Top 15 Must-Visit Lakes in California

California is geographically diverse, featuring the Sierra Nevada, Central Valley, and Mojave Desert as its primary terrains. It hosts some of the world’s largest trees, an array of wildlife, an expansive coastline, and over 30,000 lakes and reservoirs.

Certain lakes in California drain into the ocean, while others remain entirely landlocked. Lakes vary in size, with some extending over 370 square miles. Depths also differ, and they are found at both sea level and mountainous elevations. Nevertheless, a commonality exists among many lakes in California—they are exceptionally beautiful. Below is a curated list of the 15 most remarkable lakes in California.

1. Lake Tahoe, Sierra Nevada

Positioned at 1,897 meters above sea level, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America, covering a surface area exceeding 191 square miles. This stunning lake, situated on the border of California and Nevada, is a major tourist destination renowned for its breathtaking views, surrounded by conifer forests and beautiful beaches.

Lake Tahoe dates back over 2 million years, with its current shape formed during the Ice Age. Historically, it was home to the Washoe tribe, but it has now developed into a bustling resort community frequented by tourists all year round.

During winter, Lake Tahoe is celebrated for its skiing, hosting numerous ski resorts. In the summer, the lake transforms into a hub for water sports, offering parasailing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and jet skiing. While boating remains the most popular activity on Lake Tahoe, scuba diving also attracts a significant number of enthusiasts.

2. Shasta Lake, Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Located within the Whiskeytown–Shasta–Trinity National Recreation Area, Shasta Lake is California’s most extensive reservoir, covering a total of 12,000 hectares and situated at an elevation of 325 meters, framed by the majestic 4,267-meter Mount Shasta. Furthermore, it boasts over 585 kilometers of picturesque shoreline.

Shasta Lake is highly favored by boating enthusiasts due to its numerous inlets, frequently accommodating houseboats, fishing vessels, and patio boats. It is also a premier destination for water skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing.

Several marinas along the shoreline provide mooring and launching services, with some offering rental options for those without their own watercraft.

3. Mono Lake, Mono County

Mono Lake is distinctively unique, containing three times the salinity of ocean water. This remarkable lake, which is at least 760,000 years old, originated during the Long Valley eruption. The 18,000-hectare lake supports brine shrimp, planktonic algae, and alkali flies.

While it does not serve as a place for recreation, the stunning landscape attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts alike, particularly due to its striking tufa towers.

Mono Lake’s incredible beauty has been featured in films such as ‘Fair Wind to Java’ (1953) and Clint Eastwood’s ‘High Plains Drifter’ (1973). Additionally, it served as the backdrop for Pink Floyd’s album cover of “Wish You Were Here.”

4. Lake Havasu, San Bernardino

Positioned along the Colorado River, behind Parker Dam, Lake Havasu is a substantial reservoir that borders Arizona. It stretches over 72 kilometers and boasts 724 kilometers of shoreline, an area historically inhabited by a large community of Mojave Indians.

Lake Havasu is a paradise for boaters, welcoming enthusiasts from across the USA and international visitors alike. Fishing is especially popular here, as numerous bass, carp, catfish, and sunfish species thrive in its waters. The lake also hosts several large fishing tournaments annually.

This picturesque lake finds its ambiance enhanced by the Lake Havasu State Park along its eastern shore and the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge at its upper end.

5. Clear Lake, Lake County

Clear Lake is California’s largest freshwater lake, covering over 100 kilometers in surface area. Located in the Pacific Coast Range just north of San Francisco, it is a favored summer retreat.

Known as the ‘Bass Capital of the West’, Clear Lake offers exceptional sport fishing opportunities. Recently, it was recognized as the third-best bass lake in the United States by Bassmaster Magazine.

The warm waters facilitate an array of water sports, including wakeboarding, water skiing, sailing, and swimming, enhanced by over 160 kilometers of shoreline, featuring more than 10 free boat launch ramps.

6. Lake Oroville, Butte County

Situated in Northern California at the Sierra Nevada foothills, Lake Oroville features picturesque scenery and is a vast reservoir encompassing over 3,900 square miles, ranking it as the second-largest reservoir in California.

Located within the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, the lake attracts numerous tourists. Popular activities include fishing, boating, swimming, and water skiing, while its 269 kilometers of shoreline provide ideal opportunities for horseback riding, picnicking, and camping.

Historically, the lake was home to the Konkow Maidu tribe until 1935, when the state constructed the 235-meter tall Oroville Dam, previously the largest dam in the world. A significant hatchery on-site raises chinook salmon and steelhead trout.

7. Lake Almanor, Plumas County

Created by the 40-meter high Canyon Dam, Lake Almanor is a considerable reservoir encompassed by campgrounds, beaches, residential areas, and Lassen National Forest.

Situated over 1,300 meters above sea level and with a total depth of 27 meters, it is an excellent site for water activities such as water skiing, jet skiing, kayaking, sailing, and wakeboarding. The lake is also a favorite for boaters, featuring well-equipped marinas along its 88 kilometers of shoreline.

The lake’s east side is primarily occupied by the Lake Almanor Country Club community, while Lassen National Forest borders its southern shore. The northern area houses wetlands that are home to wildlife, including Canada geese, heron, bald eagles, and teal ducks.

8. Convict Lake, Mono County

Famous for its breathtaking mountainous landscape, Convict Lake nestles in the Sherwin Range of the Sierra Nevada at 2,390 meters above sea level. Although modest in size at just 1.4 kilometers long and 0.6 kilometers wide, it captivates with its natural beauty.

