Located in Southern California, San Diego is a city known for its great weather, top attractions and stunning beaches. Tourists from all over the world come to explore everything San Diego has to offer. While many people know San Diego for its many beaches, San Diego and San Diego County also have several beautiful freshwater lakes to explore.
If you’re looking for a break from the city attractions, plan a visit to these X lakes in San Diego on your next visit. At these San Diego lakes, you’ll enjoy stunning views, fresh air and plenty of outdoor activities that you and your whole travel group can enjoy.
1.Lake Miramar (Miramar Reservoir)
10710 Scripps Lake Drive. San Diego, CA 92131
Located just 17 miles (about a 20-minute drive) north of downtown San Diego, Lake Miramar is one of San Diego’s most popular lakes. This reservoir is located within the Scripps Miramar Ranch community but is open to the public as it is maintained by the city. Both tourists and locals come to this San Diego lake to enjoy many outdoor activities, including fishing, kayaking, hiking and more. The reservoir itself spans over an impressive 162 acres.
Entrance to Lake Miramar is free, however, fishing requires fees for adults and children ($11 and $4, respectively). Private boating is $11 per boat, while kayaking is $6 per craft. Boat rentals are also available for visitors.
Lake Miramar Highlights:
- Nearby to downtown San Diego
- Walk or ride on the 5-mile trail along the lake
- Parking is available but can be busy
- Dogs are allowed when leashed
- Swimming is not allowed
- Great for biking, hiking, jogging, etc
2.Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
9310 Fanita Pkwy, Santee, CA 92071
Also located only about twenty minutes from the city, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve is another top option for lake locations near San Diego. This park has a total of 190 acres and includes seven manmade lakes to explore. Beyond its natural beauty, many visitors come here for fishing and boating. For travelers with children it also has a fun playground for the little ones, including a fun water "spray"-ground area.
What makes this San Diego lake unique is its on-site restaurant, located near the fourth manmade lake. Called Angry’s Petes Pizza, this spot is a great place to grab lunch with your group during a day at the lake and enjoy lakeside dining views. Parking is available right at the Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve and costs between $4 (weekday parking) and $7 per day (weekends).
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve Highlights:
- Proximity to the city
- Great for families and children (playground, spray-ground available)
- On-site dining
- Sprayground costs $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends
- Varying park hours depending on the season
- Great for many outdoor activities
3.San Vicente Reservoir
13500 Moreno Ave, Lakeside, CA 92040
San Vicente Reservoir is the San Diego area’s largest reservoir, located about 25 miles southeast of the city. This beautiful spot is a popular choice thanks to its many options for outdoor recreation activities. Various water sports are available here including canoes, kayaks, waterskiing, float tubes and more.
In addition to its appeal for water activities, many visitors also enjoy hosting picnics here as well as using the gas barbecues available. You’ll find many picnic tables surrounding the lake too, perfect for enjoying a relaxing day on your trip to San Diego.
San Vicente Reservoir Highlights:
- No swimming allowed
- Gas barbecues available
- Leashed dogs allowed
- $11 per boat/watercraft for boating (boat rentals available)
- General admission to the reservoir, even if not doing water activities ($11 for adults, $4 for children)
- Separate water activity fee ($11 for adults, $6 for children)
- Free parking available
4.Chollas Lake Park
6350 College Grove Dr, San Diego, CA 92115
Want to get your little ones introduced to fishing? If so, a visit to Chollas Lake Park is a great idea for your next trip to "America's finest city". This 16-acre lake has been designated for youth fishing since 1979. Parents looking to introduce their kids to fishing can enroll children in free fishing clinics available for kids under 15 (rental equipment available), offering a fun, hands-on vacation activity that is also practical.
In addition to youth fishing, Chollas Lake Park is a popular spot for other outdoor activities. The park also has picnic tables, barbecue grills, a small basketball court and several hiking trails to appeal to all visitors. Adults can also take part in a few unique classes here, including an adult walking class and an intro to archery class. If you're looking to step outside of your comfort zone, Chollas Lake Park is the perfect place to do so.
Chollas Lake Park Highlights:
- Fun for adults and children alike
- Located only 15 minutes from downtown
- Open early at 6:30 am
- Park accessible by the public bus system
- Parking is free in three lots but may get crowded
- No swimming allowed
5.Lower Otay Reservoir
Open only Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, prepare in advance if you wish to visit the Lower Otay Reservoir on your next San Diego adventure. This lake is popular among fishers who have caught many exciting fish species here, including largemouth bass and catfish. In addition to fishing, this lake is a great spot for hiking along scenic trails with lots of opportunities to view wildlife native to the region.
Lower Otay Reservoir Highlights:
- Popular for fishing and boating
- Fishing fees required ($11 for adults, $4 for children)
- Boating fees required ($11 per boat, $6 for kayaks and canoes)
- Known for use as the United States Olympic Training Center for rowing sports
- Parking is $3
Visiting San Diego's Most Beautiful Lakes
Although San Diego offers many city-inspired attractions that draw in tourists, the region is also home to some of the most beautiful lakes for enjoying outdoor recreation. Visitors looking to enjoy a day outside with a simple walk or picnic can find so much to explore at these best lake locations in San Diego. Meanwhile, more adventurous guests can take part in endless opportunities for watersports across many San Diego lakes.
During your next visit to San Diego, explore one or more of these beautiful lakes for an unforgettable nature-filled day. What are you waiting for? Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to San Diego today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.