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16 Best Lakes Near Los Angeles

Los Angeles may be known for its bustling city life and beaches, but just a short drive away are several beautiful lakes that offer a peaceful escape from the urban chaos. Whether you're seeking a relaxing day of fishing, boating, or simply soaking up the sun, there are plenty of options to choose from.

From tranquil reservoirs to scenic freshwater lakes surrounded by mountains, the lakes near Los Angeles provide a variety of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. To help you find the perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure, we've compiled a list of the 16 Best Lakes Near Los Angeles, complete with key information on each location.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or just looking for a day trip, the lakes near Los Angeles offer a welcome retreat for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. So grab your gear and head out to explore all that these beautiful lakes have to offer!

How this guide is ordered

Based on visitor ratings, useful details and simple access around Los Angeles.

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#1
Echo Park Lake
4.6600 reviews
#2
Hollywood Reservoir
4.7200 reviews
#3
Silver Lake Reservoir
4.6128 reviews

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Echo Park Lake, Los Angeles#1
What stands out

  • A wonderful park with many ducks, geese, and turtles.

  • A great place for families to stroll, run, or workout.

  • Beautiful views of the downtown skyline.

  • Renovations have improved the overall experience for visitors.

Echo Park Lake

4.6600 reviews
Los Angeles, CA 90026, USA

Echo Park Lake is a picturesque lake located in Los Angeles, CA, offering a serene escape from the bustling city life. With a solid rating of 4.6 stars, it's no surprise that this destination has garnered 600 reviews from visitors who have enjoyed its natural beauty and recreational amenities.

Customers have praised the park for its scenery, including the wide variety of wildlife and opportunities for outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to admire the view, take a leisurely walk, or enjoy a paddle boat ride on the lake, Echo Park Lake offers a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

Hollywood Reservoir, Los Angeles#2
What stands out

  • Convenient paved trail for dust-free hiking

  • Opportunities to spot wildlife like hares, varans, and deer

  • Great 3.5-mile loop with a water fountain for bottle refills

  • Exclusive and peaceful ambiance with stunning views

Hollywood Reservoir

4.7200 reviews
Los Angeles, CA 90068, USA

Hollywood Reservoir is a stunning lake located in Los Angeles, CA. With a remarkable ranking of 4.7, this destination offers visitors a serene escape right in the heart of this bustling city. The trail around the reservoir provides the perfect setting for a leisurely walk, jog, run, or bike ride, allowing guests to enjoy breathtaking views of the Hollywood sign, nature, and beautiful homes.

Customer reviews highlight key points such as:

Escape the city buzz and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Hollywood Reservoir for an unforgettable experience.

Silver Lake Reservoir, Los Angeles#3
What stands out

  • Regular visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and recommend visiting during weekdays for a more tranquil experience.

  • Many visitors enjoy walking their dogs around the reservoir and mention the presence of a busy dog park at the end of the loop.

  • The recent renovations of the reservoir have been well-received, with visitors expressing their admiration for the new look and feel of the area.

  • Visitors also praise the community's cleanliness and the welcoming vibe that makes Silver Lake Reservoir a favorite spot for evening or morning walks.

Silver Lake Reservoir

4.6128 reviews
Los Angeles, CA 90039, USA

Silver Lake Reservoir is a picturesque location in Los Angeles, CA known for its serene ambiance and beautiful surroundings. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks or brisk jogs around the reservoir, with a scenic backdrop that invites relaxation and reflection. The reservoir attracts many locals and tourists alike, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life.

Debs Lake, Los Angeles#4
What stands out

  • Beautiful trail to visit the Debs Lake turtles. Easy hike up to the top. Great for children views all around.

  • Visiting this park with its charming pond filled with turtles was a delightful experience for my family. The serene atmosphere combined with the joy of watching the turtles glide gracefully in the water made for a perfect outing.

  • Perfect walking trail with children and pets. Many routes to choose from. Beautiful scenery of downtown and mountains. One of the best hiking spots near Downtown.

  • Silent lake with a beautiful downtown view.

Debs Lake

4.626 reviews
Los Angeles, CA 90031, USA

Debs Lake is a stunning destination in Los Angeles, CA, offering a serene escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With a ranking of 4.6, it's clear that visitors have been captivated by the beauty and tranquility of this picturesque lake.

Customer reviews highlight several key points about Debs Lake:

Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll, a family-friendly adventure, or a picturesque spot to relax, Debs Lake promises to be a memorable experience for all who visit.

Lees Lake, Los Angeles#5
What stands out

  • This is located inside a gated community and has beautiful ducks and geese to watch - Lucky owners!

  • The ambiance is serene and peaceful, a perfect spot to relax and unwind.

Lees Lake

5.02 reviews
Los Angeles, CA 91304, USA

Lees Lake is a picturesque Lake located in Los Angeles, CA. This tranquil oasis is nestled inside a gated community, providing a peaceful escape for visitors to enjoy nature at its finest. Guests can marvel at the beautiful ducks and geese that call this lake home, adding to the serene atmosphere.

