15 Of The Best Lakes in San Diego To Check Out This Summer

Every once in a while, we all just want a break from the city and need a dose of something a bit different. The perfect alternative is one of the many lakes scattered throughout San Diego.

San Diego is overflowing with stunning, natural freshwater lakes and reservoirs waiting to be discovered. Nothing beats being immersed in nature, away from the city’s chaos for a few hours.

Keep reading to see our list of the best lakes in San Diego, each with an array of recreational activities to enjoy.

The Best Lakes In San Diego

San Vicente Reservoir

San Vicente Reservoir is the largest reservoir in San Diego, only 25 miles northeast of downtown San Diego, so you don’t have to go too far when you visit. 

The reservoir is hugely popular among local fishermen, who hope to get their hands on different fish species, such as Largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, and more. But for those not interested in fishing, there are numerous other water sports available, from boating to kayaking.

Before entering the San Vicente Reservoir, you must pay for a lake permit. The price is determined by what you want to do there. For example, an adult fishing permit is $8 and a wakeboard permit is $10.

San Vicente Reservoir Amenities

• Fishing
• Boating
• A 6-lane boat launch ramp
• Wakeboarding and waterskiing
• Picnic areas
• Parking
• Bait shop
• Restrooms

Nearby Accommodation

Spacious Villa Near Wine Country – This lavish property is only a 30 minute drive from San Vicente Reservoir. Offering two beds and sleeping four people, it’s a wonderful stay for a small family looking to explore outdoor San Diego.

Lovely Casita – More of an escape for a big group, this property sleeps up to nine people and is situated in a gated community with a private swimming pool. The reservoir is only an 18 minute drive away too.

Lower Otay Lake

The jaw-dropping Lower Otay Lake lies around 30 minutes from San Diego’s city center and has an interesting past.

In 1916 a dam burst due to intense rainfall, resulting in the Otay Valley overflowing. Two years later, the dam was reconstructed and received the name “The Savage Dam.”

Fast forward to today, and the lake is now one of the most sought-after in California, with an array of activities available, from fishing to rowing. Lower Otay Lake is also the Olympic Training Center for rowing sports. Be sure to look up training times as it may impact your visit.

Fishing is available year-round on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. A huge variety of bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie can be found in Otay Lake, so don’t forget your rod. The California Wildlife Department also stocks trout there in winter. But be mindful, there’s a catch limit.

Lower Otay Lake Amenities

• Fishing
• Boating
• Picnic areas
• Restrooms
• Concession stores & rentals

Nearby Accommodation

Resort Style Villa – Only a short drive from Lower Otay Lake is this deluxe designer home suitable for large families that sleeps up to 14 guests. It’s tucked away in the affluent Chula Vista neighborhood and has five bedrooms, all carefully designed and fitted with the best amenities.

Upper Otay Reservoir

Discovered in 1959, the Upper Otay Reservoir is the smallest of its kind in the whole city and has been giving the people of San Diego an undisturbed place to enjoy since opening to the public in 1996.

You can only access the Upper Otay Reservoir from February 1st until October 31st, even then it’s weather dependent. Like a lot of the lakes in San Diego, fishing is the main thing to do at the Upper Otay Reservoir, but there are some rules, for example float tube use is restricted to a maximum of 150 meters from shore.

No matter what you do, before you leave, you have to visit the abandoned nearby dam. It will give you goosebumps.

Upper Otay Reservoir Amenities

• Fishing (float tubes)
• Hiking
• Biking
• Barbecue (self-contained, designated areas)

Nearby Accommodation

Property with a pool, hot tub, & fire pit – for a convenient stay near the Upper Otay Reservoir, check out this four bedroom property boasting an ample outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, BBQ, and much more.

Lake Murray

One of San Diego’s best-kept secrets is hidden at Mission Trails Regional Park, the sublime Lake Murray which borders neighboring localities of La Mesa and Santee. 

This awe-inspiring lake is free to enter and is open every day of the week for the public to enjoy.

Spot locals casually jogging, biking, and rollerblading along designated paths while watching anglers chance their arms to see what they can catch. You can do all this from your own picnic blanket in a quiet corner, as exotic birds chirp away in the background.

Lake Murray Amenities

• Fishing
• Boating
• Hiking
• Bird watching
• Picnic areas
• Convenience stores & rentals

Nearby Accommodation

Cozy Lake Murray Studio – Soak up a unique stay in a remodeled garage, ideal for an intimate couples getaway with a 50″ HDTV, free Wi-Fi, and a fully-stocked kitchenette.

