LAKE COUNTY, California. Clear Lake, volcanic terrain, wine country and small lakeside towns define Lake County’s leisurely appeal. Our independent California58 itinerary selects places for cultural, natural and community interest. It is meant both for travelers and for local residents rediscovering familiar surroundings.

Editor’s note: this is an editorial list, not a tally of reader votes, and positions cannot be purchased by advertisers. Check operating hours, public access, weather and reservations with each destination before visiting.

7 noteworthy places to explore in Lake County

  1. Clear Lake

    Explore California’s remarkable natural lake from public waterfront access.

  2. Lakeport

    Walk the county seat’s waterfront downtown.

  3. Kelseyville

    Browse a compact historic town and local producers.

  4. Mount Konocti County Park

    Explore volcanic landscapes on authorized trails.

  5. Anderson Marsh State Historic Park

    See wetlands and learn about cultural landscapes.

  6. Clearlake waterfront

    Discover another lakeshore community.

  7. Cache Creek area

    Look for appropriate river recreation and wildlife-viewing areas.

Planning a day or a weekend

Always check lake water-quality advisories before swimming, and consult wildfire alerts before hiking. Begin with Clear Lake if your schedule allows, consider Lakeport next, and save Kelseyville for a longer stay. Some places may require advance arrangements; an itinerary is not a promise of same-day access.

Useful local information for residents

Visit our permanent Lake County profile for local government, city links, services and county facts; consult California Reports and Permits for records and applications, and review road conditions before driving.

Community voting: what belongs at number one?

California58 is extending its registered-reader rankings across California’s counties. Reader rankings will be identified separately from this selection; sponsored content cannot influence voting order. Follow us for the county ballots and suggest a favorite when nominations open.

Turn these ideas into a real journey. Plan with OptionTrip, explore California58 Travel, and learn about advertising with California58.

Verify before you go

Start with Visit California, California State Parks and official destination operators. Local rules, fees, water quality, road access and seasonal conditions can change.

Lake County seasonal events and Halloween 2026

Looking for things to do with children this October? Explore our Lake County Halloween 2026 family guide, or browse the statewide Halloween-by-county collection. Event dates and admission can change; verify details with the organizer before traveling. These 2026 listings are time-specific and remain labeled by year.

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