Waterside living in Lake County
With its beautiful centerpiece _ the sky-blue waters of Clear Lake _ and the babbling creeks and woodlands of the Mendocino National Forest, it's easy to see why Lake County remains one of the top outdoor getaways in north-central California. From sleepy cabins nestled between the fir groves to handsome lakeside lodges with sprawling decks and wooden boating jetties, there are oodles of Lake County vacation rentals to choose from, all offering a fine base for exploring the Coastal Mountains and the pretty lowlands of the Californian Wine Country alike.
Wines and wilds in Lake County
No visit to beautiful Lake County could possibly be complete without at least a drop-in trip to Clear Lake. The largest lake entirely within California, it's a veritable mecca for fishing and jet skiing. What's more, nearby lies the protected Mendocino reserves, the beautiful springtime wildflower meadows of Cache Creek, and the Cow Mountain Recreation Area _ all top options for pulling on the hiking boots. And when it's time to sooth the hamstrings, be sure to hit the bathing pools of the nearby spring sites, from Saratoga Springs to the New Age treatment centers of Harbin Hot Springs, or indulge in some local wine tasting.
Go adventuring in Lake County
Vacations in Lake County are all about tasting the laid-back vibes of backcountry California. Up in the mountains, and with the beautiful waters of Clear Lake on the doorstep, you'll be free to hike, camp, or bike in famous national reserves, or to settle down for some bass fishing on the banks _ it's said to be one of the best spots for that in America. Summertime also means oodles of watersports, so get ready to purr over the lakes on jet skis, go kayaking in country creeks, or rent private pontoons for water-top picnics under the sun.
Lake County is lovely in the summer
There's no question that it's the spring, summer, and early fall that bring out the best of Lake County. Between the months of May and September is when the weather in this corner of north-central California is at its finest, making for top conditions for jet skiers, boaters, hikers, and sunbathers looking for relaxing spots on the edge of Clear Lake. Waiting for fall is a great idea if you want to be around for the wine harvests, and also means getting some great deals on Lake County vacation rentals.
Exploring the natural landscape of Lake County
Whether you're looking for adventure or just want to take in the scenery, Lake County is a great place to get out in nature. These are a few of the area's noteworthy sights, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Clear Lake (4.1 mi / 6.6 km)
- Clear Lake State Park (6 mi / 9.6 km)
- Mount Konocti (9.3 mi / 15 km)
- Blue Lakes (10.4 mi / 16.8 km)
- Redbud Park (16.3 mi / 26.3 km)
- Lake Mendocino (18.2 mi / 29.3 km)
