kelp stretches from the sea bed up more than forty feet to the surface, creating a magical forest to swim through. Winding your way through a thick screen of golden kelp is an incredible experience. The kelp is home to cheeky seals and sea lions that zoom out of nowhere and right up to your mask, as well as bright orange garibaldi fish. This was one of my favorite dives from the many I have done around the world. It also makes a nice contrast to the other more urban things you can do in Los Angeles. Hike to the Hollywood Sign By Caroline from Pictures and Words Few things scream LA more than the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the movie industry. One of the coolest things to do in California is to hike up to the Hollywood sign, one of the most iconic sights in LA. Technically, the sign itself is blocked off (and don’t even try to jump the fence) so you are hiking to right behind and above the sign. Still, this is the closest you can get to the sign being able to get so up and close to the iconic monument is such a cool experience! The hike starts inside Griffith Park, from where you can take the Brush Canyon trail. It is a 6.5 mile out and back hike, and is rated moderate difficulty with an 1100 foot elevation gain. Allow about 2 1/2-3 hours to complete the hike. Also be aware that there is hardly any shade on the trail and it tends to get really hot, really fast, so be prepared and carry lots of water with you. Read More: One Day in LA: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 2 Days in Los Angeles: Downtown-Based Itinerary Self-Guided Multicultural Tour of Los Angeles By Team Hazard Rides Again LA is incredibly diverse. There are people here from every corner of the Earth and LA is happy to give each culture its due. Tim and I once went to 3 cultural events in a single weekend – and we weren't even trying hard. On Friday night we went to a chamber music concert at the big Downtown Library. On Saturday night we were in Hollywood to see Amadou and Mariam, a blind couple from Mali who rocked the Afro-pop scene at the El Rey Theater. And on Sunday we were in Chinatown for a big cultural celebration. There is no single recipe for doing a cultural tour of Los Angeles. There are just too many options. But here are some places to look so you can put together your own multicultural tour of Los Angeles. There are neighborhoods throughout the city like Little Tokyo, Olvera Street, Little Ethiopia, Little Bangladesh and Chinatown, just to name a few. Some of them are a bit touristy, but still fun and there are also many unnamed enclaves where various cultures flourish. They often hold festivals as well. And Long Beach seems to have a festival for something every other week. Keep an eye on local calendars. There are also exhibits and performances exploring different cultures all over town. The Craft and Folk Art Museum on Wilshire almost always has something culturally unique going on, as does the Fowler Museum on the UCLA Campus. You can also check out the USC Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena. Again, to name just a few. Then there are the performances, like Amadou and Mariam we mentioned above, or Prince Diabate whom we saw in some tiny club in Santa Monica. One of the best places to look for these more eclectic events is the LA Weekly. LA's multiculturalism is one of its most awesome features and it's something not to be missed if you're visiting the city. It's easy to stack events that are near you or that suit the dates of your visit. It's LA. There's always something going on! Hike in Joshua Tree National Park By Julie from Family Travel Lifestyle While California is famous for National Parks like Yosemite and the Redwoods, one of our lesser-known parks, Joshua Tree, offers fantastic hiking in a unique desert environment. Located in southern California – just east of Palm Springs, and less than a 3-hour drive from San Diego – Joshua Tree offers numerous trails at every level of hiking. What I love about Joshua Tree is that it isn’t as crowded as many other parks and it’s smaller which means you can do a one-day visit and still get in some great hikes and really feel as though you saw the park. Also, this park offers a lot of loop trails, which I tend to prefer to the ‘out and back’ trails. One of the most popular and can’t-miss trails in Joshua Tree is the Skull Rock loop. It’s pretty easy, good for all levels including children, and you get to see the famous and giant Skull-shaped boulder. There’s a great kids’ nature walk called the Discovery Trail that’s less than a mile if you have really little ones. The bigger hikes offer a great variety of sights. There are several hikes up to different peaks, with outstanding views of the mountains and desert. You can hike out to a palm tree oasis or walk through the boulders and include a little scrambling on your hike. The one thing to watch out for is the heat – it’s no joke at Joshua Tree, so come prepared and enjoy! VIsit the Sunny Jim Sea Caves By April from SoCalFunFamily La Jolla is known for the locals who hang around the beach. And no, I am not talking about the hodads, you know, non-surfers, but the friendly seals lounging right there on the sand. It’s also known as an incredibly fun family area, for its good food, and having the coolest sea caves. However, there is only one cave you can explore without a kayak. And that cave is only accessible through Sunny Jim’s Cave Store. From the exterior it looks just like any other beach themed gift shop, but upon further review you might see the long dark tunnel leading what looks like directly into the ground. This is the access to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave, which was dug out in 1902. To reach the bottom you will pay $5 for adults, and $3 for children, walk down 145 dark, narrow stairs and come out on a damp wooden platform to take in the waves and views from below. This hidden gem is a unique experience if you are in the area. But, make sure to mingle with the locals on the shore below and check out the free, smaller caves right there as well. Read More: One Day in San Diego Pedal Boat At Lake Murray By Martina from Stack Your Dollars One of the best and most relaxing things to do in sunny San Diego is to take a ride on the water at Lake Murray. On a hot day, getting on a pedal boat is a great way to get a nice breeze and cool off. You’ll also be putting those leg muscles to work and getting in some fun exercise! Lake Murray is a 171 acre reservoir with a 3.2 mile shoreline; it can be found on the border of San Diego, La Mesa, and Santee. To rent the pedal boat, you have to go into the concession stand by the parking lot. It costs about $15 to rent per hour, with an additional $15 for a deposit. The boat fits about 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. This