Located in the west of the United States, California is the third-largest state in the country. Known for its contrasting lands, the state is home to a large expanse of wine-growing sites, attractive beaches, and breathtaking forests. Nicknamed the ‘Golden State’, California was historically known for its gold mining. With attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Death Valley, and Sequoia National Park, tourists will never run out of things to do in California. Look for the stars of your favorite actors on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Take a guided tour and learn all about the secrets of Alcatraz. Enjoy a day full of fun at the original Disneyland. Ride on a cable car through San Francisco. Want to book a nice hotel during your stay in the Golden State? Check out this list of the top lakefront hotels in California, USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to lake. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 26, 2024.
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1. Lakehouse Hotel and Resort, San Marcos (from USD 138)
This resort in San Marcos boasts modern, en-suite rooms with satellite television, free wireless internet access, a coffee and tea maker, and a desk. It also has a small port on Lake San Marcos, as well as two outdoor pools to relax in. On top of that, the resort is pet-friendly. While guests can have fun hiking or playing tennis at the hotel, they can also head down to Legoland California or Leo Carrillo Ranch Park located close to the property. If you’re in the mood for some pampering, opt for in-room spa service. Feeling peckish? Head to the on-site restaurant that serves delectable American fare.
Lakehouse Resort
Address: 1025 La Bonita Drive
698.14 km (433.9 mi) from Emerald Bay State Park
2. Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe (from USD 194)
Found along the south shore of Lake Tahoe, Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe is a pet-friendly resort that has several seasonal activities all in one place. Guests can snorkel, fish, canoe, cycle, hike, or ski at or near the venue. Each room has either a balcony or terrace and is equipped with cable television, a coffee machine, an en suite bathroom, a fireplace, and free WiFi. For meals, guests can make use of the resort’s grocery delivery service, buy food at the on-site mini-mart, or dine at Sidelines Sports Pub or Boathouse on the Pier within the resort.
Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 3411 Lake Tahoe Boulevard
12.21 km (7.6 mi) from Emerald Bay State Park
3. Hotel Azure, South Lake Tahoe (from USD 160)
Located right across Lake Tahoe, Hotel Azure features rooms with cable television, air conditioning, a small refrigerator, a microwave, free WiFi, and either a private balcony or patio. Guests can relax in the pool, explore the surrounding area with free bikes from the hotel, pick up a ski pass from reception, or indulge in a game of golf at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course located just a few minutes away from the hotel. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a view of Lake Tahoe.
Hotel Azure
Address: 3300 Lake Tahoe Boulevard
11.84 km (7.4 mi) from Emerald Bay State Park
4. Vintage Lakeside Inn, Big Bear Lake (from USD 110)
Close to a variety of recommended restaurants. Some rooms feature kitchenettes for added convenience.
Reasonable pricing for spacious rooms with fireplaces and kitchenettes.
Great proximity to the lake, village, and various dining options. Easy access to water activities and downtown Big Bear Lake.
Convenient location with walking distance to the lake, village, and restaurants. Clean, quiet, and smoke-free rooms with friendly staff.
Nestled right on Big Bear Lake, this lakeside hotel is a short walk away from local shops and eateries in Big Bear Village. The hotel has rooms with tea and coffee facilities, air conditioning, heating, free WiFi, a television, a refrigerator, a microwave, and a private bathroom. On top of that, guests can make use of the hotel’s meeting and banquet facilities for events like weddings and birthdays. There’s a restaurant on site, plus barbecue facilities are also available on site. If you wish to dine out, head to Big Bear Lake Brewing Company, which is 0.6 km (0.4 mi) away from the property.
Vintage Lakeside Inn
Address: 41076 Big Bear Boulevard
596.17 km (370.5 mi) from Emerald Bay State Park
California Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
5. Sunnyside Resort and Lodge, Tahoe City (from USD 284)
Delicious dining options including croissants, cinnamon rolls, fresh baked goods, and good coffee.
Reasonable pricing for lakeside location and amenities.
Charming lodge on Lake Tahoe's west shore, close to activities and scenic trails.
Comfortable rooms, lake views, on-site restaurant and bar, complimentary breakfast.
Situated right on the western shores of Lake Tahoe in Tahoe City, Sunnyside Resort and Lodge offers water sports facilities on the premises. In addition, the hotel also arranges hiking and cycling tours, skiing, fishing, canoeing and other activities. The rooms here come with a private bathroom, free wireless internet access, air conditioning and heating, a television, and a mesmerizing view of the lake. Plus, there are board games, books and DVDs to keep the entire family entertained. For meals, guests are provided continental breakfast and an afternoon tea every day. For a hearty American food, head to Lakeside Dining Room, an on-site restaurant that also serves steakhouse fare. If guests feel like having fun outside of the resort, they can head to Harrah’s Casino, Squaw Valley Ski Resort, or Bridgetender restaurant nearby.
Sunnyside Resort and Lodge
Address: 1850 West Lake Boulevard
21.42 km (13.4 mi) from Emerald Bay State Park
6. Postmarc Hotel and Spa Suites, South Lake Tahoe (from USD 144)
For stunning views of Lake Tahoe, book a room at Postmarc Hotel and Spa Suites. El Dorado beach, Heavenly Ski Resort, and Bijou Golf Course are located close to the property. Even though the hotel is located near several attractions, guests can also enjoy on-site activities like bike tours, cycling, and skiing. On top of that, each room comes with a hot tub, cable television, a refrigerator, a microwave, a coffee machine, air conditioning, and free WiFi. While there is an on-site coffee house, guests can also enjoy food at one of the many nearby restaurants like Red Hut Cafe, Artemis Mediterranean Grill, and Rive Bar and Grill.
POSTMARC Hotel and Spa Suites
Address: 3696 Lake Tahoe Blvd
13.12 km (8.2 mi) from Emerald Bay State Park
7. West Shore Cafe and Inn, Homewood (from USD 334)
Nestled in between Lake Tahoe and Ellis Peak, West Shore Cafe and Inn provides guests rooms with either a lake view or a mountain view. The rooms here come with air conditioning, a flat-screen television, a gas fireplace, a refrigerator, and a private bathroom. In addition to that, guests are given free continental breakfast every day and can order room service from the on-site restaurant. If you’re a ski enthusiast, head to the nearby Summit Six Express, or take a ski lesson at the hotel’s ski school and make use of the available ski equipment.
West Shore Cafe and Inn
Address: 5160 West Lake Blvd
15.73 km (9.8 mi) from Emerald Bay State Park
Visit the 'Golden State'
Even though the ‘Golden State’ is known for fame, fortune, and beaches, it also has some pretty lakes and forests. If you ever plan on heading to California, make sure to book a hotel with amazing views to make your trip even more memorable.
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