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Antiquing

FIND YOUR NEXT TREASURE

Lake County offers a treasure trove of antiquing possibilities. With several antique shops, ongoing garage and estate sales, and a variety of annual festivals, finding your next treasure in our community is a breeze.

“We have places here that specialize in antique plumbing fixtures (seriously, this guy is known around the world), there is a store that specializes in antique phonographs, and one not to far off that restores antique stoves. Of course there are lots of places that will be happy to show you a broad range of items and one even offers $5 tours of the western town they built in the back.” – Tony Barthel

Art & Galleries

EXPLORE ARTS IN LAKE COUNTY

The stunning natural beauty of Lake County provides the perfect backdrop for an ever-expanding, vibrant arts community. Find your artistic treasure or measure in the breadth of great art and culture which abounds– from the Middletown Art Center, The Lake County Arts Council and their Friday Night Flings, the Lake County Rural Arts Initiative, Lake County Theater Company and the nationally recognized Lake County Symphony Association, independent galleries, studios, classes, and makers all around the lake.

Whether you love traditional arts like painting and photography, theatre, poetry, or making your own masterpiece, Lake County has the experience for you.

Bird Watching

COME SPOT OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS

Lake County’s diverse landscape provides an ideal habitat to a variety of bird species throughout the year, making it one of the premier bird watching destinations in North America. It has been named an “Important Bird Area” by Audubon California.

Blue Herons, Western Grebes, Ospreys, Barn Owls and the majestic American Bald Eagle are just some of our feathered residents that will keep your binoculars busy year-round. Our lake shores, mountain pine forests, river valleys, marshes, and creeks are all within the Pacific Flyway, a north-south migratory path that runs from Alaska all the way to the tip of South America.

Looking for a guided tour? Try our friends at Eye of the Wild Wildlife & Scenic Pontoon Boat Tours. Their customized trips are fun for the whole family and offer a great opportunity to photograph plenty of our feathered friends and other wildlife.

Boating

CALIFORNIA'S LARGEST FRESHWATER LAKE

Lake County offers California’s premier boating experiences. Be it on Clear Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the state and also considered to be the oldest in North America, or any other of our lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, a floating good time is to be had.

Clear Lake presents visitors with over 43,000 square acres of water surface and public access points around its 100 miles of coastline. There’s plenty of space for power boats, strong breezes for sailors and over 50 miles of water trails for kayaking, paddle boarding and canoeing.

Download our boating map or learn more on boating services including boat rental options.

All watercraft launched in Lake County must display a current Lake County mussel sticker as proof of screening. This is in addition to the State DMV sticker that is proof of the State’s mussel fee payment. Click here for more details.

Camping

ROUGHING IT, LAKE COUNTY STYLE!

Camping enthusiasts certainly won’t fall short of options within Lake County. Whether you prefer organized campgrounds, or the more rustic experience of backcountry camping, our wide selection of public parks and private campgrounds offer something for everybody – including the increasingly popular option of glamping, or glamorous camping – which in Lake County has a unique retro flare.

MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST
Be sure to take in the beautiful Mendocino National Forest. It offers over 900,000 square miles of diverse stunning landscapes, with much of it located within Lake County. Several organized campgrounds and endless backcountry options are there for the taking. Of all 18 National Forests located in California, Mendocino is the only one free of paved roads, making it a more quite and less busy experience.

Casinos

PLENTY OF GAMING ACTION

Over 1,700 slot machines, poker rooms, bingo halls and dozens of your favorite table games can be found in Lake County’s casino facilities. Many are open 24-hours so it’s easy to plan your gaming fun around wine tasting, boating, hiking, or any of the many other activities found in our area.

AMENITIES AND GOOD TIMES ABOUND
Hotel rooms, multiple dining options, live entertainment, and full banquet/events spaces are all part of the amenities offered at our tribal-owned facilities. On top of that, they are all just minutes away from award-winning wineries and some of the most beautiful natural wonders that California has to offer.

Cycling

A CYCLISTS PARADISE

Whether you are a roadie, a mountain biker, or both, you’ll love cycling in Lake County. Whether it’s on the roads or trails, enjoy miles of rolling flats through vineyards and orchards, or bring your best set of legs for a high elevation challenge No matter your skill—Lake County has a bike ride for every cyclist.

Dog-Friendly

FAB TIMES WITH FIDO

Is Rover ready for a road trip? Wouldn’t think of leaving your best friend behind? We’re with you! Lake County is dog-friendly and then some, so we’re ready to welcome you and your canine best friend to our slice of Northern California. Check out our pooch-friendly brew pubs, wineries, hiking trails, and more.

