4.5San Francisco Bay(7.341 reviews) - Beautiful visit Bodies of Water
Offers hiking and biking along its shores, paddling and sailing on top of its surface, and bird-watching and exploring among its wetlands.See more..
4.5Santa Monica Bay(5.345 reviews) - Lots of nature Bodies of Water • Beaches
Santa Monica Bay consists of 50 miles of scenic coastline with 22 separate public beaches, providing recreational opportunities to visitors year round.See more..
4.5Badwater(3.042 reviews) - Beautiful at sunset, linger walk than it looks Bodies of Water
Located in Death Valley, this small salt pond is more than 280 feet below sea level, making it the lowest point in North America.See more..
4.5Monterey Bay(2.813 reviews) - Still great in the off season. Sunday: 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM Bodies of Water
Having friends in the area and wanting to get away from winter in the Midwest, a trip to this coastal city was just right. Moderate temps with little or no rain, as well as moderate crowds, was perfect. Great sites with in walking distance from our rental unit. A do again some future winter for sure!See more..
4.5Lake Merritt(922 reviews) - I Live Here and I'm Still Blown Away Bodies of Water
Saltwater lake in the middle of the city.See more..
5.0Emerald Bay State Park(921 reviews) - Absolutely Gorgeous Scenery Sunday: Bodies of Water
With photo opportunities at every turn, this idyllic bay in Lake Tahoe is a must-see. Designated as a National Natural Landmark, Emerald Bay State Park is known for its large granite peaks and hiking trails. The best way to soak in the awe-inspiring landscapes is along the Eagle Falls Vista Point Loop or Rubicon Trail. Be sure to tour the Vikingsholm Castle in the summer months—this landmark boasts fine Scandinavian architecture and has an interesting history. Those who prefer jumping into the cool waters can go kayaking or scuba diving too. Parking at Emerald Bay is limited, so arrive early to snag a spot. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.0Mirror Lake/Meadow Trail(830 reviews) - Don't do in winter, signage is confusing Bodies of Water
This clear lake is a popular hiking spot.See more..
5.0Mendocino Coast(767 reviews) - A Visit Back In Time Bodies of Water • Scenic Drives
A scenic drive along California's Pacific coastline offering beaches, historic lighthouses and old-time fishing villages.See more..
4.5Big Bear Lake(681 reviews) - No restrooms but great shops! Bodies of Water • Hiking Trails • Ski & Snowboard Areas
Big bear lake is beautiful and Idyllic town, however bathrooms can be very scarce. No one really offers Public restrooms so it is something that you should keep in mind. Also this was a last minute trip so I prepared to pay a lot for a hotel and lodging. But in general this is a place you want to book early because it does fill up very quickly especially in the winter time and especially around holidays. To give you an example of what the prices were ranging in December 2021 I paid $800 for a Motel six. That was for two nights well other hotels were averaging $3000 for two nights. Amazing little local shops are great including the fact that they have a lot of tire repair facilities around because my tire pressure was low coming up from Chula Vista where the temperature was much warmer.See more..
Lake known for its alpine scenery and rainbow trout.See more..
4.5Lake Mary(419 reviews) - Best of mammoth Bodies of Water
Absolutely beautiful and serene Lake. Flat calm and great for photographs. I visited during a massive Eastern Sierra wildfire, so the air was filled with smoke and the sky was dark. But that did not stop this place from being fantastic.See more..
4.5Tenaya Lake(367 reviews) - Pristine Bodies of Water
it’s absolutely gorgeous. We did the short hike to get there from the restroom area, but realized if we had driven farther there is a way To enter the Lake from the Tioga road which passes right though it’s side. Lake may be the most beautiful of all Yosemite's lakes. It's a mile (1.6 km) long and bordered on three sides by granite peaks and domes. The Tioga Road passes along the lake's northern edge.See more..
4.5Lake Hemet(358 reviews) - Last Camping Trip Before Start of School Sunday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Bodies of Water
Located one hour from Palm Springs, this scenic lake at an elevation of 4,500 feet offers overnight camping, hiking, fishing and boating.See more..
