With its pleasant climate and incredible variety of natural beauty, the Golden State has been attracting tourists, visitors, and prospective residents for nearly two centuries. North and south, inland to offshore, California is full of incredible boating destinations.
What follows is a list of our top five. Each is provided with a bit of context for why it made the list and what to expect should you visit.
Castaic Lake
Located just 45 minutes north of downtown Los Angeles, few places in the world have the 20-pound largemouth bass pedigree of Castaic Lake. In 1991, the California state record—a gigantic lunker of some 21.75 pounds—was caught here on a rainbow
trout-patterned swimbait.
Another largemouth caught here in 1991 broke the 22-pound mark but was weighed only in a local deli (on a scale that was not certified for record fish). In addition to the history of giant bass, Castaic Lake was home to much of the early innovation of the swimbait revolution that has since taken the bass fishing world by storm. In addition to the bass fishing heritage, Castaic Lake offers a variety of recreation and plenty of scenic views. Swimming, camping, recreation areas, hiking, and fishing in waters that have produced some of the biggest largemouth bass in history—all within easy driving distance of Los Angeles.
San Diego
San Diego is a boater’s paradise. It offers easy access to the open Pacific and the world-class bluefin tuna fishery that has taken hold in Southern California in the past 10 years.
But it’s not just bluefin. You can fish kelp patties for yellowtail, chase schools of yellowfin tuna, fish for halibut, ling cod, and calico bass on the bottom—even target swordfish.
Beyond the diverse offshore fishery, San Diego is home to an incredible maritime and boating culture. San Diego Bay is home to a wonderful array of boating adventures. From Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, Point Loma and Cabrillo National Monument on the outside, to Harbor Island and the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge on the inside, there is abundant natural
beauty here.
If you’re looking for amenity, dockage, and boat-up dining, there’s plenty of that, too. The Kona Kai Resort and Marina sits on Shelter Island. With lodging, dining, dockage, and a spa, this is a great place to start—but it’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear blue waters and incredible views are known the world over. But there is quite a bit more to this place than meets the eye.
The mountains surrounding the lake are a wonderland of winter sports. In fact, it was home to the 1960 Winter Olympics.The waters of the lake never freeze, but when temperatures warm in the spring and into summer, the region becomes a boating paradise. Surrounded by forested mountain views, Lake Tahoe hosts some 72 miles of shoreline. It is also home to the highest light house in America (measured in terms of elevation from sea level).
Lake Tahoe boasts a wide variety of lodging options. There are also many marinas, ramps, and resorts where you can launch your boat. The tourist offerings here are well-rounded. There’s something for everyone—lots of natural beauty, a variety of restaurant options, lots of events and festivals, and plenty of activities on and off the boat.
Orange County and Santa Catalina Island
Sitting between Los Angeles and San Diego, Orange County’s waterfront is beautiful, relaxed, and full of boating options. Dana Point illustrates these options well.
There are more than a few waterfront restaurants around Dana Point Harbor. If you have the boat for it and the weather is nice, this is also among the closest points of departure for Santa Catalina Island.
Home to Avalon, and the historic Avalon Tuna Club, Catalina is beautiful. Its harbor is fully protected, and its lineup of restaurants, places to stay, and views of the Pacific make a stay here something to remember.
Many years, Catalina and Clemente Islands are the epicenter of Southern California’s bluefin fishing. In the summer, you can chase striped marlin in the same place that hosted the likes of Zane Grey and Winston Churchill. As you’re scanning the ocean, keep an eye out (and a bait ready) for basking swordfish.
The California Delta
Officially known as the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area, the California Delta is a sprawling expanse of boating adventure. When it comes to water recreation, few freshwater resources can match the size and scope of what’s available here.
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What follows is a list of our top five. Each is provided with a bit of context for why it made the list and what to expect should you visit.
Castaic Lake
Located just 45 minutes north of downtown Los Angeles, few places in the world have the 20-pound largemouth bass pedigree of Castaic Lake. In 1991, the California state record—a gigantic lunker of some 21.75 pounds—was caught here on a rainbow
trout-patterned swimbait.
Another largemouth caught here in 1991 broke the 22-pound mark but was weighed only in a local deli (on a scale that was not certified for record fish). In addition to the history of giant bass, Castaic Lake was home to much of the early innovation of the swimbait revolution that has since taken the bass fishing world by storm. In addition to the bass fishing heritage, Castaic Lake offers a variety of recreation and plenty of scenic views. Swimming, camping, recreation areas, hiking, and fishing in waters that have produced some of the biggest largemouth bass in history—all within easy driving distance of Los Angeles.
San Diego
San Diego is a boater’s paradise. It offers easy access to the open Pacific and the world-class bluefin tuna fishery that has taken hold in Southern California in the past 10 years.
But it’s not just bluefin. You can fish kelp patties for yellowtail, chase schools of yellowfin tuna, fish for halibut, ling cod, and calico bass on the bottom—even target swordfish.
Beyond the diverse offshore fishery, San Diego is home to an incredible maritime and boating culture. San Diego Bay is home to a wonderful array of boating adventures. From Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, Point Loma and Cabrillo National Monument on the outside, to Harbor Island and the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge on the inside, there is abundant natural
beauty here.
If you’re looking for amenity, dockage, and boat-up dining, there’s plenty of that, too. The Kona Kai Resort and Marina sits on Shelter Island. With lodging, dining, dockage, and a spa, this is a great place to start—but it’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear blue waters and incredible views are known the world over. But there is quite a bit more to this place than meets the eye.
The mountains surrounding the lake are a wonderland of winter sports. In fact, it was home to the 1960 Winter Olympics.The waters of the lake never freeze, but when temperatures warm in the spring and into summer, the region becomes a boating paradise. Surrounded by forested mountain views, Lake Tahoe hosts some 72 miles of shoreline. It is also home to the highest light house in America (measured in terms of elevation from sea level).
Lake Tahoe boasts a wide variety of lodging options. There are also many marinas, ramps, and resorts where you can launch your boat. The tourist offerings here are well-rounded. There’s something for everyone—lots of natural beauty, a variety of restaurant options, lots of events and festivals, and plenty of activities on and off the boat.
Orange County and Santa Catalina Island
Sitting between Los Angeles and San Diego, Orange County’s waterfront is beautiful, relaxed, and full of boating options. Dana Point illustrates these options well.
There are more than a few waterfront restaurants around Dana Point Harbor. If you have the boat for it and the weather is nice, this is also among the closest points of departure for Santa Catalina Island.
Home to Avalon, and the historic Avalon Tuna Club, Catalina is beautiful. Its harbor is fully protected, and its lineup of restaurants, places to stay, and views of the Pacific make a stay here something to remember.
Many years, Catalina and Clemente Islands are the epicenter of Southern California’s bluefin fishing. In the summer, you can chase striped marlin in the same place that hosted the likes of Zane Grey and Winston Churchill. As you’re scanning the ocean, keep an eye out (and a bait ready) for basking swordfish.
The California Delta
Officially known as the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area, the California Delta is a sprawling expanse of boating adventure. When it comes to water recreation, few freshwater resources can match the size and scope of what’s available here.
Back to Blue Life