California is the state where opportunities are limitless and travelers are always eager to explore more and more in this vibrant US state. Both locals and tourists enjoy some incredible moments in each and every corner of this magical land. The cities like Los Angeles and San Diego in Southern California are world famous for their energetic and vibrant outlook. Not only these magical cities but also there are natural parks, sandy beaches, amazing culture, vibrant energy of local people and celestial lakes that drape over Southern California beautifully.
In California, there are more than 3,000 lakes. Though most of these reservoirs have been artificially built. But for that reason, the Southern California lakes don’t lose their elegancy. Moreover, all these Southern California lakes are suitable for photographic opportunities. And the year-round recreational activities like swimming, fishing, kayaking, boating are enough for increasing the visitors’ excitement in these fine outdoor destinations.
So, here are some of the best lakes in Southern California that are perfect for a great outdoor adventure for your whole family. Read on and explore these excellent lakes when you’re in this part of the state.
1. Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is located in the San Bernardino National Forest at about 6,755 feet height. For spending a relaxing afternoon with your family, this lake is a great option. Plus, there are several water sports available in this 7-mile long and 2.5-mile wide reservoir. Gift an afternoon to your kids and have some incredible family-moments in this land! Must go for boating and skiing to enjoy the magnificent views of the entire place!
This big lake was installed by the Serrano Indian tribe, approximately 2,500 years ago. The surface area of Big Bear Lake is about 2,971 acres, and the depth reaches up to 72 feet. There’s a special fishing arrangement that visitors enjoy very much.
In winter, visitors can discover a variety of fish species in this one of the most popular lakes in Southern California. As the name suggests, Grizzly Bears are common near the lake and in the mountain as well. So, be a little more excited to encounter this wildlife during your exploration of the area.
Swimming is not popular in Big Bear Lake as water temperature is extra cold. Being surrounded in a forested and mountainous area, hiking trails are available here. Visitors who will to extend their stay, several vacation rentals and campgrounds are always an open option for them.
If you plan to visit specially in winter, must go to ski resorts that provide so many fun-filled activities for skiing and snowboarding. So, enjoy these thrilling outdoor activities. Plus, the surrounding town named Big Bear Town is a great year-round getaway destination.
2. Lake Gregory
Located in Lake Gregory Regional Park, Lake Gregory is a part of the San Bernardino National Forest. This pretty Southern California lake is a great place to spend some leisure time in close proximity with serenity. Encompassing about 84 acres of area, Lake Gregory is relatively smaller than other lakes in Southern California.
Here visitors can enjoy one of the best beach areas besides the lake. In summer, water level decreases in one part of the lake and it serves as an amazing beach type waterpark. The Rim of the World Waterpark features all the best slides, swings and thrilling rides.
Furthermore, Lake Gregory is one of the best places in Southern California to go for trout fishing. People who are too much enthusiastic about fishing, this spot is literally a heaven for them. Local people frequently come here for feeding their fishing desire.
Motor boats are not permitted on this lake, but paddleboards are a great fun. Swimming is also ideal. Other engaging activities include kayaking and hiking.
Note, many of the above mentioned facilities require charges. To get entrance to the park, parking and the waterpark facility, visitors need to pay some amount.
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3. Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead is an artificial mountain lake in the San Bernardino National Forest. It’s only 24 miles away from the iconic Big Bear Lake. Lake Arrowhead is a small mountain resort also. Extremely enthusiastic visitors can get all types of fun-filled excitements in a combined way in this outdoor destination. Must go to this wonderful Southern California lake to get all the fun in a single place that would roughly be provided in other lakes in Southern California.
All engaging activities include fishing, camping, biking, water skiing. Other laid-back opportunities are camping, backpacking and hiking the easy trails. In summer, the terrain gets overcrowded for enjoying swimming and canoeing in a greater extend. If you visit the lake, only then you can feel the actual beauty of this picturesque mountain lake.
Winter season showcases its another charm upon the lake. Visitors come in this time period for enjoying snowshoeing. All together, no matter which season you choose to visit Lake Arrowhead, this awesome reservoir is always ready for those who like to enjoy different seasons with different charming experiences.
Lastly for getting some comfort, you might head to any of the cabins available around the lake.
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4. Silverwood Lake
In this premier lake visitors are able to experience breathtaking activities with a wide range of other attractions. Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, Silverwood Lake is 90 miles from the iconic city of Los Angeles. The peak season to visit this lake is April through October. This is the time when you can actually taste all the entertainments with a wider range. Though the area gets never less with crowd.
If you want to enjoy Silverwood Lake with less congested ambience, then choose off season. But don’t you worry. The fun-filled activities are never too less. Popular activities are boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and waterskiing.
There are picnic areas, beaches and campgrounds on the lakeside. Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area offers 13 miles of hiking and biking trails. Pacific Crest Trail is popular among visitors. In this trail you can experience some incredible natural views as well.
Nearby attraction is Cedar Springs Dam. You can get a closer watch of energy generation through turbines from this dam. Silverwood Lake is actually the result of Cedar Dam construction in the year of 1971.
And the mountain views from the lake are just hypnotising! So, get ready to be hypnotised in this immensely popular mountain lake! Bird watching is another enthusiastic activity where you can have a sight of the bald eagle in bald eagle watching tour.
