Summer Road Trips Along the SWP
Aerial photo of Castaic Lake
Are you planning a road trip this summer? Consider taking a detour to one of the many beaches along the California State Water Project (SWP) – you’ll find them teeming with fish, natural beauty, and fun ways to spend your vacation.
SWP lakes and recreation areas offer abundant opportunities to cool off and go swimming, fishing, boating, windsurfing, or water skiing. Most of these refreshing recreation destinations are located just off the main highway, and if you plan ahead, you can even make camping reservations.
Always check rules, regulations, current conditions, and fees. Visit our website for information on SWP recreation.
View our StoryMap for more ideas and details. And check out the list below for links to State Water Project and State Parks to visit during your summer road trips.
From Los Angeles to the San Francisco Bay Area:
State Water Project sites to visit:
- Castaic Lake
- Pyramid Lake
- San Luis Reservoir
- O'Neill Forebay, and Los Banos Reservoir
- Lake Del Valle Regional Park
- Bethany Reservoir State Recreation Area
State Parks to visit on the way:
- Point Dume State Beach
- Topanga State Park
- Will Rogers State Beach
- Fort Tejon State Historic Park
- Tule Elk State Natural Reserve
- Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
- Pacheco State Park
- Caswell Memorial State Park
- Carpinteria State Beach
- Morro Bay State Park
- Ano Nuevo State Park
- Half Moon Bay State Beach
- Mount Tamalpais State Park
From Los Angeles to Palm Springs or Big Bear:
State Water Project sites to visit:
- Lake Perris
- Silverwood Lake
State Parks to visit on the way:
- Mount San Jacinto State Park
- Chino Hills State Park
- Salton Sea State Recreation Area
- California Citrus State Historic Park
Central Valley to Central Coast
State Water Project sites to visit:
- San Luis Reservoir
- O’Neill Forebay
- Los Banos Reservoir
- Romero Overlook
State Parks to visit along the way:
- Henry Coe State Park
- San Juan Bautista
- Fremont Peak State Park
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- Big Basin Redwood State Park
Sacramento to Lake Shasta/Upper Northern California
State Water Project sites to visit:
- Lake Oroville
- Upper Feather River Lakes
State Parks to visit on the way: