Summer Lakes

Lakes and Watersports in San Bernardino County

If you haven’t hit the lake yet this summer then you might be experiencing WWS (water-withdrawal syndrome). Symptoms include crankiness and complaints about hot weather. Luckily there’s an easy cure! San Bernardino County has a bounty of beautiful lakes for water adventures and shoreline lounging.

The “hidden gem” of the San Bernardino Mountains: Green Valley Lake, located at 7,000 feet. This best-kept secret is totally secluded and surrounded by National Forest—meaning it’s blissfully uncrowded, and absolutely picturesque. Then there’s Lake Gregory, with its pristine water, sandy beach, and amazing fun—from giant water-play floats in Swim Cove to wild and winding water slides! Big Bear Lake is a 7-mile stunner ideal for soaking in mountain views and getting wet with sports like jet-skiing and stand-up paddleboarding.

A casual paddle-wheel boat offers a narrated tour of Hollywood movie sets, and there’s also a lake tour on a pirate ship (Arrgh, matey!). Summer’s on, so hit the lakes!

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    Good things come in threes when you visit Sonoma. Head out on a short hike right from town, sip and stroll the historic plaza, then take in the magical holiday lights.

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  2. Island Tree Topper

    The light display atop Angel Island State Park’s Mount Livermore has long been a cheerful twinkle visible from many cities throughout the Bay Area on holiday season nights. Get into the festive spirit by hiking the 2-mile (one-way) trail from Ayala Cove up to the "Angel Lights."

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  3. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

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  4. Serene Las Gallinas

    A serene stroll alongside marshland, passing ponds and grasses frilled in seasonal wildflowers, with Mount Tam a beacon in the background … how nice. As part of the esteemed Bay Trail, San Rafael’s Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop and Wildlife Ponds comprises about 3.5 miles of wide-open trail.

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    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

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  2. Dune It Right

    Want a beach that will really get you away from it all? Monterey's Fort Ord Dunes State Park is just the ticket. And it often glows golden toward sunset.

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    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

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  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

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