A HOUNDLY HIKE
Getting out on the trail with your dog is a treat for you and him or her. In Lake County, we offer over 100 miles of hiking trails that offer easy access and are suitable for all ages and skill levels. Please note that Lake County has a leash law, and it’s prudent to keep your pets on leash for everyone’s safety: for you, your pet, other folks and their pets, as well as for wildlife. Here some great options for hitting the trailhead:

– Konocti Regional Trails
– Mendocino National Forest
– Indian Valley Wildlife Area
– Middletown Trailside Nature Preserve
– Cache Creek Wilderness Area

Fishing

WORLD-CLASS FISHING

Fishing doesn’t get much better than on the waters of Lake County. Clear Lake, the largest natural lake in California, has more fish per square acre than any other lake in the country.

Cast a line in Blue Lakes, Lakes Pillsbury, the North Fork of Cache Creek for rainbow trout, carp, blue gill, and crappie, or for bass in Clear Lake, ranked number 2 in North America for bass fishing by Bassmaster.

Whether you’re fishing for recreation or one of our many professional and amateur tournaments, Lake County has year-round fishing holes with over 43,000 acres of surface, and 100 miles of coastline.

Golfing

A VARIETY OF TERRAIN AND STUNNING VIEWS

Golfing in Lake County – the terrain is varied, from the shores of Clear Lake, to mountain pines – and no lack of views. Vineyards, mountain landscapes, and the cleanest air in California will make your next round of golf a special experience. Lake County offers four 9-hole courses and one 18-hole option, all offering you the opportunity to tee it up and send your ball flying through the cleanest air in the U.S.

Hiking

100 MILES OF TRAILS THROUGH STUNNING LANDSCAPES

With more than 600,000 acres of public land, and over 100 miles of hiking trails through some of California’s most stunning landscapes, Lake County is an ideal location for trekkers of all ages and skill levels.

Our trails offer a variety of terrains with views that are second to none in the American West—from mountain vistas and endless rows of vines, to open valleys and miles of freshwater shorelines.

TRAIL MAPS & INFO
Wright Peak Summit Trail
Vine Trail
Konocti Regional Trails
Mendocino National Forest

Historical Attractions

HISTORIC JOURNEYS

Lake County is rich in history and culture with a history of human habitation dating back over 20,000 years, and one of the most interesting geological profiles in the world. Take a break from our plentiful outdoor activities by soaking up some knowledge in one of our many historical/cultural museums. Interesting info and artifacts tell the history of our geology, farming heritage, tourism industry, Native peoples and pioneering spirit.

Horseback Riding

GRAB YOUR SADDLE

Horseback riding in Lake County is an ideal experience for equestrians of all ages and skill levels. We offer a variety of stables, ranches, and equestrian centers all ready to provide a four-legged riding friend, guided tours, and lessons.

THE LAKE COUNTY HORSE COUNCIL
This all-volunteer organization is dedicated to preserving the horse industry, maintaining the presence of equines in agriculture, promoting equine education and safety, and development of regional riding trails in Lake County.

Massage & Wellness

RELAX THE MIND AND BODY

For years, Lake County has maintained its reputation as a destination to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. A variety of spas operate around the region, welcoming residents and visitors alike, including Harbin Hot Springs, one of the oldest hot springs in California and has been rated as offering one of the Top 10 best massages in the US.

Museums

HISTORIC JOURNEYS

Lake County is rich in history and culture with a history of human habitation dating back over 20,000 years, and one of the most interesting geological profiles in the world. Take a break from our plentiful outdoor activities by soaking up some knowledge in one of our many historical/cultural museums. Interesting info and artifacts tell the history of our geology, farming heritage, tourism industry, Native peoples and pioneering spirit.

Outdoor Recreation

AMERICA'S OLDEST LAKE & CALIFORNIA'S CLEANEST AIR

No matter your preference or skill level, Lake County offers outdoor adventure for everyone from professional guides to young children. With over 600,000 acres of public land perfect for birding and camping, 43,000 square acres of water surface for any water sport imaginable, 100 miles of coastline for fishing, and over 100 miles of hiking trail with the most stunning views, Lake County has not shortage on outdoor adventure.

Equipped with America’s oldest lake, California’s cleanest air, and the friendliest folks on Earth, come see what makes Lake County Clearly Different.

Quilt Trail

OVER 100 QUILT BLOCKS TO FIND IN LAKE COUNTY

Home to California’s first Quilt Trail, Lake County offers over 100 colored quilt blocks. Measuring 4ft to 8ft, our quilts have been created by all-volunteer teams and now adorn the sides of barns, pear packing sheds, wineries and other historic and agricultural buildings. Together, they stitch together our creative communities while offering a folk art experience to enjoy.

A NATIONAL NETWORK
The Lake County Quilt Trail is part of the American Quilt Trail, an organized network featuring over 3,000 quilt blocks across 40 states and Canada. A unique pattern is selected for each block to illustrate the history of the building, honor farming, celebrate family, or pay tribute to the history of quilting.

