8 Best Lakeside Towns in Southern California
These eight lakeside towns rival Southern California's Pacific Coast towns and Sonoran Desert getaways with their relaxed pace and variety of accommodation options, from rustic cabins to luxury resorts. Lake Arrowhead pairs water sports and boating with hiking in the San Bernardino Mountains and a vibrant social scene back in the village. In Westlake Village, a stay at the Four Seasons puts you in the lap of luxury, with opportunities for golf in town and even horseback riding in the nearby Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Meanwhile, Santa Ynez sits in the heart of wine country, where you can tour the local estates and vineyards to your heart's content, then try your luck at the Chumash Casino Resort. From family-friendly amenities like the Big Bear Alpine Zoo and Six Flags Magic Mountain near Castaic to a quiet escape to rural Julian, these towns showcase the softer side of SoCal and are well worth a closer look.
Lake Arrowhead
Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, Lake Arrowhead is often regarded as the region's aquatic gem. Lake Arrowhead Village serves as an excellent starting point to explore this beautiful area, featuring over 50 boutiques, outlet shops, and dining options. If you’re looking for some excitement on the water, consider taking a water ski lesson at McKenzie Water Ski School, or enjoy a leisurely cruise aboard the Lake Arrowhead Queen. For additional swimming, paddling, and trout fishing opportunities, Lake Gregory is just a short drive to the southwest.
Back in Arrowhead, there are plenty of activities on land as well, including hiking along the Forest Overlook Trail, picnicking and letting the kids play at MacKay Park, and savoring delicious craft beers and food at Lake Arrowhead Brewing Company. For a relaxing stay right by the lake, the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa offers a private lakefront beach, a boat dock exclusively for guests, and a full-service spa.
Westlake Village
At first glance, this village, located about 40 miles west of Los Angeles, appears to be just another quiet suburb. Westlake Lake primarily serves a private residential community. However, on the southern edge of the town, Triunfo Creek Park boasts around 600 acres of stunning oak woodlands and native grasslands, connecting to the Westlake Vista Trail, which features breathtaking views of the nearby Las Virgenes Reservoir. If you're looking for a different outdoor adventure, visit the Westlake Golf Course, which offers tee times year-round.
For another fantastic hiking experience with picturesque lake and mountain views, check out the Lake Eleanor Open Space trail just west of the town. A quick drive south leads you to Rocky Oaks Park, part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, where you'll find a variety of generally easy trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, all offering beautiful views of the park’s pond and local wildlife. Back in the village, indulge in a luxurious stay at one of Westlake’s esteemed resorts, like the charming Westlake Village Inn and Spa or the ultra-luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village.
Del Dios
Located about 30 miles northeast of Downtown San Diego, Del Dios offers a peaceful escape from the fast pace of urban life. The centerpiece of the area is Lake Hodges (or Hodges Reservoir), which was formed by damming the San Dieguito River in 1918 and has become a popular destination in North County for boating and fishing. Lake Hodges also connects to the San Dieguito River Coast to Crest Trail, perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, along with the Bernardo Mountain Summit hiking trail.
For those looking to spend more time outdoors, explore the trails at Del Dios Highland County Preserve for stunning views stretching from Lake Hodges to the Pacific Ocean. You can also venture into the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, which offers 11 miles of trails through native oak woodlands and coastal sage scrub habitat. Although there are no hotels right by the lake, the Rancho Bernardo Inn is just a short drive away and provides 265 acres of Mediterranean-style casual luxury.
Oak View
Head about 70 miles northwest of Los Angeles, and you’ll arrive at the charming village of Oak View in Ventura County. To the west of Oak View lies Casitas Lake, a reservoir established in 1959 for drinking and irrigation purposes. While it continues to meet Ventura County’s water supply needs, Casitas Lake was also the host site for canoeing and rowing events during the 1984 Summer Olympics. Nowadays, the lake is a popular destination for boating and paddling, and it's recognized as one of the area's top fishing spots. If you’re looking for beautiful hiking and biking trails, you can pick up the Wadleigh Arm Trail at Casitas Lake and follow Highway 150 to Santa Paula and Santa Barbara.
Just a short drive away, even more natural splendor can be found at the expansive Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve (accessible by reservation in advance), and Coyote Point Disc Golf Course offers a scenic setting for a round. Casitas Lake also has campsites that can be reserved for those interested in a rustic camping adventure. Alternatively, the Oakridge Inn typically has rooms available in town.
