If you’re looking for a scenic destination to explore, look no further than the beautiful lakes found in California. California is known for its beautiful lakes, but which ones are the best? In this post, we list five of the most beautiful lakes in California from small mountain lakes to expansive coastal bodies of water. So, whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a scenic drive, these lakes will have you mesmerized!
Shasta Lake
Shasta Lake is one of California’s most popular destinations for visitors all year long. Many people visit the lake to relax and enjoy nature. This Shasta lake is for people who like to do cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, mountaineering, and hunting. And, for winter sports enthusiasts, there are also ski resorts nearby.
Take a walk or bike ride along the lakefront path. There are several trails that meander through the woods and around the shores of the lake.
Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lakeshore. The views from here are simply breathtaking – even at high noon!
Whatever your plans may be for spending your weekend in Shasta Lake California, we guarantee you’ll have a great time!
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is certainly one of the most beautiful and scenic lakes in California. In volume, only the five Great Lakes are larger than Lake Tahoe. In sheer depth, it ranks second only to Crater Lake in Oregon.
Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America and lies at the border of California and Nevada.
This freshwater lake is surrounded by mountains and looks beautiful in every season. No wonder Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, is so famous!
You can cruise Lake Tahoe in a boat or stand-up paddleboard on its clear, blue waters, and go kayaking as well. You can also parasail above the water and scuba dive to explore underwater life.
Furthermore, you can bike, or drive around the lakeshore. A helicopter tour of the Lake Tahoe area is a must-do for anyone visiting.
Lake Berryessa
Lake Berryessa is a great day trip from anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is surrounded by more than 150 miles of shoreline and has many marinas, making it an ideal location for all kinds of water-related activities.
Oak Shore Parks is a popular day-use area, and there are several marinas where you can rent watercraft.
In addition to its scenic beauty and essential role in sustaining life locally and statewide, Lake Berryessa is also home to some interesting wildlife species.
If you’re looking for a picturesque destination with plenty of activities available nearby to keep you entertained all day long, then Lake Berryessa should be at the top of your list!
Mono Lake
One of the most unique lakes in California is Mono Lake. It is a saltwater lake located near Lee Vining, California, and the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park. The ancient lake was formed nearly 1 million years ago.
Mono Lake is famous for its tufa formations- towers of calcium carbonate that stand in the water and onshore.
There are several hiking trails near the shore and you can even You can swim and boat on Mono Lake. Moreover, Mono Lake is a magnet for photographers.
Clear Lake, Lake County
Clear Lake is the largest freshwater lake in California, with a surface area of over 100kms.
Lake Tahoe is a popular summertime destination, located in the Pacific Coast Range just north of San Francisco.
Clear Lake is known for its excellent bass fishing. In fact, it was recently chosen as the third-best bass lake in America by Bassmaster Magazine.
The water in the lake is warm, making it a popular spot for people who enjoy swimming or other aquatic sports. Wakeboarding, sailing, and water skiing are all very common pastimes on this stretch of shoreline.
It has over 160 kilometers of shoreline, including 10 free boat launch ramps. If you are looking for the best spot to enjoy with your family, then head to this lake and enjoy your day.
