Four Lakes Near Los Angeles and the Great Communities Surrounding Them

Sunny Los Angeles is best known for its stunning beaches. With miles of coastline in Los Angeles County, people come far and wide to the LA area seeking to catch some rays on the city’s sandy shores. But while LA’s beaches are incredible, there is more to the city than its beaches. LA and the areas surrounding it are unique landscapes with a lot to offer. If you are a water lover, the LA area doesn’t just have beautiful ocean; there are also some top-notch lakes.

Several great freshwater lakes dot the area outside of LA. Let’s look at these incredible lakes and some of the communities situated alongside them.

Lake Matthews is a large reservoir that lies in the foothills of the Temescal Mountains. Its location is harsh with a dry climate, but Lake Mathews turns it into an oasis. The lake stretches over four miles at its maximum length, making it a large and beautiful freshwater body. Unfortunately, it is not open for recreational use because the lake is important for both water provisions and wildlife.

Several communities are situated near Lake Mathews, including a small town named for the lake. Because the lake is also a protected wildlife hub, most of the area surrounding it isn’t inhabited. However, the town of Lake Mathews and El Sobrante are two small communities built around the lake.

Lake Arrowhead is a reservoir that is situated in the San Bernadino Mountains. It is by no means a gigantic body of water, but it is a popular destination for tourists and a sparklingly blue area that has a lot to offer. One of the downsides to Arrowhead Lake is that it is mostly private, restricted to people that own property around it. However, there are resorts, lodges, and other ways to access this great waterfront.

Lake Arrowhead isn’t a large body of water, but there are still several nearby towns and communities. The primary one is Lake Arrowhead, a community built around the water. Lake Arrowhead is home to a population of nearly 9,000. This community is where many seasonal homes are set, with LA residents flocking to Arrowhead throughout the year to enjoy the naturally beautiful setting. The town has great restaurants and shopping and a quaint appeal.

Big Bear Lake is the largest recreation lake in Southern California, a sparklingly blue setting near the San Bernardino National Forest. Big Bear Lake is set in a valley between mountains with the famed Bear Mountain Ski Resort within eyeshot. It is an all-year tourist hotspot, as skiers flock in the winter and lake lovers head over in the summer. Big Bear Lake is filled with fish, so it is ideal for anglers and is a great spot for boating and swimming.

Big Bear Lake is also a small city that serves as the tourism center for the lake and mountain. It is mostly built on accommodating the large flow of tourists, with fun attractions throughout. Big Bear Lake Village is the town center, with top-notch shopping, great restaurants, and more. Fawnskin is another town set along Big Bear Lake, although it is far smaller and lacks the tourist crowds.

Silverwood Lake is a large reservoir in the San Bernardino Mountains that flows as a tributary of the Mojave River. It is one of the most scenic lakes in Southern California, with a beautiful mountainous backdrop. Silverwood Lake has swimming beaches that fill up on hot days and boat launches so people can get out on the water. It is also filled with trout and bass, so it is a hotspot for fishers. The areas around Silverwood Lake are popular hiking destinations with magnificent trees and native wildlife.

Crestline is a city situated not far from Silverwood Lake. It is a small community home to just over 10,000 residents with incredible water views. It is perched in the San Bernardino Mountains, which makes it a great place for those looking to hike and explore the wilderness. It has a picturesque setting gazing down on one of Southern California’s most eye-catching lakes.