Convict Lake is notable for its exceptional fishing opportunities, hosting populations of rainbow trout and sucker fish. Its popularity during summer attracts a multitude of recreational anglers, necessitating weekly stockings of rainbow trout supplied by a local hatchery. Additionally, a nearly 5-kilometer hiking trail circles the lake.

Convict Lake has made appearances in films such as ‘How the West was Won’ and ‘Star Trek: Insurrection’, as well as in advertisements for Nature Valley granola bars.

9. Donner Lake, Nevada County

Donner Lake, spanning 3.4 square kilometers, is a freshwater lake located on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, not far from Lake Tahoe. The historic Lincoln Route traces the northern shoreline, offering stunning views visible from Donner Pass.

With a maximum depth of 100 meters, it supports a significant population of lake trout. It is also home to abundant brown and rainbow trout, along with kokanee salmon, making it a favored site for fishing, aided by a public boat ramp situated at the northwest corner of the lake.

Apart from fishing, Donner Lake is also an excellent venue for swimming, windsurfing, and water skiing, surrounded by numerous camping sites. Its scenic views, framed by dense forests and heights of mountains, stand as one of its main attractions.

10. Silverwood Lake, San Bernardino

Located approximately 90 minutes from Los Angeles, Silverwood Lake is a highly sought-after destination due to its hiking trails, pristine beaches, diverse water sports, and designated boating areas. Additionally, it is situated along the famed Pacific Crest Trail.

The beauty of Silverwood Lake is enhanced by its setting amidst barren peaks, forested hills, and the San Bernardino Mountains. The lake, part of the East Branch of the California Aqueduct, serves as a critical water source for the region.

Silverwood Lake lies at an elevation of roughly 1,023 meters above sea level, extending nearly 5 kilometers from one corner to another. Its extensive shoreline—over 20 kilometers—includes campgrounds, beaches, and a marina.

11. Lake Sonoma, Sonoma County

Lake Sonoma, an impressive body of water located in the Coastal Mountains just north of Santa Rosa, spans 1,092 hectares. Featuring 80 kilometers of shoreline, it is framed by spectacular mountainous backdrops.

This popular destination draws outdoor enthusiasts from across the state, the nation, and beyond, offering ample opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing, kayaking, as well as hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, and camping. Numerous campsites are available throughout the area.

At Lake Sonoma, visitors can explore the Milt Brandt Visitor Center, Warm Springs Recreation Area, Congressman Don Clausen Fish Hatchery, and the Warm Springs Dam.

12. Honey Lake, Lassen County

Located in Northern California’s Honey Lake Valley, Honey Lake is home to the Honey Lake Wildlife Area—3,100 hectares intended for preservation by the California Department of Fish and Game.

The wetlands surrounding Honey Lake host deer, antelope, Canada geese, bald eagles, and various bird species. Besides hunting, the area is attractive for hiking, picnicking, bird-watching, and camping activities.

While the lake itself is quite scenic, it is the surrounding wetlands and wildlife that elevate its status as one of the top lakes in California.

13. Lake Cachuma, Santa Barbara County

Lake Cachuma, an artificial lake, is situated along the Santa Ynez River. Spanning 1,300 hectares, it was formed following the construction of the Bradbury Dam in 1953.

This lake has since become a favored recreational spot, particularly for residents of the greater Santa Barbara area. As part of Santa Barbara County Park, activities such as canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, and rowing are prevalent. The park also provides camping opportunities, along with yurt and cabin rentals.

Although direct contact with water is prohibited at Lake Cachuma, visitors can utilize a swimming pool located within the Cachuma Lake Recreation area. The site also features hiking trails and a nature center, with seasonal activities such as campfires and fishing clinics throughout the year.

14. Pyramid Lake, Los Angeles County

Pyramid Lake was formed by Pyramid Dam in the eastern San Emigdio Mountains at an elevation of around 785 meters. It derives its name from the uniquely pyramid-shaped rock that engineers sculpted to construct the nearby US Route 99, which is positioned in front of the dam.

Situated between the Los Padres National Forest and Angeles National Forest, the lake offers outstanding scenery. The Vista del Lago Visitor Center provides an overview of the reservoir while showcasing information related to water conservation, usage, and transportation of the West Branch California Aqueduct system.

Pyramid Lake offers various activities such as boating, water skiing, and jet skiing, along with peaceful picnic areas, some of which are accessible only by boat. Fishing is also an option, with various species such as largemouth bass, striped bass, bluegill, and trout residing in the lake.

15. New Melones Lake, Calaveras and Tuolumne County

New Melones Lake, a 5,100-hectare reservoir, is located in the foothills of the central Sierra Nevada, just outside the historic gold rush town of Sonora. The area boasts picturesque surroundings of mountains and forested hills, interspersed with the Parrott’s Ferry and Highway 49 Bridges that provide excellent views for observers.

Extending 12 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide, it is positioned at an elevation of 331 meters. New Melones Lake is conducive to various activities, including wakeboarding, water skiing, jet skiing, and calmer pursuits such as kayaking, rafting, and canoeing. Additionally, it is an excellent fishing destination, with trout, catfish, and crappies readily available.

The New Melones Visitor Center and Museum is situated along the 160 kilometers of shoreline enveloping the lake. Guests can discover valuable insights regarding local culture and history, in addition to the area’s natural history.