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 lakes in Southern California.
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.
In here, 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 daily 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
Photo by tinyfroglet
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 fresh water, 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
Photo by Jeff Turner
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. 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 of 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
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 store on-site. It is a good idea to bring snacks and drinks.
Operating Hours: Daily use area is open 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 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 business for more info.
Distance from Santa Barbara: 185 miles
Distance from Los Angeles: 96 miles
Distance from San Diego: 145 miles
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 have 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 business for more info.
Distance from Santa Barbara: 170 miles
Distance from Los Angeles: 80 miles
Distance from San Diego: 129 miles
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
Photo by Phil Scoville
Silverwood Lake
As opposed to Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead and Lake Gregory, Silverwood Lake 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
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 Elsinore
This is another lake I am not that excited about. I am including it in 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 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
Photo by Jim Sneddon
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 barbecues and picnic tables. A store on-site rent boats and sell fishing suppliers (open only during the fishing season). There are 7 miles of hiking trails. Visitors are not allowed to stay overnight.
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) 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 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 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
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.
More Lake Escapes
California is a land of lakes. If you enjoy these bodies of water, check out these posts:
More of Southern California
- Find out how to spend one fun-filled day in Los Angeles
- Get inspiration by reading my Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List
- Ultimate San Diego Bucket List
- 150+ Places to Go in Orange County
- Orange County Beach Towns
What is your favorite lake in Southern California?
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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!
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.
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!
Such a detailed post, so many choices. I had no idea, will definitely pin this for when I plan to visit California!
I’ll take the daring adventure any day! I hope everything turned out great. Great post!