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5. Lake Perris
This reservoir is an outstanding hub for recreational activities and is nestled in Riverside County. Lake Perris is located in the Lake Perris State Recreation Area, and it is encompassing around 2,250 acres. This is one of the most popular family-friendly lakes in Southern California.
When you visit Lake Perris, you can observe the crowd is packed with different age groups. From little ones to elderly people, everyone gets something special according to their taste in this magical land. In addition, the shoreline offers amazing sandy beaches and abundant picnic areas. Ya’i Heki’ is a nearby museum. You might also go for exploration of this nice museum.
Stunning opportunities include camping, horseback riding and exploring hiking and biking trails. And the available water activities are swimming, fishing and boating. Birdwatching is popular in Lake Perris. Around 100 bird species make this reservoir their safe strolling land. Visitors are able to witness their movements from a closer distance. Other featuring animals include bobcats and deer.
If you visit in summer, a large number of water sports can be availed by you. You might also find some matey families who will be your good companion in this trip.
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6. Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake is a hidden gem where you definitely should spend at least one day with your near and dear ones. the lake is located in the Angeles and Los Padres National Forest. The year-round energetic atmosphere must give you back the caliber you were lacking because of your pressurized city life.
The name of the lake has been given because of the pyramid-shaped rock that’s sitting on its shore. Plus, the reservoir has been formed by the Pyramid Dam. The 21 miles long shoreline is always packed with amazing fun-filled entertainments such as picnicking, camping and fishing. This lake is also home to various fish species which are trout, catfish, striped bass and some other species too. For fish-lovers, this lake is almost a paradise!
The Vista Lago Visitors Center offers a nice viewing platform. In addition, you can also participate in various exhibitions to learn about water supply system.
Unfortunately, there is not a lot of eating facility nearby. So, if you are planning to spend your whole day here, carry your own food.
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7. Castaic Lake
This underrated South California lake is close to Los Angeles. Castaic reservoir is a proper spot where you can easily spend a relaxing and soothing summer day-trip either individually or with your near and dear ones. The lake is sitting in the Sierra Pelona Mountains. And it’s very close to Pyramid Lake.
With the surface area of 2,232 acres and water volume of 320,000 acre-ft., this recreational hub is filled with first class entertainment-oriented activities and explorations. Plus, this is the largest lake in Southern California. So, you can have amazing sightseeing in the 11,000 acres of beautiful land. Hiking and horseback riding are must-to-do things for each visitors irrespective of their age.
Amazing water activities are fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming and sailing. Camping by lakeside is also allowed. The 3-miles long shoreline is perfect for picnicking. Though many visitors love doing nothing but enjoying deep peacefulness in this serene environment.
Active anglers spend leisure time by testing their fishing knowledge.
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8. Lake Cachuma
The views from Lake Cachuma are just awesome. The lake is beautifully surrounded by the Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountain ranges. The reservoir is inside the Los Padres National Forest.
You can have here some awesome recreation facilities along with abundant picnic areas. Camping and hiking are always open for each wanderer. Boat renting facility is also available.
Unfortunately, swimming or we can be more specific by saying that any physical contact with Lake Cachuma is strictly prohibited. The reason is very simple. The lake is a source of water supply for human usage. So, we can’t make the water grubby. Though the lake is widely known as a good fishing spot. But remember, you need a permit for this activity.
If you are willing to know more about the area, head to the Neal Taylor Nature Center. Lastly, the land will give you so much tranquility that would roughly be provided by any other place. So, must visit this land and have a great relaxing holiday.
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9. Lake Elsinore
Lake Elsinore is situated in Riverside County, California and it is 1.5 miles wide with a surface area of 2,993 acres. The lake is also a part of the San Jacinto River Watershed. Visitors get here 14 miles long shoreline which is suitable for fishing, combing and bird watching. Swimming is very refreshing in the clean and clear blue water.
Fishing opportunity is enormous here. Lake Elsinore is the largest natural freshwater reservoir in Southern California. This is the reason the lake is home to rainbow trout, blue catfish and redear sunfish. But the depth of this reservoir is not very deep, it’s only 40 feet.
Sightseeing is very refreshing. The entire area is very enjoyable. Camping is a good option. Families, picnicking on the beaches are a common thing. Other engaging activities include boating, kayaking, windsurfing, waterskiing and jet-skiing.
At the end of your trip, head to local restaurants and enjoy delicious food.
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10. Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu is an inter-state reservoir that covers both sides of the California-Arizona Border. Being a part of the Colorado River, the lake covers the surface area of 19,300 acres. Because of the location near a college campus, the land is never free from crowd. The lake is better known for its beach party activities.
Engaging activities are swimming, fishing, boating, golfing, hiking, biking, tubing and more. In winter, aspiring anglers make this reservoir more congested. Most common fish species in this lake include crappies, sunfish, catfish and striped bass.
Various campsites are also provided. You can easily enjoy your entire weekend in this lovely location. By chance, you are looking for hotels, pop into Lake Havasu City. Here accommodation facilities are huge.
FAQs
1. What is the nicest lake in Southern California?
The best lakes in Southern California along with stunning natural beauty of the surrounding terrain include Big Bear Lake, Lake Gregory, Lake Perris, Silverwood Lake, Pyramid Lake, Castaic Lake and Lake Elsinore.