Customers have raved about their experiences at Lees Lake, with a perfect 5.0 rating. Some key points from their reviews include:

With its stunning surroundings and glowing reviews, Lees Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Be sure to visit and experience this hidden gem for yourself!

ULocal option
#6
What stands out

  • Great during the week. Nice and empty

  • Amazing infrastructure

  • Best water in town

Upper Van Norman Lake

4.84 reviews
Los Angeles, CA 91344, USA

Upper Van Norman Lake is a stunning lake located in Los Angeles, CA. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and beautiful nature that this place has to offer. The lake is highly rated with a 4.8 average ranking, making it a favorite spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Customers have left glowing reviews about their experiences at Upper Van Norman Lake:

With such high praise, it's no wonder that Upper Van Norman Lake is considered a must-visit destination for anyone in the Los Angeles area.

Encino Reservoir, Los Angeles#7
What stands out

  • A very nice hike, have fun but be careful.

  • A hidden gem tucked away in the hills of Encino.

  • Odd spot, but a good time nonetheless.

  • Simple and nice.

Encino Reservoir

4.612 reviews
Los Angeles, CA, USA

Encino Reservoir is a beautiful lake nestled in the hills of Los Angeles, CA, USA. It offers visitors a serene and peaceful environment to unwind and enjoy nature. The reservoir is a popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities.

The customer reviews speak for themselves:

With a ranking of 4.6, Encino Reservoir is definitely worth a visit for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature.

Hansen Lake, Los Angeles#8
What stands out

  • Nice place to visit on a beach day. It sure beats The Office. BTW, it's all inclusive

  • Un punto bonito en medio de la nada

  • Muy bueno

  • Great walk

Hansen Lake

4.69 reviews
Los Angeles, CA 91331, USA

Hansen Lake is a beautiful spot located in Los Angeles, CA, where visitors can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing time by the water. This picturesque lake offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

Some key points from customer reviews include:

Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with family and friends, or simply admire the scenic views, Hansen Lake has something for everyone to enjoy. With a rating of 4.6 stars, this hidden gem is definitely worth a visit.

Machado Lake, Los Angeles#9

Machado Lake

4.340 reviews
Los Angeles, CA 90744, USA

Machado Lake · Lake · Los Angeles, CA 90744, USA

Reseda Park Lake, Los Angeles#10
What stands out

  • Fishing opportunities with some noisy turtles and birds around

  • Affordable rates for the swimming pool and a nice playground for kids

  • Beautiful, peaceful surroundings with clean facilities

  • Hidden gem with stunning views, perfect for a family walk

Reseda Park Lake

4.318 reviews
Los Angeles, CA 91335, USA

Reseda Park Lake is a tranquil spot located in Los Angeles, CA, offering a variety of activities for visitors. Whether you enjoy fishing, swimming, or simply taking a leisurely walk around the lake, this park has something for everyone. The park features a swimming pool, a playground for kids, and stunning views of the Canadian geese and lil island in the center of the lake.

Customer reviews highlight the following key points:

MacArthur Park Lake, Los Angeles#11
What stands out

  • A beautiful neighborhood park

  • Rich history with diverse attractions

  • Well-maintained green spaces

  • Perfect spot for a leisurely visit

MacArthur Park Lake

4.223 reviews
Los Angeles, CA 90057, USA

MacArthur Park Lake is a beautiful lake located in Los Angeles, CA. Known for its stunning views and scenic surroundings, this park is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists alike.

Some of the key services and features offered at MacArthur Park Lake include walking trails, picnic areas, and recreational activities such as fishing. The park also boasts a rich history, with old theaters still standing and a diverse array of attractions to explore.

Customer reviews rave about the park, with many praising its beauty and historical significance. Visitors have also highlighted the park's cleanliness and well-maintained green spaces. In summary, customers love MacArthur Park Lake for its picturesque setting, diverse attractions, and overall cleanliness.

Chatsworth Reservoir, Los Angeles#12

Chatsworth Reservoir

4.05 reviews
Los Angeles, CA 91311, USA

Chatsworth Reservoir · Lake · Los Angeles, CA 91311, USA

MLocal option
#13
What stands out

  • Good discount.

  • Was nothing in there

  • Very beautiful lake

Middle Lake

3.73 reviews
Los Angeles, CA 91342, USA

Middle Lake is a stunning destination located in Los Angeles, CA, offering a tranquil escape for nature lovers. This picturesque lake has garnered a respectable ranking of 3.7 based on customer reviews.

Customers have praised Middle Lake for its beautiful scenery and the peaceful atmosphere it provides. Whether visitors are looking to relax by the water or enjoy a day of fishing, this lake offers a little something for everyone. Experience the wonders of nature at Middle Lake today!

Upper Stone Canyon Reservoir, Los Angeles#14
What stands out

  • This place is cool and refreshing in the morning, perfect for a peaceful visit.

  • Some visitors may not have been physically present but still appreciate the location based on maps.

  • Great place with enthusiastic fans who were delighted to visit.

  • Positive reviews from visitors who enjoyed their time at the reservoir.

