Share The Article
Say goodbye to Lake Tahoe, Big Bear, and jam-packed National Parks this summer, and say hello to California’s alpine hideaways for a tranquil vacation amongst the Golden State’s untouched landscapes.
With the exception of a handful of popular lake towns, most summer vacationers obviously seek out California’s paradisal shores from San Diego to the Oregon border.
If you’re seeking a waterfront retreat, you don’t have to spend your whole paycheck on a ritzy beachside resort when cozy accommodations and “glamping” grounds offer wallet-friendly rates and serene nature.
Picture lakeside breweries, rustic log cabins, and an array of thrilling activities to get your adrenaline pumping in towns you likely didn’t know existed.
These 3 lesser-known lake towns are California’s ultimate summer hideaways:
Lake Cuyamaca
Want to know where San Diego goes to escape the hordes of Arizonians and Nevadans this time of year?
Well, it used to be the aforementioned Big Bear, but the secret’s long been out, as has Arizona’s Lake Havasu, in a classic switcheroo.
Nowadays, it’s Lake Cuyamaca, a locals’ favorite map-dot town about an hour East of San Diego nestled in the Cuyamaca Mountains, where you freely fish, kayak, and hike in open space amongst sparkling water and nature so quiet you could hear a pinecone fall.
As you become mesmerized traversing the scenic, winding roads of CA-79, blink and you’ll miss Lake Cuyamaca. At any given time, more Trout and Bluegill may be stocked than the actual citizens residing here.
This idyllic lake town is a textbook hideaway. For years, the talk of the town has been the lakeside pub, rightfully named The Pub at Lake Cuyamaca after an intense brainstorming sesh.
Jokes aside, it’s an awesome place to hang out and enjoy the peaceful scenery by day or stargaze by night.
You can also book a cozy cabin down the street or opt to make your base in the Julian, a rustic countryside escape laden with old-timey inns and phenomenal pie shops, the town’s claim to fame.
Note: No swimming or jet-skiing is allowed in Lake Cuyamaca year-round.
June Lake
What better way to kick off summer than a trip to June Lake? Some would argue it’s prettier than Tahoe!
I mean, Lake Tahoe doesn’t hold the moniker of the “Switzerland of California“, does it?
This lakeside mountain village is one of California’s prettiest destinations, but doesn’t boast any flashy name-brand casinos or resorts, so it flies under the radar.
Plus, it’s a bit of a trek to reach. Set outside of Yosemite National Park’s Tioga Pass, the closest airport is Mammoth with limited flights, which actually makes June Lake an awesome road trip destination since you won’t have to factor in icy roads outside of ski season.
You’ll find a postcard-worthy alpine lake ideal for fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and yes, even swimming is allowed.
Unlike Cuyamaca, there are more than cozy cabins to choose from. My choice would undoubtedly be top-rated Double Eagle Resort & Spa (emphasis on “spa, amirite?).
Double Eagle offers standard rooms, 2-bedroom cabins, and even a 4-bedroom house for the ultimate family getaway.
Make sure you grab a local brew at June Lake Brewing and circle your calendar for early September to rock out at June Lake Jam Fest, a mini-Woodstock celebrating ‘a decade of music in a magical place’.
In other words, pack your finest tie-dye tee.
Green Valley Lake
Ever been to LA? Well, despite a drop in tourism, Angelenos still need a break from their headache-inducing traffic jams and surprising summer heat.
Secret Los Angeles knows just the place, hyping up a low-profile hideaway as the perfect dupe to California’s more popular lake towns.
Green Valley Lake sits 7,000 feet high, tucked away in the staggering San Bernardino Mountains like Big Bear, but the difference is nobody but local Southern Californians seems to know it exists.
From LA (assuming you don’t find yourself in a rush hour gridlock) is just an hour and a half away, making it easily accessible not only to LA, but Orange County and San Diego too.
Here, you’ll discover quaint beaches and calm waters for swimming, fishing, or you can rent a kayak, paddle boat.
Despite its off-the-grid feel, there’s a surprising number of community events in store this summer:
- June 14: Mid-Summer Faire in the Garden
- July 4: Annual Parade with music, vendors, and mouth-watering barbecue
- July 26: Summer Faire in the Garden
- August 16: Annual Woodstock Party
- August 30 to September 1: Rummage Sale in the Garden
But if you miss out, Black Dog Social Club & Shoppe always has something happenin’ with free live music every weekend.
Check out local listings and Airbnb for gorgeous vacation rentals.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Please visit:
Our Sponsor