4.5Whiskeytown Lake(272 reviews) - Pretty, isolated place to end a HOT day Bodies of Water
Tuesday night at the Powerhouse meant we had this pretty place all to ourselves in the 99 degree heat. We walked. We photographed the perfectly-reflected mountains with the last light of our first day on vacation. Our Husky splashed and cooled off. We fished for about 20 minutes. After making the 4.5 journey up from the Bay Area, deposting our bags in the hotel and jumping into the pool, we made the 17 minute drive out to Whiskeytown Lake to end the day with nature and movement. Next time, we'll enjoy the Marina!See more..
4.0Salt Creek Interpretive Trail(263 reviews) - Go see the pupfish Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Hiking Trails
If you have any interest in wildlife, this is a must-see site in DVNP. The endangered Death Valley pupfish is easily visible from the boardwalk. I was able to get very good pictures with just my phone camera and even better ones with my DSLR camera. The site itself is located between Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells on an unpaved, but well maintained road (high clearance or 4x4 are not necessary).See more..
4.5Morro Bay National Estuary(241 reviews) - Textbook example Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
California coastal wetland located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles and covering 10 miles of shoreline.See more..
4.0Lake Gregory Regional Park(210 reviews) - great place to visit with kids Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water • Parks
Lake Gregory stands amid a cool cedar and pine forest in the San Bernardino Mountains. But don’t let the pastoral setting fool you - the park teems with activity throughout the year as nature lovers converge for a wide range of recreational activities. People flock to Lake Gregory to enjoy its cool 84-acres of surface area for swimming and water sports. Each 4th of July weekend, the sky comes alive at Lake Gregory with a grand fireworks spectacular above the beach. Other activities include a fitness trail with exercise stations, inflatable water park with water slides, boat rentals including duffy boats, picnic areas with barbecue grills, fishing, a skate park, playground, and sports courts. Four-legged friends are welcome at Lake Gregory’s dog park. The beautiful and historic San Moritz Lodge is also available for events ranging from weddings to company parties.See more..
4.5Lake Siskiyou(210 reviews) - Siskiyou Lake Bodies of Water
We went to Siskiyou lake and they have the slides on the lake my 12 years old twins had a blast. They charge $8.00 for a hour and it was enough for the girls they got tire . It has a Spectacular view of mountain Shasta it’s very relaxing.See more..
4.5Hume Lake(202 reviews) - Must go Bodies of Water
A lake area offering many outdoor activities.See more..
4.5Manzanita Lake(169 reviews) - Maybe the best view in the park. Bodies of Water
4.5Santee Lakes(168 reviews) - Good choice for RV campers Bodies of Water
We stayed here for 3 weeks, in our camper. The site was clean and hookups worked well. Wifi was spotty. Amenities included pool & playground, biking trails, on site restaurant, fishing. Not the cheapest campground, but refreshingly pretty & quiet. Would stay here again!See more..
4.5American River Parkway(155 reviews) - Epic scenery along the river, but the pedestrian paths are secondary to the bike paths Bodies of Water • Parks
A picturesque 23-mile stretch of land along the American River that offers visitors wonderful scenic beauty.See more..
4.5Lake Murray(136 reviews) - Easy Walk Bodies of Water
Great place to walk if you are recovering from back/hip issues. After 18 hours of travel time my back was pretty sore and I wanted an easy walk with good footing. Lake Murray fit the bill, we saw an osprey, squirrels, some very cute unidentifiable birds, a water snake, some golfers and a lot of cute dogs on leads. The toilets are the non-flush variety found in lots of parks. They can be quite odiferous and you might need a Kleenex or two. Bring your own water and wear a hat as the sun can be brutal.See more..
4.0Lake Cuyamaca(135 reviews) - A place to relax, unwind, and connect with nature Sunday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water
Situated at an elevation of 4,600 feet, this small 110-acre lake is surrounded by Cuyamaca Rancho State Park that is mostly wilderness.See more..
3.0Clear Lake(131 reviews) - Clear Lake Day Use, Marina Bodies of Water
Clear Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake entirely within California, with 68 square miles of surface area. The expansive, warm water of Clear Lake makes it ideal for recreation, including swimming, water skiing, sailing, and boating. Its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife - combined with the clearnest air in California - make Clear lake an excellent place to slow down, enjoy nature, and just plain relax.Quality grapes, visionary winemakers, and high elevation terroir make Lake County one of California's premier viticultural regions. With 35-plus wineries and almost 9,000 acres planted in winegrapes, the area is reclaiming its pre-Prohibition reputation.See more..