Upper Stone Canyon Reservoir

3.45 reviews
Los Angeles, CA 90077, USA

Upper Stone Canyon Reservoir is a picturesque lake located in Los Angeles, CA. Visitors can enjoy the serene surroundings and maybe even catch a glimpse of the ongoing reservoir improvement project by Kiewit. With a decent ranking of 3.4, this spot is appreciated by many visitors.

Customer reviews highlight the following key points:

Don't miss out on experiencing the tranquility and beauty of Upper Stone Canyon Reservoir, a hidden gem in the heart of Los Angeles.

Rowena Reservoir, Los Angeles#15
What stands out

  • One customer felt disappointed as they couldn't access the reservoir, wishing for more transparency about restrictions.

  • Another visitor found the area to be a lovely place for a walk, appreciating the natural beauty of the surroundings.

  • A different reviewer mentioned the beauty of the reservoir but expressed frustration at not being able to explore the paths fully.

Rowena Reservoir

2.516 reviews
Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA

Rowena Reservoir is a tranquil spot in Los Angeles, CA, offering a serene atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. This lake provides beautiful views and a pleasant place to take a leisurely stroll. Customers have left mixed reviews about their experiences. Some key points from their feedback are:

With a Ranking of 2.5, Rowena Reservoir offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking a quiet escape in the heart of Los Angeles.

Redwing Lake, Los Angeles#16
What stands out

  • Clean and well-maintained surroundings

  • Peaceful and serene atmosphere

  • Great for fishing and bird watching

Redwing Lake

Los Angeles, CA 91342, USA

Redwing Lake is a picturesque Lake located in Los Angeles, CA. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful escape surrounded by nature's beauty. Whether it's fishing, bird watching, or simply taking a leisurely stroll, Redwing Lake offers something for everyone.

The tranquil setting and clear waters make it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The calming ambiance and scenic views make it the perfect place to unwind and relax.

Customer reviews praise Redwing Lake for its cleanliness, serenity, and abundance of wildlife. Visitors have described it as a hidden gem in the heart of Los Angeles.

Experience the beauty of nature at Redwing Lake and create lasting memories with family and friends.

Summary

The comparison at a glance

#BusinessRatingReviews
#1Echo Park Lake 4.6600
#2Hollywood Reservoir 4.7200
#3Silver Lake Reservoir 4.6128
#4Debs Lake 4.626
#5Lees Lake 5.02
#6Upper Van Norman Lake 4.84
#7Encino Reservoir 4.612
#8Hansen Lake 4.69
#9Machado Lake 4.340
#10Reseda Park Lake 4.318
#11MacArthur Park Lake 4.223
#12Chatsworth Reservoir 4.05
#13Middle Lake 3.73
#14Upper Stone Canyon Reservoir 3.45
#15Rowena Reservoir 2.516
#16Redwing Lake——

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Map of Lakes Near Los Angeles

Los Angeles is not only known for its bustling city life and golden beaches, but also for its beautiful lakes that offer a serene escape from the urban chaos. Whether you're looking for a spot to go fishing, kayaking, or just to relax by the water, these lakes near Los Angeles are perfect destinations for a peaceful day trip.

How to choose lakes near in Los Angeles

  1. Distance from Los Angeles.
  2. Activities available (fishing, boating, swimming, etc.).
  3. Scenic views.
  4. Amenities (picnic areas, campgrounds, restrooms).
  5. Water quality.

Frequently asked questions

What are some popular lakes near Los Angeles?

Some popular lakes near Los Angeles include Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, and Lake Gregory. These lakes are perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. Big Bear Lake is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational activities, while Lake Arrowhead offers a picturesque setting for hiking and boating. Lake Gregory is a great spot for swimming and picnicking. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or engage in water sports, these lakes provide a refreshing escape from the city hustle and bustle.

Can you swim in the lakes near Los Angeles?

Yes, many of the lakes near Los Angeles allow swimming. However, it's important to check for any local restrictions or guidelines before taking a dip in the water. Some lakes may have designated swimming areas, while others may require a small fee for access to the beach. Also, be mindful of any potential hazards such as strong currents or underwater rocks. Overall, swimming in the lakes near Los Angeles can be a fun and refreshing experience, especially during the hot summer months.

Are there fishing opportunities at the lakes near Los Angeles?

Absolutely! The lakes near Los Angeles are popular fishing destinations for anglers of all skill levels. Big Bear Lake and Lake Cahuilla are particularly known for their abundance of fish species. Whether you prefer freshwater fishing for trout and bass or enjoy fly-fishing for rainbow trout, there are plenty of opportunities to cast your line at these lakes. Just make sure to obtain the necessary permits and follow any fishing regulations in place. So grab your fishing gear and head to one of the nearby lakes for a relaxing day of angling in nature.

What recreational activities are available at the lakes near Los Angeles?

The lakes near Los Angeles offer a wide range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. From boating and kayaking to hiking and camping, there's something for everyone to partake in. You can rent a boat and cruise around the lake, go paddleboarding or kayaking for a more active experience, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the shore. Many lakes also have picnic areas, playgrounds, and designated swimming spots for added enjoyment. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, the lakes near Los Angeles provide ample opportunities for outdoor fun and exploration.

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