Tucked away in Southern California’s San Jacinto Valley, Hemet is a small town with big offerings. It is nowhere among the popular tourist destinations in the state, which works in Hemet’s favour, offering a whole lot of peace and laid-back fun to those who come here. The city and its neighbouring areas ooze plenty of charm, enveloped amidst the Santa Rosa Hills and the San Jacinto Mountains and lots of stunning scenery. While a visit to Hemet Museum, Ramona Bowl Amphitheater, and Western Science Center would be interesting here, a trip to lakes in and around Hemet is a must. Scroll over for some of the most gorgeous lakes in Hemet, California, that you have got to head to. Plan a trip as soon as possible and you’ll not regret it.
1. Little Lake
Enveloped in a lushness of towering eucalyptus trees and citrus groves, Little Lake is an excellent spot for catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, and trout fishing. While admiring the scenery and fishing are the most popular activities around here, you can also enjoy open-air picnics, strolls around the lake, and nature exploration. Remember that rules and charges apply for fishing in the lake – check out the link below for more details on that.
Little Lake
Address: 42525 Stetson Ave, Hemet, CA 92544, United States
Website: Little Lake
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 7am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
Nearby gorgeous lakes
2. Lake Fulmor
If you enjoy picnics, head to Lake Fulmor. This small lake makes for an excellent backdrop and provides the perfect ambience for visitors to enjoy the company of their loved ones as well as nature. An open-air picnic area has been designated beside the lake from where you can relish the best of views. Fishing and lake swimming are other popular activities that you can enjoy here. The lake’s waters are rife with rainbow trouts (from Spring through Fall seasons), bluegill, catfish, and largemouth bass. Lake Fulmor can get pretty crowded on weekends so be prepared!
Lake Fulmor
Address: Idyllwild, CA 92549
Price: 5 USD
3. Diamond Valley Lake
A hidden gem, Diamond Valley Lake is actually a man-made reservoir and another superb spot for fishing, boating, lake swimming, and hiking. An aquatic centre and recreation park have been built along the lake’s eastern end, which is a pretty big hit with kids. At the lake’s southern side is Southwestern Riverside County Multi-Species Reserve, home to several native birds as well as other flora and fauna. Those interested in fishing can try their luck catching species such as bluegill, crappie, rainbow trout, striped bass, shad, and quite a few others. Else, Diamond Valley Lake Marina & Lakeview Trail and Wildflower Trail are excellent for taking hikes. While the lake access itself is free, you need to pay a 3 USD per person and 10 USD per car fee for hiking Wildflower Trail.
Diamond Valley Lake
Address: 2325 Searl Parkway, Hemet, Ca., 92543
Website: Diamond Valley Lake
4. Reflection Lake
Reflection Lake is a fishing and camping enthusiast’s playground. Located northeast of Hemet, this lake is a popular weekend go-to destination for families. Reflection Lake RV Park makes for the perfect spot to set up the camping base, while the lake itself is rife with species of catfish. There’s even a small store on site from where you can pick up fishing gear for yourself! There’s also a swimming pool and playground at the park so leave them energetic kids to rollick around outdoors, while you enjoy a barbecue cook-out. San Bernardino National Forest and Lake Perris State Recreational Area nearby are excellent areas to head out for hikes, mountain biking, and bird-watching.
Reflection Lake
Address: 3440 Cottonwood Ave, San Jacinto, CA 92582
Website: Reflection Lake
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm, Sat: 7am - 7:15pm, Sun: 7am - 3pm
5. Lake Hemet
Located an hour’s drive away from Palm Springs, Lake Hemet has stunning scenery and its calm atmosphere abounds. Overnight camping, fishing, boating, and hiking are some of the many things you can enjoy here. Plus, several outdoor games (volleyball, basketball, baseball, etc.), bird-watching, and even kayaking! Those of you camping here can go biking along the lake’s shores or enjoy a fun barbecue cook-out with your loved ones. While camping, you can either go the traditional route and hitch RVs or pitch a tent, or check into one of the on-site lake-view cabins.
Lake Hemet
Address: 56570 State Hwy 74, Mountain Center, CA, Riverside, CA 92561-3050
6. Heritage Lake
Heritage Lake, in Menifee, is a residential community, offering its residents and visitors an array of resort-style amenities. Heritage Lake is home to an excellent clubhouse, featuring an outdoor pool, splash park, and a (catch and release) fishing pond. Otherwise, there are multiple walking trails that you can hike for scenic views and nature exploration. There are also lots of dining options around here.
Heritage Lake
Address: Heritage Lake Dr, Menifee, CA 92585, USA
7. Lake Perris
Lake Perris is an artificial lake, attracting several thousands of visitors each year. It is located in the Lake Perris State Recreation Area, offering an array of fun activities, such as fishing, boating, nature exploration, or simple lake-side chilling. Game fishing is a popular activity at the lake, with red ear sunfish, carp, catfish, black crappie, and several other species present in the lake. Fishing aside, the area is also home to quite a bit of flora and fauna. While here, you can spot mule deers, bobcats, gopher snakes, rattlesnakes, water fowl, and several birds of prey luxuriating in the area’s dense greenery. Several migratory birds can also be seen, including meadowlarks, California thrashers, quails, wrens, hummingbirds, and several others. You can hitch a bike trail ride through these areas to catch the best of views. Ranger-led hikes are also conducted during the spring and early summer months.
Lake Perris
Address: 17801 Lake Perris Dr, Perris, CA 92571-8400
Plenty to do in and around Hemet, California
While these lakes might sound like boring geological features, don’t let that misconception drive you away from visiting them. They host some of the most interesting activities that would appeal to travellers of all sorts and all age groups. Head on out and check out these most gorgeous lakes in Hemet, California.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to