Rockhounding

A GEM GOOD TIME

A wide selection of rocks and minerals have made Lake County a hotbed for rockhounds around the world. The most coveted find is the Lake County Diamond, a lovely crystal-like stone of the quartz family that is formed by volcanic processes and found nowhere else in the world.

WE’RE ERUPTING WITH GREAT FINDS
Rockhounders will also find an abundance of obsidian, onyx, agate, jasper, chert, quartz, travertine, jade, petrified wood and clamshell fossils – many of which are the result of the Clear Lake Volcanic Field. A 94-carat faceted Lake County Diamond resides in the Lake County Historic Courthouse Museum.

Shopping

EVERYTHING YOU NEED PLUS SOME HIDDEN GEMS

Throughout our communities, visitors will find a variety of antique shops, galleries, sporting goods, crafters, apparel outlets, grocery stores and much more. Want to take a piece of Lake County home with you? Visit one of our shoppes specializing in locally made or Lake County-centric products.

Looking for a bigger experience? Attend any of the annual festivals that Lake County offers throughout the year. You’ll not only find more great shopping of locally-made products, but also great food, live music and the unrivaled hospitality that our California communities offer on a daily basis. Check our calendar of events often.

Spas & Wellness

RELAX THE MIND AND BODY

For years, Lake County has maintained its reputation as a destination to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. A variety of spas operate around the region, welcoming residents and visitors alike, including Harbin Hot Springs, one of the oldest hot springs in California and has been rated as offering one of the Top 10 best massages in the US.

Unique Shops

TAKE HOME A LITTLE BIT OF LAKE COUNTY

Visit one of our shoppes specializing in locally-made, artisan or Lake County-centric products.Throughout the county visitors will find a variety of shoppes featuring Lake County product or goods produced by local makers. Additionally Lake County offers a treasure trove of antiquing possibilities. With several antique shops, ongoing garage and estate sales, and a variety of annual festivals, finding your next treasure in our community is a breeze.

Water Activities

TAKE A SPLASH

Our Lakes, rivers, waterways and shorelines offer an ideal playground for kayakers, paddle boarders, tubers, swimmers, boaters, fisherman and more. Whether it’s on the vast waters of Clear Lake, the cool deep water of Blue Lakes, on Lake Pillsbury inside the Mendocino National Forest, or elsewhere, you are sure to create an experience to remember.

Clear Lake is the largest freshwater body of water in California and the centerpiece of our water activities. It provides over 100 miles of shoreline, making it ideal for paddlers and wildlife enthusiasts alike, with easy access being the name of the game.
Click here for a map of public access points on Clear Lake.

DEDICATED WATER TRAILS
In recent years, a series of water trails were developed to help orient new paddlers and visitors to the lake, as well as provide interesting natural and historical information of these areas. Water trails are recreational waterways on a lake, river or ocean, containing access points and day-use and/or camping sites for the boating public. They emphasize low-impact use and promote stewardship of the resources, while providing healthy, outdoor activity.

WATER TRAIL MAPS
Water Trail 1: Rattlesnake Island – 4 mile loop
Water Trail 2: Tule Maze at Anderson Marsh – 6 mile loop
Water Trail 3: Cache Creek Dam – 10 miles roundtrip
Water Trail 4: Island Hopping in the Narrows – 8 mile loop
Water Trail 5: Volcanic Vents of Soda Bay – 6-9 miles round trip
Water Trail 6: Wetlands of Long Tule Point – 8-10 miles round trip
Water Trail 7: Rodman Slough – 8 miles roundtrip
Water Trail 8: Upper Blue Lake – 3 miles round trip

Weddings & Events

Affordable Wine Country Weddings

If you’re thinking about popping the question or are planning your dream wedding, we’ve got just the spot to tie the knot. Forget Virginia – Lake County is for lovers and your place for affordable wine country weddings.

An hour north of Napa, Lake County, is the California’s fastest growing wine region – and ripe for discovery. If your nuptial vision includes verdant vineyards, stunning vistas, and delicious wines, discover our rustic wine country wedding destinations.

Whether your envisioning your big day as intimate or grand, we’ve got vineyards, events halls, rustic country barns, hotels, restaurants or casinos for your wedding or special event – at a fraction of the cost. We’re close enough to home to make getting here a breeze, but far enough away to make you feel like you’ve gotten away.

Find more Lake County Wine Country Wedding information here.

Wine Tasting

CALIFORNIA'S FASTEST GROWING WINE REGION

Over 30 wineries and 9,000+ acres of vineyards are awaiting your arrival in one of the fastest growing winemaking regions in America. Vines and views are abundant, as are the accolades that Lake County wines continue to receive.

Our high elevation, rich volcanic soils, and distinct climate produce a number of varietals that are bursting with flavor and elegant structures. Over 200 wine labels outside of Lake County are using our grapes.

View the map, and come taste for yourself!