10 Best Lakeside Towns in California
The Golden State of California may be best known for its iconic oceanfront beaches, but don’t overlook its many lakeside charms. From high-reaching alpine lakes surrounded by verdant conifer forests to beautifully bucolic lakes that are surprisingly close to the state’s biggest cities, California offers lakeside environments to suit everyone’s whim and fancy. Whether exploring the dramatically gorgeous alpine scenery of Lake Tahoe or the chill California-style Mediterranean vibes of Lakeside, you have plenty of options for creating your own ultimate great lake escape.
So, which lake are you most excited to visit? Take a closer look at 10 of the best lakeside towns in California, and see for yourself which lake is worth a deeper dive.
Shasta Lake
Just 15 miles north of Redding (and about 170 miles north of Sacramento), Shasta Lake is not only California’s largest reservoir, but it’s also a boater’s paradise. Spanning some 370 miles in length, Shasta Lake’s shoreline includes plenty of scenic coves that are picture-perfect for sailing and anchoring a houseboat. Not only can you enjoy the wonderful views of the nearby Cascade Range, including the 14,179-foot peak of Mount Shasta, but you can also head over to the United States’ second-largest concrete dam (at 602 feet long) at Shasta Dam. In addition, you can also explore the remarkable underworld at the Lake Shasta Caverns (that are only accessible by boat).
From the lake, take Shasta Dam Boulevard to head into town, and take time to visit the Wintu Cultural Center and Museum to learn more about the Wintu Indigenous people who called this land home long before European colonization, and who continue to shape the present and future of Northern California. If you are up for settling down at the lake for a while, rent a houseboat for the ultimate Shasta Lake experience, or pitch a tent at one of Shasta-Trinity National Forest’s local campsites.
Oroville
The town of Oroville sits about 70 miles north of Sacramento in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. At the east end of town, you will find Lake Oroville. Not only does this lake have 167 miles of shoreline, but it’s also a protected state park that provides ample opportunities for camping, hiking, horseback riding, (sail and power) boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake was formed by the construction of Oroville Dam, which is the United States’ tallest earth-filled dam at 900 feet at max capacity.
For even more aquatic adventures, head to Forebay Aquatic Center for swimming, canoeing, and paddleboarding in town. Or, check out the Oroville Wildlife Area for an 11,800-acre expanse of riparian woodland habitat and open grasslands where you can spot coyotes, deer, bobcats, egrets, ospreys, and other wild animals at their natural home. Whenever you are ready to turn in for the evening, check in to a relaxing stay at the Gold Country Casino Resort or the Feather Falls Casino and Lodge, both of which also have fully operational casinos.
Kings Beach
Sitting on the north shore of Lake Tahoe and right by the Nevada state line (about 115 miles east of Sacramento, and about 40 miles southwest of Reno), Kings Beach offers a relaxingly low-key yet highly refined Tahoe experience. Though you are a close drive from the casinos of Incline Village (in Nevada), it’s much easier to kick back and enjoy the soothing vibes of Kings Beach’s beautiful beaches. In particular, Kings Beach State Recreation Area has the North Shore’s largest public access sandy beach with 1,700 feet of lakefront—the clean white sand and gently sloping lake floor make this a very inviting beach for swimmers and beachcombers.
For a more secluded-feeling beach experience, try Speedboat Beach, where you will discover a remarkably gorgeous boulder-strewn lakeshore that tends to stay very clean, and it’s a perfect launch point for leisurely swims and thrilling kayak adventures. If you prefer staying dry and "playing ball" while taking in those signature Tahoe views, the Old Brockway Golf Course has provided some of the region’s most scenic greens for just over 100 years, and it’s the nation’s first nine-hole golf course to become an Audubon cooperative sanctuary. And whenever you are ready to settle down, Tahoe Edgelake Beach Club has cozy condo-style rooms and suites alongside 240 feet of sandy beach.
South Lake Tahoe
While Kings Beach crowns the quieter north shore of Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe is really where this famed lake springs to life. Located around 105 miles east of Sacramento (and about 60 miles south of Reno), South Lake Tahoe is the south shore’s central hub for winter sports and water sports. During summer, take a swim or launch your boat at El Dorado Beach near the heart of town. For more lakeside adventures, take a drive to Emerald Bay State Park for some of Tahoe’s most spectacular scenery, California’s first maritime heritage underwater trail where divers and snorkelers can dive into the lake’s rich history, and the stately Scandinavian-style castle at Vikingsholm.
Meanwhile in winter, South Lake Tahoe is the region’s hub for top-notch skiing and snowboarding. Spanning some 4,800 acres of skiable terrain that include Tahoe’s highest skiable summit (at 10,067 feet above sea level) and its longest vertical drop (at 3,500 feet), Heavenly Lake Tahoe truly provides some ethereal thrills on the open snow. If you prefer a more intimate and family-friendly ski resort, try Sierra-at-Tahoe for 48 trails that offer something for skiers at all levels. And no matter when you are visiting, you will have plenty of great options for a base camp. Highlights include Heavenly Valley Lodge for a cozy bed and breakfast near the Heavenly ski resort, and Marriott’s Timber Lodge for condo-style suites by the Heavenly gondolas and the Stateline casinos across the Nevada state line.