Big Bear Lake
In the San Bernardino Mountains, approximately 47 miles northeast of San Bernardino itself, Big Bear Lake is the perfect alpine retreat that remains close to major urban areas. In the winter, Big Bear Mountain Resort features three locations for skiing and snowboarding, while during the summer, the Scenic Sky Chair offers relaxing rides to the top of Snow Valley and Snow Summit. Beyond the ski resorts, you can engage in rock climbing at the Holcomb Valley Pinnacles, hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, and encounter a variety of fascinating animals at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, which serves as both a rescue and rehabilitation facility.
As for the lake itself, there are numerous activities available, including walking and birdwatching at the Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve, boating through Captain John's Fawn Harbor, and enjoying kayaking or paddleboarding at Boulder Bay Park. For a comfortable "base camp" with easy access to the best attractions in Big Bear, consider staying at the Grey Squirrel Resort.
Castaic
If you're in search of a large freshwater lake, Castaic Lake is the place to visit, located around 40 miles north of Los Angeles. This lake is certainly the largest state water project reservoir in Southern California, covering over 11,200 acres of parkland and open space. It features a boat ramp and an on-site boat rental shop that also provides fishing supplies. Additionally, Castaic Lake boasts a designated swim beach, more than seven miles of hiking trails, and equestrian paths.
For more adventures nearby, consider hiking at Castaic Rock, Warm Springs Mountain, or Whitaker Peak. A short drive down the I-5 freeway will take you to the exciting Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park. Plus, if you're looking to stay longer, campsites are available for booking right by the lake.
Santa Ynez
About 30 miles northwest of Santa Barbara, you’ll find the town of Santa Ynez, which marks the eastern edge of the Santa Ynez Valley wine country. The town is also located near Cachuma Lake, a reservoir created by the Bradbury Dam in 1953, and is now a popular spot for freshwater fishing and boating. Cachuma Lake features an 18-hole disc golf course, over 12 miles of horseback riding trails, various hiking paths, and camping cabins available for rent. Nearby, Grimm’s Bluff boasts a stunning organic vineyard and winery known for its Bordeaux varietals, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, which welcomes visitors for tours.
For those eager to explore more of what the Santa Ynez Valley has to offer, consider enlisting a designated driver to visit additional local wineries such as Gainey Estate Vineyards, Grassini Family’s Santa Ynez Estate, and Sunstone Winery. If you're thinking of extending your stay, you can reserve a room at the Chumash Casino Resort, which offers a comprehensive selection of Las Vegas-style slots and table games, along with a luxurious hotel, a soothing spa, and several dining options on-site.
Julian
While San Diego County is renowned for its pleasant weather and beautiful coastal beaches, a distinctive experience awaits in the mountain town of Julian, located about 60 miles northeast of downtown. Perched over 4,000 feet above sea level, Julian enjoys a four-season climate that is ideal for cultivating crops such as apples. As a result, the town is known for local establishments like Julian Cider Mill and Calico Cidery, which produce their own ciders, Peacefield Orchard, where you can pick your own apples during the fall harvest, and Apple Alley Bakery, famous for its delicious apple pies.
Just south of the main village along Highway 79 is Lake Cuyamaca, a picturesque mountain lake offering a variety of recreational activities. Visitors can fish, enjoy boating, or spend a night camping by reserving a tent site, RV space, or cabin. The area also boasts excellent hiking trails, including Stonewall Peak and Cuyamaca Peak within Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Back in the village, consider a stay at the Orchard Hill Boutique Hotel, where you can enjoy a perfect mix of rustic charm and modern amenities.
Take a Dip In These Cool SoCal Lakes
Southern California is home not only to its beautiful oceanfront beaches but also to several lovely lakes worth exploring. At Oak View, you can enjoy one of the area's premier spots for freshwater fishing and boating. Westlake Village offers a unique blend of scenic hiking trails and upscale resorts. Big Bear Lake presents a four-season outdoor paradise, inviting you to explore its breathtaking mountains year-round. Meanwhile, in Julian, you can savor delicious homemade apple pie after a day on the picturesque waters of Lake Cuyamaca. Whether you're eager to dive into the lake or simply enjoy the scenic views from the shore, these eight lakeside towns highlight the natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere that Southern California has to offer.
