Best Lakes in California
7 top-rated lakes in California. Discover pristine lakes ideal for swimming, fishing, boating, and peaceful waterfront relaxation.
Lake Gregory Regional Park (Crestline, 4.4 from 4,406 reviews), Malibu Lagoon State Beach (Malibu, 4.5 from 1,554 reviews) and Del Rey Lagoon (Playa Del Rey, 4.6 from 1,249 reviews) are the most-reviewed swimming lakes in California. The full ranking below covers 7 spots, ordered by how many people have reviewed them, each with photos, ratings and directions.
Top Lakes in California
Top 10 on the map
Locations approximate to pin
Trip packing checklist
Gear for Lakes in California
Useful gear categories for this kind of water trip. These links open Amazon search results so you can compare current options before you go.
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Useful for calm-water exploring without roof-rack logistics.
Keeps food and drinks together for longer waterfront stays.
A starter combo is often enough for casual lake fishing.
Open shorelines and boats can mean hours of direct sun.
Tips for Lakes in California
Check for boat launch facilities and fees
Obtain required fishing licenses before arrival
Be aware of lake-specific regulations and restrictions
Monitor water quality reports before swimming
More water adventures in California
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