low-cost activity is a great way to get out and have fun. It allowed my family to stick to our very frugal budget. If you would prefer, there are also kayaks, canoes, row boats, and motor boats. However, the pedal boat is my favorite because it also has a canopy to block the sun! Whale Watch in Newport Beach By Rebecca from KwaFare One of the most thrilling outdoor experiences you can have in California is to get up close and personal with some of the largest animals on earth. Whale watching in Southern California can put you right in the migratory path of humpback, minke, fin and gray whales. Even orcas are spotted from time to time, as well as sperm whales and blue whales, the largest animal to have ever lived. An excellent spot for whale watching is Newport Beach, which is only about an hour from LAX airport or downtown Los Angeles. Newport Beach is a cozy community where you’ll find Balboa Pier and Island and some great beaches. My go to whale watching company here is Davey’s Locker. And for good reason. First, they regularly have sales for their whale watching tours on Groupon. So, for about the price of a movie ticket you can take a front row seat to these magnificent creatures for over a couple of hours. But what I really enjoy is hearing the excitement of the crew every time we get to see a whale out at sea. This testifies to just how electrifying it is to witness these deep sea giants in their natural habitat. Despite how many times they get to see them, every time it’s a thrill. And the thrill is definitely contagious. You just never know what you are going to see when you get out on the boat. However, if you want to up your chances of sighting whales go out during their migration times. In general, winter and spring are great times to see gray whales, humpback and minke whales. And summer and fall are ideal for blue whales, finbacks, orcas and sperm whales. So whether you find yourself in the middle of a pod of hundreds of dolphins or next to an enormous blue whale, this is one of those things to do in California that is not to be missed! Visit the Center of the World By Theresa from The Local Tourist Just inside the border in the southeast corner of the state, you can put your toes on the officially designated Center of the World. Felicity, California, is home to the Museum of History in Granite and the Center of the World and is a destination worth a visit that's a whole lot less kitschy than it sounds. In 1985, Jacques-André wrote a children’s book titled “Coe: The Good Dragon at the Center of the World.” Somehow, this Frenchman and Father of American Parachuting convinced the Imperial County Board of Supervisors and Institut Géographique National, the French Mapping Agency, that property he owned in Imperial County should be declared the Center of the World. You can visit this town, population two, and not only make a wish inside a pyramid but also browse granite tablets etched with history. They're designed to last 4,000 years and the goal is that they'll preserve the entirety of humanity for millennia to come. It's a quirky destination with a noble promise, and should definitely be on any southern California itinerary. ATV in the Imperial Sand Dunes By Kay from The Awkard Traveler It isn't general knowledge, but California has sand dunes. Some of the best California sand dunes are found in Southern California. Specifically, the Imperial Sand Dunes State Park right near the border of Mexico. Winter is arguable a better season to visit, especially when summer temperatures can easily reach over 110F. But that also means winter is the most busy time to visit. So, pick your poison. From San Diego, the drive is about 2.5hours, 2 hours from Palm Springs, and 3 hours from Los Angeles, making the Imperial Sand Dunes an easy day trip if you do not want to stay nearby. However, there are camping and RV options at the state park! To enter the park, permits are required from October 1 through April 15 each year. Permits are $35 per week in advance and $50 per week if purchased onsite. Season permits are $150. America the Beautiful National Park pass also counts for this park. Once you are all settled into the park, you're ready to ride! But before you get into your off-highway vehicle (whether it is ATV or a bike, or other), make sure to remember the basics. Wear a protective helmet, pay attention to "closed to vehicle signs," and tall visible red flags are REQUIRED on your vehicle for visibility and safety! There you have it! Tons and tons of ideas on things to do in California. Hope you find this article useful when planning your next getaway! More of California Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles Ultimate San Diego Bucket List 150+ Places to Go in Orange County Places to Visit in Santa Barbara What are your favorite things to do in California? Let me know in the comments section below. Pin “Things to Do in California” for later!, Pigeon Point LighthouseThings to Do in California: Golden State Best Huntington Beach seen from the pier, LA to San Diego DriveDriving From Los Angeles to San Diego: Road Trip Itinerary Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles, Solvang, The Santa Ynez ValleyWeekend Getaways from Los Angeles Cannery Row Area in Monterey, CaliforniaLos Angeles to San Francisco Drive: Inland Road Trip Itinerary

Comments

  1. Jill Chapman says

    I am a lake person – I live on a lake and love a good visit to a new lake. I’ve not hear of many of these but they all look beautiful and worth a visit. Gonna have to explore some of these!

    Reply

  2. Jeanna says

    I love a good lake as well but doesn’t it seem like some of the best ones have a lot of rocks to navigate. I think the lakes you photographed with beaches seem irresistible. Love the bruised skies, especially the one with the beams radiating out from the orange cloud.

    Reply

  3. Sami says

    I have only been to a very tiny portion of California and it was alllllll desert! I need to go on a road trip around the state. Some of these are stunning!

    Reply

  4. Odette says

    Such a detailed post, so many choices. I had no idea, will definitely pin this for when I plan to visit California!

    Reply

  6. Gary says

    Lake Cuyamaca in the Cuyamaca State Park is a jewel. The surrounding park is very dry, however. They should put some beavers into the nearby Sweetwater River, let them build dams creating large ponds, turning the dry river bed into a flourishing, green habitat for the deer, turkeys, and other animals in the park.

    Reply

  9. Lee Garlitz says

    This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. This is very nice one and gives in-depth information. Thanks for this nice article.

    Reply

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