Lake Jennings

Lake Jennings is a picture-perfect city getaway in East County. Spend a couple days at this premium camping destination, where all electrical hookups are provided. Start the bonfire, make some scrumptious s’mores, and spend the night gazing at the stars. 

Night fishing is also available from May through September, which coincides with the catfish season.

Miles of great hiking trails circle the lake, and boats are available to rent, allowing you to pedal away for the day.

Lake Jennings Amenities

• Fishing
• Boating
• Camping
• Hiking 
• Bird watching / wildlife viewing
• Picnic areas
• Photography
• Bait shops

Nearby Accommodation

The Private Mountaintop Pool Retreat – Take a look at this luxe stone cottage and glass cabana, which sleeps 4 and is walking distance from Lake Jennings.

Lake Poway

Lake Poway is an incredible recreational gem embedded in the rolling hills of Poway. Waiting for you will be a gamut of activities. The park is free to enter for residents from the local area, and non-residents must buy a $10 ticket.

Before you think about it, swimming and any other water contact are prohibited. Launching personal boats is not permitted, but there are plenty of equipment rentals for visitors if they wish to use them.

Lake Poway’s gates open at 6 am until sunset every day, so be sure to get there before dark.

Lake Poway Amenities

• Fishing
• Boating
• Hiking
• Softball
• Summer day camps
• Playground and picnic areas
• Parking

Nearby Accommodation

Guest House with beautiful views  – Set yourself amid the top attractions and lakeside activities at this gorgeous two bedroom guesthouse that sleeps up to four guests. There’s no better place to base yourself for visiting Lake Poway.

Lindo Lake

Peaceful Lindo Lake is the only natural lake in San Diego County. It sits in Lakeside County Park and features a picnic area, skatepark, dance ramada, and a playground for kiddos. Making it an ideal location for a family day out.

Before you leave, let the little ones take on the special Junior Trail. It’s filled with prizes and challenges provided by the park rangers. 

Lindo Lake Amenities

• Fishing
• Playground and picnic areas
• Child-friendly trails
• Bird watching
• Event management

Nearby Accommodation

The Birdhouse San Diego – A refreshing, rural cottage that sleeps up to 8 people with a pool, spa, game room, bar, chef’s kitchen, and several patios.

Chollas Lake

A list of San Diego lakes would be incomplete without mentioning Chollas Lake Park. Since 1971, the still waters spanning over sixteen acres have been reserved for fishing for the youth of San Diego. Bring your children 15 or younger to learn how to bait a hook, wet a line, and see what they can catch.

Besides fishing, there are many hiking trails for all fitness levels, and archery lessons are provided on various days of the week. Whoever said no to learning a new skill?

Chollas Lake Amenities

• Fishing
• Hiking
• Biking
• Playgrounds and picnic areas
• Archery classes

Nearby Accommodation

2 Bedroom with a Large Yard – This delightful property is an impressive display of luxury, comprising two bedrooms and 895 sq. ft of space for you to relax in after a long day of exploring Chollas Lake.

Miramar Reservoir

Situated in Scripps Ranch Community, this expansive lake is another beauty hidden in the city of San Diego. 

Known for producing some of the largest largemouth bass on the planet, the Miramar Reservoir gets a huge amount of attraction when the sun is shining. This is because of the many picnic tables and barbecue grills that dot the area.

To give your legs a stretch, knock into one of the rental stores offering bikes and helmets for an hourly fee. Who knows what you might find along the way?

Miramar Reservoir Amenities

• Fishing
• Hiking
• Boating
• Biking
• Boat and bike rentals
• Picnic areas

Nearby Accommodation

The Town House – Fully-furnished, three-bedroom rental home with two garages and an ample back patio, this 1,500 square foot house is unlike any others in the area.

Lake Hodges

Lake Hodges is close to the calm neighborhood of Rancho Bernardo. What was once just a river and ranch is now filled with blooming flower fields, challenging walking trails, a seasonal waterfall, pedestrian bridge, and giant dam.

Lake Hodges is open every day except Mondays and Tuesdays, but it’s going through some maintenance work. Be sure to contact the local authorities ahead of time to see if you’re able to gain access.

