The Best Kayaking Lake In Southern California Is One You May Never Have Heard Of
By Natasha Kayes|Published February 20, 2023
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
In Southern California, the beaches, cities, ski resorts, and even some small towns are household names. But our lakes often tend to go a bit under the radar. There are a few that are well known, and there are some who are lake lovers to be sure, but some of the best lakes in Southern California – which also happen to be amazing for kayaking – are ones you may not be familiar with. Enter Cachuma Lake.
Cachuma Lake is nestled between the Santa Ynez and San Rafael mountains, just 20 miles north of Santa Barbara.
The lake was created in 1953 with the construction of Bradbury Dam. From its shape to its color to the views that surround it, Cachuma Lake is one of Southern California’s prettiest lakes.
Cachuma is a shimmering blue lake surrounded by green and golden wilderness. It seems a world away from anything, but this stunning body of water is just a few short miles from Santa Barbara, the Danish town of Solvang, the wineries of Santa Ynez, and the adorable town of Los Olivos.
Kayakers enjoy smooth, calm waters and a jagged coastline with bays, coves, canyons, and narrows that beg to be explored, not to mention tranquil mountain views no matter where you look.
One of the best parts of kayaking on this spectacular lake? No crowds. You will have plenty of space to immerse yourself in the natural beauty around you.
This pristine lake is a domestic water supply, so swimming or other body contact is not allowed. However, you can still get close to the water and explore the lake by kayak or canoe.
You are welcome to bring your own kayak, subject to inspection due to strict standards on the lake, or you can rent kayaks, either single or double - at the marina.
Another thing that makes Cachuma one of the best kayaking lakes is the wonderful campground that sits on a peninsula right on the lake. From rustic, wooded dry sites with a lake view to full-hookup RV sites, spacious yurts with a view, and cozy, well-equipped cabins, there is something for every camper.
Aside from Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, access to Cachuma Lake is year-round, and with moderate temperatures and sunny skies almost every day of the year, that means you don’t have to think twice if the kayaking mood hits. Just head to the lake.
Not only is Lake Cachuma stunning, but the roads leading to it are incredibly scenic, including Highway 154, also known as San Marcos Pass, which begins in Santa Barbara and provides beautiful views of the mountain and lake in one direction and the city and the Pacific coast in the other.
Lake Cachuma is one of the best lakes in Southern California for kayaking. Have you ever been here? What do you think of this beautiful lake? Visit and follow Cachuma Lake Recreation Area on Facebook for news, information, and even more photos. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Speaking of kayaking, check out one of the best places for ocean kayaking in SoCal.
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