Best lakes near Los Angeles to beat the summer heat

Angelenos are known to beat the heat with ocean visits or pool parties, but LA also offers some hidden gem lakes, with a variety of attractions.

Castaic Lake is Los Angeles County’s largest lake and closest to the city, an approximate half-hour drive. 

While the main upper lake is currently closed to swimming due to a recent harmful algae bloom, boating and sailing are allowed.

And the lower lake offers swimming, including the Cali Splash Park, offering inflatable obstacle courses starting at $35 for two hours.

Los Angeles Wake, which takes customers wakeboarding, skiing and tubing usually on Castaic, is now operating out of nearby Pyramid Lake and Lake Elsinore.

For $300, a group of two-five adventurers can book a one-hour private experience, and the drivers even offer instructions for wake surfing and more.

Further outside of LA, but still around a two-hour drive, are Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake, which offer boat and jet ski rentals, as well as boat tours, including on the pirate ship from the movie “Time Bandit.”

There’s also Silverwood Lake and Lake Perris, known for their kayaking, swimming beaches and hiking trails, Lake Piru, popular for camping, and Puddingstone Lake, which welcomes boaters.

For something close, albeit smaller, Echo Park Lake and Lake Balboa  both offer pedal boats and jogging paths.