The Top 20 Lakes in California
Looking to visit the best lakes in California? After all, there’s nothing better than the serenity of the lakeshore — or a quick dip when the weather’s warm. So, browse our list of California’s top lakes below as recommended by the komoot community, and experience more on your next adventure!
Last updated: December 15, 2025
Sand Hill Cove
Highlight • Beach
Part of Point Lobos, Sand Hill Cove features a stunning natural cove, with outstanding Pacific Ocean views and colorful rocks.
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Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
The 15-mile Crystal Springs Regional Trail is one of the best mostly paved bike trails with few cars in the Bay Area. It spans from San Bruno to Woodside and …
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Eagle Lake (Desolation Wilderness)
Highlight • Lake
Only 5 miles into Desolation Wilderness from the Eagle Falls trailhead at Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay, Fontanillis and Dicks offer forested shorelines with secluded campsites and excellent fishing. Eagles Lake …
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Granite Lake
Highlight • Lake
Granite Lake is a little Tahoe gem located at about 2550 m at the base of Maggies Peaks. The trail is a steep climb, and offers several beautiful views. For …
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San Andreas Lake
Highlight • Lake
San Andreas Lake is a hidden gem tucked into the hills of San Mateo County, just south of San Francisco. Originally a natural sag pond formed by the San Andreas …
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Tenaya Lake
Highlight • Lake
Nestled between giant granite domes and the clear skies of the Sierra Nevada, Tenaya Lake is the largest lake in Yosemite's frontcountry. Due to its remarkable scenic qualities, inviting blue …
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Hayward Regional Shoreline
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Hayward Regional Shoreline encompasses 1,811 acres of salt, water, fresh water, and brackish water marshes, as well as seasonal wetlands and public trails for visitors. The shoreline features five miles …
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Sacramento State Aquatic Center
Highlight • Rest Area
If you're up for a day of fun on Lake Natoma, check out this aquatic center. They offer classes and equipment rentals for various watersports like sailing, rowing, paddling, windsurfing, …
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East Shore Trail — Lake Chabot Regional Park
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
This paved trail follows the East shore of Lake Chabot from the Bridge Walk, just after the intersection of Honker Bay Trail and Live Oak Trail (Chabot Lake Bicycle Loop). …
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Bolinas to Fairfax Road
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
From Fairfax to Ridgecrest Boulevard is the consumate component of a road bike ride through Marin to Mount Tamalpais or Stinson Beach.
Narrow without shoulders but usually little traffic and …
Narrow without shoulders but usually little traffic and …
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Santa Clara CountyTuolumne CountyEl Dorado CountyTahoe National ForestCoast RangeMadera CountySan Mateo CountyPlumas CountySierra CountySacramento CountyVentura CountyLos Angeles CountySan Diego CountyMarin CountyMariposa CountyLassen CountyNapa CountyShasta CountySolano CountySan Bernardino CountyContra Costa CountyAlpine CountyRiverside CountyAlameda CountyTulare CountyOrange CountySanta Cruz CountySan Luis Obispo CountySierra NevadaInyo CountyFresno CountyAmador CountyPlacer CountySiskiyou CountyTrinity CountySanta Barbara CountyCalaveras CountyMono CountyMonterey CountyNevada CountySonoma CountyShasta-Trinity National Forest
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