Stunning Lakes and Rivers to Experience in California This Summer

June 26, 20233 min read

Lake Tahoe

California is home to numerous incredible lakes and rivers that are scenic places for outdoor recreation, where you’ll find excellent fishing, boating, and water sports options throughout the year’s warmest months. Let’s look at some of the top lakes and rivers to experience in the Golden State this summer.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a lake in the Sierra Nevada mountain range along California’s border with Nevada. The surrounding mountains offer world-class ski resorts in the winter, and the summer brings in boaters, anglers, water sports enthusiasts, and beachgoers. Lake Tahoe’s shores are lined with high-end summer homes and luxurious resorts.

Lake Tahoe | Mick Haupt

Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is a stunning destination in Southern California and one of the area’s most popular tourist destinations. The lake offers picturesque mountain scenery and 22 miles of incredible shoreline. In the summer, Big Bear Lake is a busy area for kayaking and hiking along the water, and with a massive population of rainbow trout, it is one of California’s premier fishing destinations.

Big Bear Lake | Kahar Erbol

Shasta Lake

Shasta Lake is in the far northern region of California. Surrounded by thick forests and rolling hills, this vast, busy lake is an idyllic destination for a natural escape. It is popular for water sports, boating, and fishing. Shasta Lake also has excellent amenities to help visitors maximize their experience, including campgrounds and boat rental shops along the water.

Shasta Lake

Mono Lake

Mono Lake is a unique Eastern California lake, one of the oldest in North America, nestled among the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Swimming in its dense and salty water is a one-of-a-kind experience. This ancient lake is a hub for wilderness lovers, where they can enjoy incredible hiking trails and spot some of the numerous animals that call the lakeshore home.

Mono Lake | Mick Haupt

Donner Lake

Named for the ill-fated Donner Party, Donner Lake is now a popular fishing destination just 20 miles from the bigger crowds at Lake Tahoe. This deep blue lake is home to a large salmon population and some of California’s biggest lake trout.

Donner Lake | Simon Hurry

American River

The American River runs for 30 miles from the Sierra Nevada mountain range into the heart of Sacramento. This gorgeous river is one of the sites where the California Gold Rush began, and prospectors are still finding gold in the river today. Visitors to the American River can enjoy challenging white water rafting or head to its serene sections for a laid-back swim.

American River | Åłdęñ Peterson

Sacramento River

The Sacramento River is the largest in California and is surrounded by scenic parks and beaches. It starts in the Klamath Mountains and flows through Sacramento before exiting in San Francisco Bay. This vast river is a pivotal part of the state’s natural geography and contains many significant ecosystems along its shores. It is also considered one of the top places in the U.S. for trout fishing.