4.5Humboldt Bay(131 reviews) - Beauty and diversity Bodies of Water
When you're in the area, find somewhere to stop and admire our beautiful Humboldt Bay. South end, go to King Salmon and walk the peaceful beach. Gather sea shells or watch the boats enter the jetty. Farther north, turn on C street and park by the boardwalk. Stroll north along the waters edge to F Street and wander into Old Town. If the Madaket is sailing, take a bay cruise. After a nice walk, drive north on 2nd and see the amazing Carson Mansion. Over the bridges of the 255 you'll see Humboldt Bay on your left and Arcata Bay on your right! A beautiful couple of hours!See more..
4.5Lake Almanor(130 reviews) - Scenic, beautiful, and relaxing Bodies of Water
Large, sapphire-blue lake offering excellent trout and salmon fishing opportunities.See more..
This park offers everything: a huge lake for all sorts of water activities and nature trails for hiking, walking and horseback riding.See more..
4.5Shasta Lake(117 reviews) - Gorgeous Lake Bodies of Water
Lake Shasta is the largest man-made reservoir in California. Skiing, houseboating and fishing are easily accessible on the Sacramento arm of the lake.See more..
My husband and I checked in on a Tuesday and the park was super quiet. Beautiful lake but our site was not overlooking water. Our pad was dirt and was level. We have plenty of space but this site (B21) only had water and electric; did not have sewer hook up but there is a dump station nearby. of course there are sites that have full hook up. The park is beautiful and clean, great walking area, and perfect location for exploring Ojai, Ventura, and Carpenteria. Scenery is spectacular, cool to hear all the birds, staff very attentive. Very popular with boaters and fisherman. Our visit was Tuesday to Sunday and even though it was fully booked over the weekend and noisier than during the week, it was kind of nice to have the background noise of families having a great time. They have boat rentals available and a little café as well as a park store. Every site has a picnic table and a fire pit. We loved it! For us, this is a gorgeous portion of California.See more..
The official designation given to the numerous parks found in Contra Costa and Alameda counties.See more..
4.5Rainbow Pool(106 reviews) - Absolutely gorgeous! Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
My son and I stop by Rainbow pool after our river rafting trip but it was quite crowded. We came back the following morning quite early and found it exceptionally beautiful. The water is quite deep and there are picnic benches, bathrooms and plenty of parking, we highly recommend!See more..
4.5Lake Natoma(105 reviews) - Lovely! Bodies of Water
Nestled in Sacramento County, this 500-acre recreational lake is a watersports hub and a great place for a day out. Locals usually go sailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding here, since equipment rentals are readily available at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center. You can also stroll or jog around the scenic paved trails, have a picnic, or unwind with a good book in the many open spaces. Weekends normally see higher lake activity, so it’s better to come on weekdays when it’s less crowded and more peaceful. You might also want to head to the Folsom Premium Outlets nearby for some solid bargains after. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.0Diamond Valley Lake(104 reviews) - Nice short stop at the viewpoint on the West side. Sunday: 6:15 AM - 4:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Diamond Valley Lake is a drinking water reservoir built, owned and operated by The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. This reservoir is an important component to providing water for 18 million Southern Californians, and is a critical lifeline in times of drought. To protect this resource, no body contact with the water is permitted. However, the Diamond Valley Aquatic Center, located near the entrance to the lake, allows for plenty of fun in the water. The Diamond Valley Visitor Center and the Western Science Center, which houses 1 million paleo and archaeo artifacts found during the construction of the Lake, are also located at the entrance to Diamond Valley Lake. The Lake and the surrounding hills have also become known for the spectacular wildflower blooms each spring, and are popular among hikers. Non-motorized bicycles are also permitted on the Lake View Trail, and equestrians can enjoy the North Hills Trail.See more..
4.5Big River(100 reviews) - a little exorcise with a view Bodies of Water
A beautiful estuary in which to observe nature.See more..
4.5Castle Lake(98 reviews) - Pristine Lake to swim and boat Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Mountains • Hiking Trails
Have come to this local lake to swim, canoe and picnic and take the trail up 2 miles to Heart lake many times. I never get tired of the beautiful environment. Would highly recommend. May camp next time. It is pristine and picture perfect. There are snakes but they avoid you. Very clean to swim and canoe in. Great trail two miles up to Heart Lake.See more..
