This is a hidden gem for those seeking a quiet, nature-filled getaway. Clear Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in California, is a peaceful retreat offering access to stunning natural scenery, recreational opportunities, and small-town charm. We rented an AirBnb on the lake and it was magical!
Lower Lake town is worth visiting for its proximity to Clear Lake and the surrounding outdoor activities. For hikers and nature lovers, nearby Anderson Marsh State Historic Park offers trails that wind through wetlands, oak woodlands, and archaeological sites, with views of the lake and surrounding hills.
The town itself has a rustic, laid-back atmosphere, with a small but vibrant local community. Visitors can explore the historic Lower Lake Schoolhouse Museum, which provides a glimpse into the area’s history, or take a scenic drive through the rolling vineyards and wineries that dot Lake County. The region is known for producing excellent wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc, and offers several tasting rooms where visitors can sample local varieties.
Lower Lake’s unspoiled beauty, combined with its slower pace of life, makes it a great spot for a peaceful escape from the busier tourist destinations. Whether you’re looking to enjoy water sports on Clear Lake, explore the local wine country, or simply relax in a natural setting, Lower Lake offers a unique and...
Read moreWent for our 29th wedding anniversary. A bucket list item for me was to fish in the best fishing lake this side of the Mississippi. I took a guide who was great (Ed Legan). We caught 32 bass! The most fish I've ever caught in a single day. We also got lucky and fell in love with the place we stayed. It's called Sea Breeze Resort. Highly recommend it. That's where this review turns from positive to negative.
There are really no good restaurants outside of the casinos. There is no other entertainment off of the lake. There isn't much to do. We made the best of it of course. We took a walk through Lucern's well maintained park along the shore. But even that was slightly tainted by the dead fish you see when you walk out to the ends of the docs.
The area seems run down. While the fishing is great, you can't eat the fish due to a mercury mine by the lake. You can't swim in the lake due to an algae bloom (this might be a seasonal thing but not sure). If your looking for something outside of fishing and boating, you should look elsewhere. The casinos may have been more of a draw for me but I can't be near people who smoke so I generally don't gamble anymore.
Glad we went. Check mark on the bucket list. Won't return...
Read moreBeautiful Gem of a natural Old Lake especially good for water sports swimming and fishing. 2 hours North of San Francisco and lots of options with camping or renting Motel Etc. Clear Lake is a natural freshwater lake in Lake County in the U.S. state of California, north of Napa County and San Francisco. It is the largest natural freshwater lake wholly within the state, with 68 square miles (180 km2) of surface area. At an age of 2.5 million years, it is the oldest lake in North America. It is the latest lake to occupy a site with a history of lakes stretching back at least 2,500,000 years.Clear Lake supports large populations of largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, carp and catfish. Two-thirds of the fish caught in Clear Lake are largemouth bass, with a record of 17.52 pounds (7.95 kg). In addition to fish, there is abundant wildlife within the Clear Lake basin. There are year-round populations of ducks, pelicans, grebes, blue herons, egrets, osprey, and bald eagles, and the basin supports sizable populations of deer, bear, mountain lion, raccoon and other animals.
The expansive, warm water of Clear Lake makes it popular for watersports, such as swimming, water skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, boat races,...
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