8 Best Lakeside Towns in Southern California
Usually when one thinks of Southern California, it is easy to envision the region’s Mediterranean-esque ocean coastline. However, these oceanside beaches are not the only places in Southern California to have fun on the open water. Though SoCal’s freshwater lakes tend to be much lesser known, they are great for boatloads of outdoor recreational opportunities. Whether you prefer magnificent lake views while skiing down snowy mountains or enjoying a cool paddle session during a hot summer day, these lakes let you do all of this and more.
For ideas on where to go for a West Coast-style great lake escape, uncover eight of the best lakeside towns in Southern California.
Del Dios
About 30 miles northeast of Downtown San Diego, Del Dios provides a welcome respite from the hustle of big city life. At its heart is Lake Hodges (or Hodges Reservoir), a lake created by the damming of the San Dieguito River in 1918 that now serves as North County’s go-to spot for boating and fishing. In addition, Lake Hodges connects to the San Dieguito River Coast to Crest Trail for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as the Bernardo Mountain Summit hiking trail.
For even more quality time outside, discover the trails at Del Dios Highland County Preserve and enjoy panoramic views from Lake Hodges to the Pacific Ocean, and continue onto the 11 miles of trails amidst native oak woodlands and coastal sage scrub habitat at Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. Though Del Dios doesn't have any hotels by the lake, it is only a short drive away from the Rancho Bernardo Inn and its 265 acres of Mediterranean-style casual luxury.
Oak View
Head about 70 miles northwest from Los Angeles, and you will reach the pleasant village of Oak View in Ventura County. Just west of Oak View is Casitas Lake, a reservoir developed in 1959 for drinking and irrigation water. While the lake continues to provide for Ventura County’s water needs, it also served as the venue for canoeing and rowing competitions at the 1984 Summer Olympics. Today Casitas Lake remains open for boating and paddling, plus it’s developed a reputation as one of the region’s prime fishing lakes. And for scenic hiking and biking, you can catch the Wadleigh Arm Trail at Casitas Lake and continue on Highway 150 to Santa Paula and Santa Barbara.
Just a short drive away, even more natural beauty awaits at the vast grounds of Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve (which can be accessed through an advance reservation), and Coyote Point Disc Golf Course might be the perfect place for a scenic game of frisbee. Casitas Lake does have campsites available to reserve if you are down for a rustic camping trip. Otherwise, The Oakridge Inn usually has rooms available in town.
Big Bear Lake
Located high in the San Bernardino Mountains, about 47 miles northeast of the city of San Bernardino, Big Bear Lake makes for the ideal alpine getaway that is still within easy reach of the region's big cities. During the winter season, Big Bear Mountain Resort has three areas open for skiing and snowboarding, and they open the Scenic Sky Chair for leisurely rides to the top of Snow Valley and Snow Summit during the summer months. Outside the ski resorts, you can also try rock climbing at the Holcomb Valley Pinnacles, hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, and meet plenty of cool animals at Big Bear Alpine Zoo (which doubles as an animal rescue and rehabilitation program).
So, what about the actual lake? Fortunately, there is plenty to do around the lake, including walking and birdwatching at the Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve, boating via Captain John's Fawn Harbor, and paddling (including kayaking and paddleboarding) at Boulder Bay Park. For a convenient and comfortable “base camp” with easy access to much of the best of what Big Bear has to offer, book a cabin at the Grey Squirrel Resort.
Lake Arrowhead
Staying in the San Bernardino Mountains, Lake Arrowhead may very well be the region’s aquatic crown jewel. Lake Arrowhead Village is a great launch pad to begin exploring this side of the forest and peruse its collection of 50+ boutiques, outlet stores, and restaurants. If you are hoping to have fun on the lake, you can do a water ski session with McKenzie Water Ski School, or you can opt for a more relaxing cruise on the Lake Arrowhead Queen ship. And for more opportunities to swim, paddle, and even go trout fishing, Lake Gregory is a short drive to the southwest.
Back in Arrowhead, there is even more to do on dry land, such as hiking at the Forest Overlook Trail, picnicking (and kids’ play time) at MacKay Park, and enjoying delectable craft beers and bites at Lake Arrowhead Brewing Company. For a pleasant and soothing stay right by the lake, check into the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa and take advantage of amenities like a private lakefront beach, a boat dock just for resort guests, and a full-service spa.
