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Lakes in Southern California: Ideas for your Next Gateway!

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

Pyramid Lake in Los Angeles County, Los Angeles

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

Castaic Lake in Los Angeles COuntry

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

Cachuma Lake in Santa Barbara County

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

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 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 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 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 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

Lake Elsinore in Riverside County, California

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

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

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

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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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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 McArthur-Burney Falls, Places to Visit in California: Bucket List for TravelersPlaces to Visit in California: Bucket List for Travelers Big Bear seen from a High PointFall in Southern California: Great Places to Visit Huntington Beach seen from the pier, LA to San Diego DriveLA to San Diego Drive: 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.

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  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

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