Located in beautiful Northern California just two hours by car from the San Francisco Bay Area, the Sacramento Valley, or the Pacific Coast, Lake County is the perfect destination for a fun family vacation or a romantic weekend getaway.
Dotted with vineyards and wineries, orchards and farm stands, and charming small towns, Lake County is home to Clear Lake, California’s largest natural freshwater lake, known as "The Bass Capital of the West," and Mt. Konocti, which towers over Clear Lake.
About Lake County
Clear Lake is at the heart of Lake County, and is the largest natural lake in California and possibly the oldest lake in North America with an estimated age of 2.5 millions years. Lake County boasts the cleanest air in the state of California. In fact, Lake County rarely experiences coastal or valley fog, which translates into lots of sunshine – approximately 265 days of clear or partly clear skies on average.
Lake County is a destination for the outdoor enthusiast with a wide range of trails for hiking, biking, and off-road adventures and many lakes for fishing, kayaking, and wakeboarding; for the nature lover with parks, preserves, and open spaces for viewing many types of birds, animals, and native plants; for the history buff with numerous museums, landmarks, pioneer towns, and Pomo culture; and it is a destination for the wine lover with some of California’s newest appellations, award-winning wines, and friendly wineries.
Visitors can take a mule-drawn wagon tour of a historic ranch complete with authentic chuckwagon barbecue and local wine, go flying in a biplane tour high above hills and valleys covered in vineyards, majestic oaks, and whispering pines, or paddle a kayak for an up-close view of nesting herons, soaring eagles, or dancing grebes.
Any time of year is right for discovering Lake County. In spring, vibrant redbud blossoms and wildflowers blanket valleys and meadows, making the area’s already-stunning landscape even more picturesque. During summer, warm weather and the lure of the lake beckon, enticing visitors to swim, waterski, fish, or just linger at the water’s edge. Independence Day celebrations include parades and colorful fireworks displays over the lake.
With autumn comes the joy of exploring roadside farm stands, harvest festivals, and tasting rooms to savor the flavors of the area’s premium pears, crunchy walnuts, and award-winning wines. Late fall and winter activities include holiday fairs and festivals, light parades, and even an annual teddy bear reunion.
Lake County nights are spectacular, whether gazing in awe at the star-filled night sky, telling ghost stories around the campfire, catching a headliner concert, or even trying your luck at any of the area’s casinos.
Lake County is a destination for the wine lover with some of California’s newest appellations, award-winning wines, and friendly wineries; and it is a destination for the outdoor enthusiast with a wide range of trails for hiking, biking, and off-road adventures and many lakes for fishing, kayaking, and wakeboarding; for the nature lover with parks, preserves, and open spaces for viewing many types of birds, animals, and native plants; for the history buff with numerous museums, landmarks, pioneer towns, and Pomo culture; and for family vacations with friendly small town events and pet-friendly accommodations