4.5Sacramento River(86 reviews) - We loved the river views! Bodies of Water
We stayed in the JGW RV Park and had a river from site for 2 nights. loved taking our chairs out to the grassy areas beneath mature trees and sat to watch the river, floaters and boaters pass by . We come from the central coast of CA so do not get to see a river this large frequently. Really loved the river setting and riparian areas. The river seemed quite high this years so there must have been plenty of snow this past winter. We rode our bikes beside the river and also walked for miles along the river trail. Not to be missed.See more..
A beautiful, tranquil lake for waterskiing and bass fishing.See more..
4.5Gull Lake(79 reviews) - Wonderful intimate lake with a nice personal touch! Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Bodies of Water
This small friendly lake community has may boating options including peddle boats for a very reasonable hourly rate. The gift shop is loaded with bargains as well as a very friendly and helpful staff. A nice place to spend a few hours in a breathtakingly beautiful environment without all the hustle and bustle of summer crowds.See more..
4.5Klamath River(75 reviews) - A Comforting Sight if You Are Low on Fuel Bodies of Water
A delightful stop along an excellent family hiking trail in Redwood National Park.See more..
4.0Clear Lake State Park(73 reviews) - Needs a little maintenance State Parks • Bodies of Water
Located on the shores of California's largest freshwater lake, this park features a variety of water recreation including swimming, boating and water-skiing.See more..
4.5Martinez Regional Shoreline(67 reviews) - Lovely place to go on an easy and relaxing walk Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Parks • Hiking Trails
What a wonderful relaxing place to wander and explore the Bay coastline. Fun for all as alot of families were about. Wonderful place for locals to go for a sunday walk. Also nearby is the Amtrak station. lovely small bridges on the path through the park.See more..
5.0Lakes Basin(66 reviews) - Great views of mountain lakes Bodies of Water • Mountains
We hiked to Bear Lake, Little Bear Lake, Cub Lake, and Long Lake. A nice loop to see them all. Not that long, a little strenuous if you are old like me, and are dealing with chemo treatments. But we loved it, and highly recommend the hikeSee more..
4.5Oso Flaco Lake(65 reviews) - Places Like This Are Why California Is Amazing Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Bodies of Water
I loved it! After a short walk down a shaded dirt road, the trail turns onto a boardwalk over Oso Flaco Lake and through a dunes system. The boardwalk ends at a lovely beach lined by the dunes, with views from Vanderburg to Diablo Canyon. I especially enjoyed walking over the lake. Great close-up views of the birds. I also liked the contrasts between the lake ecosystem and the beach ecosystem just a few minutes away. When I went mid-week in April 2021, there was no parking fee (but I would have gladly paid). California is filled with lovely spots like this. We are so blessed!See more..
4.5White Pines Lake(63 reviews) - Swim, boat and fish! Bodies of Water
Wonderful spot to escape the heat on a warm Arnold day. Easy access in town for boat rentals. We had an awesome day of fishing with lots of planted rainbow trout and bluegill and bass. Really fun rope swing on far side of the lake from the beach. Kids (and dad) has a blast swinging and dropping Into the refreshing wAter. Good access for parking and some tables and benches. A lot of families were grilling. See more..
4.5Lake Alpine(59 reviews) - Beautiful quiet lake Bodies of Water
We took a day trip to this lake while camping at nearby Calaveras Big Trees. This is a beautiful, quiet lake with very clear water. There is a 5 dollar fee to park in the main parking lot. Great location for a picnic & a dip in the water. See more..
4.5Lake Clementine(59 reviews) - Beautiful Lake with Amazing Dam Sunday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Bodies of Water
We walked down to the lake and dam. Be prepared with lots of drinking water as the walk back up to the entrance is a challenge. The area is beautiful and great scenery. Best to visit during the week when it is quieter than the weekend.See more..
Walked along the beach boundary. So quiet and secluded. Even on a weekend it was quiet and very lightly attended. Great place to walk and view. See more..
4.5Lundy Lake(55 reviews) - Quiet olace Bodies of Water
Very quiet place especially in the off season. Everything closed great views and enjoyable place to walk.See more..
3.5Lake Isabella(54 reviews) - Large Lake with many day use and camping sites on its bank. Bodies of Water
Lake Isabella is a US Army Corp or Engineers controlled dam. The lake has so much to offer. There are many boat ramps are various locations on the lake and many shore side campgrounds controlled by the National Park Service. There are also some private campgrounds across the highway with views of the lake. The sunrise on the lake is beautiful.See more..