Castaic
If you are looking for a big freshwater lake, go to Castaic Lake, about 40 miles north of Los Angeles. This is undoubtedly Southern California’s largest state water project reservoir, stretching over 11,200 acres of parkland and open space habitat. Yes, this lake has a boat ramp, as well as an on-site boat rental shop that also offers fishing supplies. In addition, Castaic Lake has a dedicated swim beach, over seven miles of hiking trails, and equestrian trails.
For even more adventures around Castaic, do a hike at Castaic Rock, Warm Springs Mountain, or Whitaker Peak. A short drive down the I-5 freeway from Castaic, a whole new world of adventure awaits at the Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park. And back at the lake, campsites are available to book.
Westlake Village
At first glance, this village that is about 40 miles west of Los Angeles looks and feels like just another sleepy suburb. Westlake Lake mostly anchors a private residential community. Yet on the south end of town, Triunfo Creek Park provides about 600 acres of beautiful deep oak woodland and native grasslands, and it connects to the Westlake Vista Trail that leads to incredible views of the nearby Las Virgenes Reservoir. If you prefer a different kind of outdoor excursion, head to Westlake Golf Club for tee times available every day of the year.
For another great hike with lovely lake and mountain views, try the Lake Eleanor Open Space trail just to the west of town. A short drive south of town, Rocky Oaks Park (which is part of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area) has a variety of generally easy hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails providing great views of the park’s pond and local wildlife. And back in town, treat yourself to an elegant and sumptuous stay at one of Westlake’s prestigious resorts, such as the charming Westlake Village Inn and Spa and the ultra-luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village.
Santa Ynez
Around 30 miles northwest of Santa Barbara, the town of Santa Ynez anchors the east end of the Santa Ynez Valley wine country region. It also sits by Cachuma Lake, a reservoir formed by Bradbury Dam in 1953 that now serves as the region’s top destination for freshwater fishing and boating. Cachuma Lake also has an 18-hole disc golf course, over 12 miles of equestrian trails, five hiking trails, and camping cabins available to book. Even better, Grimm’s Bluff lies right by the lake, and it’s a beautiful organic vineyard and winery that specializes in Bordeaux varietals (mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc) that’s open for tours.
If you are curious to taste even more of what the Santa Ynez Valley is all about, go with a designated driver and tour additional local wineries, such as the Gainey Estate Vineyards, the Grassini Family’s Santa Ynez Estate (that’s set to reopen April 1), and Sunstone Winery. And should you decide to stay a little longer, book a room at the Chumash Casino Resort for the widest selection of Las Vegas-style slots and table games alongside a full-service luxury hotel, a relaxing spa, and several on-site restaurants.
Julian
Though San Diego County is most famous for its mild climate and sunny oceanfront beaches, a very different kind of San Diego experience awaits in the mountain town of Julian, about 60 miles northeast of downtown. Sitting over 4,000 feet above sea level, Julian has a four-season climate that suits itself to growing crops like apples. In turn, Julian is famous for local businesses like Julian Cider Mill and Calico Cidery that press their own ciders, 3803 Wynola Road for pick-your-own apples (during the fall harvest season), and Julian Apple Alley and Julian Cafe for their famous apple pies.
A little way south of the main village on Highway 79, you will find Lake Cuyamaca, a scenic mountain lake that provides numerous recreational opportunities. At the lake, you can go fishing, float on a boat, and enjoy a camping trip (by reserving a tent site, RV space, or cabin). In addition, the area has great hiking trails like Stonewall Peak and Cuyamaca Peak at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Back in town, enjoy a stay at the Orchard Hill Boutique Hotel for the perfect blend of country-style charm and elevated amenities.
Take a Dip Into These Cool Cali-style Lakes
Southern California may have an abundance of warm and scenic oceanfront beaches to experience, but it also has many of its own lakes worth visiting as well. At Oak View, take advantage of one of the region’s top spots for freshwater fishing and boating. At Westlake Village, discover a fun and funky mix of natural wilderness hiking trails and posh luxury resorts. At Big Bear Lake, dive into a four-season outdoor wonderland that’s always giving you great reasons to explore its stunning mountains. And in Julian, indulge in their delicious homemade apple pie after navigating the fine waters of Lake Cuyamaca.
No matter whether you want to get wet and wild in the lake, or you prefer to take in the lake views from dry land, these eight lakeside towns showcase much of the best in natural beauty and easygoing culture that Southern California has to offer.
