California, the land of the lakes?
While the Golden State is most known for its Pacific Ocean beaches and stylish coastal cities, it also has several beautiful lakes and reservoirs where tourists may soak up the sun and cool down.
We offer a brief and refreshing look at some of California’s greatest lakes:
Lake Shasta
Shasta Lake is the state’s biggest reservoir, measuring 30,000 acres in width. The lake is located in Northern California, approximately three hours and fifteen minutes from San Francisco. With 370 miles of shoreline, it’s unsurprising that houseboat rentals are so popular.
Visitors may luxuriate in the beauty of Mt. Shasta, which has snow on its top year-round, depending on their location. Shasta Dam, located on the lake’s western shore, was constructed between 1938 and 1945 as part of the Central Valley Project.
Lake Castaic
Castaic Lake lies northeast of Los Angeles, making it the ideal outdoor getaway from the city’s pollution. The Upper and Lower lakes are divided into two distinct regions, each with its own set of activities.
From mid-May to mid-September, the Lower Lake is dedicated to canoeing, non-powered boats, and swimming. Powerboats are permitted on the upper lake, as are other activities such as fishing and jet skis.
Lake Big Bear
Big Bear Lake is another excellent day travel option from Los Angeles. It’s only a two-hour drive from downtown Los Angeles. Animal enthusiasts may visit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo to get a close-up view of the lake’s namesake.
Additionally, the lake features several hiking and bike paths, as well as numerous fishing places. Visitors can hire boats and equipment at one of the lake’s half-dozen marinas.
Havasu Lake
Lake Havasu is shared between California and Arizona and is a desert paradise. It is about five hours from Los Angeles and two and a half hours from Las Vegas. On the lake, which was formed by the Colorado River, visitors may go fishing or boating.
Lake Havasu City is located on the Arizona side of the lake and is home to the original London Bridge, which was transported from England brick by brick. To recreate it accurately, they had to number the bricks, and part of the numbering may still be seen today.
Lake Mono
Mono Lake is more than 70 miles long and is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains. From either Los Angeles or San Francisco, it’s a five-hour journey.
Visitors interested in fishing should seek out another body of water, as this one is devoid of fish. It is a saline lake, meaning it is loaded with saltwater and is approximately two to three times as salty as the ocean. Limestone structures known as tufa towers are also strewn across the lake.
Lake Clear
Clear Lake is located in the middle of Wine Country and boasts a shoreline of more than 100 kilometers. Along with kayaking and boating, bass fishing is quite popular.
Camping in one of Clear Lake State Park’s four campsites is an excellent way to immerse yourself in nature. Additionally, there are several vineyards in the region for wine enthusiasts to explore. Brassfield Estate Winery and Gregory Graham Winery are two wineries.
Tahoe
You didn’t believe us when we said we wouldn’t include Lake Tahoe, did you? It spans the California-Nevada border and provides a range of outdoor activities ranging from kayaking to horseback riding. It is around three and a half hours from San Francisco and less than an hour from Reno, Nevada.
The lake is about 2 million years old and reaches a depth of over a quarter-mile at its deepest point. The lake is divided into two half, North and South Lake Tahoe, but each offers its own set of trails, beaches, and water activities — and maybe most significantly, the lake’s brilliant blue waters, which reflect the surrounding mountain peaks, are almost beyond description.