Lake Hodges Amenities

• Fishing
• Boating
• Hiking
• Biking
• Picnic areas
• Boat rentals and food stores

Nearby Accommodation

Private 5-Star Spanish Resort – Stay at an opulent five-bedroom villa spreading across 5,000 sq. ft looking out over the tremendous Lake Hodges.

Lake Cuyamaca

Lake Cuyamaca is a dreamlike location in Julian, decorated by pine and oak trees, which will charm any outdoorsy enthusiast. Located an hour away from San Diego, California, this is among a handful of prime trout fishing spots in the state.

Lake Cuyamaca is renowned for its camping facilities and even won the Campspot Award in 2023. Whether you want to stay in an RV, tent, or rustic lake view cabin, it’s all available for you to enjoy.

Keep an eye out for deer, raccoons, coyotes, and rare birds. All of which roam freely around Lake Cuyamaca and can be spotted easily.

Lake Cuyamaca Amenities

• Fishing
• Boating
• Camping
• Hiking
• Bird watching / wildlife viewing
• Picnic areas

Nearby Accommodation

Luxurious Treehouse – Unpack in this lavish treehouse tucked away deep in the woods overlooking Lake Cuyamaca, set in a tranquil location with three bedrooms and a hot tub.

Santee Lakes

The 190 acre private park is an outdoor recreational area hosting seven lakes, a campground of 300 hookups, sumptuous overwater cabins, swimming pools, and an off-leash pet area. 

Accessible seven days a week, Santee Lakes is adored by anglers, boaters, and nature lovers and is known to have around 230 bird species roaming freely in the area.

If planning to fish at Santee Lake, get a permit from their general store, borrow a fishing rod, and reel in some catches.

Santee Lakes Amenities

• Fishing
• Boating
• Camping
• Hiking
• Biking
• Clubhouse
• Bird watching
• Rentable picnic areas

Nearby Accommodation

The Santee Lakes Campground – A convenient base to navigate the Santee Lakes with all the best amenities. Whether you want to pitch a tent or book a cabin, they have you covered.

Barrett Lake

The rural Barret Lake sits about 35 miles east of downtown San Diego in Jamul, California. It’s open from May through to December every year, but you must make a reservation prior to arrival. Try to book your space as soon as possible, as there are only 25 slots available each day.

The main chunk of people visiting Barret Lake are fishermen, but if you’re thinking of taking part, do your research on some of the rules before. Barret Lake is a catch-and-release fishing location, and a team of officers surrounds the area to enforce the laws.

Barrett Lake Amenities

• Fishing
• Boating
• Boat rentals
• Parking

Nearby Accommodation

Jamul’s Jewel – Perched up on a set of hills, this property features four bedrooms, Pueblo architecture, cathedral-like ceilings, a jacuzzi, and a solar-heated swimming pool.

Sweetwater Reservoir 

The fabulous Sweetwater Reservoir is a 960 acre artificial lake where only shoreline fishing is allowed from a small strip. Catch a wide variety of fish, such as bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill. 

If you need parking, the neighboring Sweetwater Summit Regional Park has space available.

To enter the Sweetwater Reservoir, you have to pay an entrance fee. For adults, it’s $5 and for children, it’s $2. Anyone under the age of 16 must have an adult with them to enter the reservoir.

Sweetwater Reservoir Amenities

• Fishing
• Walking trails

Nearby Accommodation

Designer home – A newly refurbished home in an adorable district east of San Diego, containing three sizable bedrooms, a pool, and a barbeque. You definitely need to check this property out.

Lake Morena

The spectacular Lake Morena is a cracking day trip just over an hour from San Diego city. It’s seen as one of the most remote lakes in the state, and its landscape displays mesmerizing shades of desert, coast, cliffs, and woods. 

As you wander through the 3,250 acres, you’ll come across different types of wildlife, from bald eagles to bobcats. Spend your time fishing for rainbow trout or hire a boat for some light paddling.

If you’re up for something a little different, rent one of the on-site cabins with cozy lodging, picnic tables, and propane heaters. 

Lake Morena Amenities

• Fishing
• Boating
• Camping / RV sites
• Hiking
• Child-friendly trails
• Wildlife viewing
• Picnic areas

Nearby Accommodation

The Charming Log Cabin – This three bedroom cabin welcomes you to the serenity of Laguna Mountains, Cleveland National Forest, and Morena Village.

And there you have it, our complete list of lakes in San Diego!

With so many options to choose from, you may feel a bit overwhelmed with making your decision. Pick one that suits your interests, such as fishing or boating.

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