Lake Cachuma

A man-made lake called Lake Cachuma may be found in Southern California's northernmost region. It offers great camping, fishing, and quiet time with nature. Despite being only a short 30-minute drive from the coast and Santa Barbara, the lake has a feeling of being fairly far away.

The truly unique town of Solvang, which appears to have been plucked straight out of Denmark and transported to stunning, sun-drenched Santa Barbara County, is close to Lake Cachuma. On your way to Lake Cachuma, if you're passing through the area, you must stop in Solvang for lunch and shopping.

A Santa Barbara cupcake and wine tour, some peace and quiet at Lake Cachuma, and some hiking trails around Santa Maria, if you're up for a drive about an hour north of Lake Cachuma, are all things to put on your itinerary.

Try the Historic Santa Maria Inn, a stunning hotel with one of the best lobbies you'll ever see, if you'd rather enjoy the lake for the day while staying in a hotel than setting up camp overnight.

Location: Los Padres National ForestSanta Barbara County, California