June Lake
Located around 163 miles east of Modesto and 177 miles east of Stockton, June Lake presents the ultimate lush and scenic oasis at the base of the 10,909-feet high Carson Peak in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. During the warmer months, June Lake and the area’s other local lakes (such as Silver and Grant) offer world-class fishing and are regularly stocked with Alpers trout. In addition, you can float on your paddle boat, ride a tube, try some jet-skiing, and simply go for a swim in this famously pristine lake.
During winter, June Mountain has 1,500 acres of beginner-friendly terrain and wide-open slopes for family-friendly skiing. Also, June Lake is only 20 miles away from the more famous Mammoth Mountain Ski Area with 3,500 acres of perhaps California’s most famous ski and snowboard slopes. Meanwhile, back at the lake, Double Eagle Resort and Spa boasts cozy accommodations with gorgeous mountain views, and The Heidelberg Inn is a lovely European Alpine style lodge that is perfect for a romantic getaway.
Bass Lake
Bass Lake may only be about 53 miles north of Fresno, yet this charming lake nestled inside Sierra National Forest provides a verdant, forested respite from the hustle and bustle of the Central Valley’s cities down the road. Since the lake’s base elevation only sits around 3,400 feet above sea level, its water feels much more warm and inviting for summertime swims, as well as easy-breezy kayaking, pedal boating, and fishing. (This lake has snag bass, as well as rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon.) Or, if you would like to stay dry while exploring around the lake, hike the Way of the Mono Trail for wonderful mountain and lake views, or try the more advanced Willow Creek Trail to discover the remarkable Angel Falls and Devils Slide waterfalls.
For the perfect spot to stay by the lake, check into The Pines Resort for a wonderfully convenient location and a cool variety of suites, chalets, and cabins. For a more retro-chic summer camp-style retreat, try Miller’s Landing Resort. And if you would like to stay longer and explore more of the area, Yosemite National Park is only 21 miles away.
Lake Nacimiento
About 123 miles west of Bakersfield and 43 miles north of San Luis Obispo, Lake Nacimiento boasts 165 miles of pristine shoreline alongside a wide expanse of unspoiled wilderness in the Santa Lucia Mountains. Often called the “Dragon Lake” for its unusual shape, Lake Nacimiento abounds in fascinatingly beautiful inlets and coves ripe for exploring and enjoying. Go fishing and see if you can catch some of the lake’s famed white bass, and make time to kayak and/or paddleboard the lake as well. And on dry land, hike the local trails that lead through oak and pine forests and into the mountains.
Lake Nacimiento has a full-service marina with 120 boat slips, and pontoon boats (along with kayaks) are available to rent. At the marina, you will also find a general store, multiple campgrounds, and the Lake Nacimiento Resort with homey cottages and lakeview lodges available to book.
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake sits high up the San Bernardino Mountains about 108 miles east of Los Angeles. Big Bear may be Southern California’s most famous alpine lake, as it’s a four-season destination chock full of outdoor fun and games. In summer, the lake’s base 6,750-foot elevation makes it an extra cool place to escape the heat below, go fishing for bass and catfish, hit Summit Bike Park for epic mountain biking, and hike the local trails to take in the views of everything from the local evergreen forest and the lake to the open Mojave Desert to the north.
During winter, Big Bear Mountain Resort offers three ski areas—Bear Mountain, Snow Summit, and Snow Valley—full of prime terrain for skiers and snowboarders, plus Snow Valley has space for sledding.
Lake Arrowhead
Just 13 miles north of San Bernardino and 87 miles east of Los Angeles, Lake Arrowhead looks and feels like “The Alps of Southern California” thanks to its unique setting in the San Bernardino Mountains. At the lake, you can enjoy an epic boat tour on the regal Lake Arrowhead Queen paddle wheel boat, or try a more exhilarating experience on water by jet-skiing with McKenzie Water Ski School.
If you are up for more excursions on open land, the Wildhaven Ranch wildlife sanctuary is a kid-friendly park that lets the whole family meet the local wild animals in a safe and protected environment, and Arrowhead connects to the Pacific Crest Trail for thrilling mountain hikes. Whenever you are done exploring outside, you can turn in for the evening at the luxurious Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa, which has a private beach, its own dock, a full-service spa, and guest rooms and suites featuring great views of the lake and the mountains.
Lakeside
Sitting at the foothills of the Cuyamaca Mountains around 21 miles east of San Diego, Lakeside offers a laid-back, rural atmosphere and a mild, sunny Mediterranean climate while staying just a short drive away from the city. At the heart of town is Lindo Lake, the community’s go-to spot for scenic picnicking, 1.5 miles of ADA-accessible trails, a butterfly garden, a skate park, a softball field, tennis courts, and more. For a more expansive lake with more recreational opportunities, head to San Vicente Reservoir for water-skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, and fishing at a 1,600-acre lake with a depth of 306 feet when full.
When you are in the mood for even more fun and games, Barona Resort and Casino has 2,200 slot machines and over 65 table games. Even better, Barona also has its own golf club with incredible views of the East County foothills, and the resort has its own on-site nature preserve that’s great for birdwatching. Barona has 300 rooms and suites that can make for a very comfy Lakeside getaway.
Need a Break? Go to the Lake!
Yes, California’s marvelous Pacific coast has plenty of beautiful beach towns worth visiting. But whenever you feel like exploring a different kind of shore, California also abounds in lovely lakes where you can set sail, go fishing, paddle away, and do so much more. Whether you want to go fishing at Bass Lake or hike and bike your way around Big Bear, these 10 best lakeside towns in California let you dive into a new world of waterfront fun.
