Top 7 Lakes around Santa Monica
Best lakes around Santa Monica are found in the surrounding areas, particularly within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and greater Los Angeles County. While Santa Monica itself does not feature natural lakes, these nearby locations offer water bodies for recreation. The region provides a diverse landscape of hills, peaks, and streams, making it accessible for outdoor activities. These areas are easily reached from Santa Monica and offer various natural features.
Best lakes around Santa Monica
- The most popular lakes is Kenneth Hahn State Recreational Area, a trail that features narrow paths, lily-pad-covered ponds, and a fishing lake. It offers expansive vistas of the downtown Los Angeles skyline and surrounding mountains.
- Another must-see spot is Ballona Lagoon — Marina Del Rey, a lake that represents an arm of the original natural laguna between the marina and the beach. A pedestrian bridge offers viewpoints and connects to the beach.
- Visitors also love Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve, an other natural area that is one of the last major marshes in Los Angeles County. It provides a crucial ecological site for birdwatching and observing wetland ecosystems.
- Santa Monica is known for its diverse water bodies, including natural lagoons, recreational lakes, and ecological wetlands. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from serene meditation gardens to expansive natural reserves.
- The lakes around Santa Monica are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 9 upvotes and 6 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: April 29, 2026
Kenneth Hahn State Recreational Area
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Ballona Lagoon — Marina Del Rey
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Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve
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Ballona Lagoon - Marina Del Rey - Los Angeles River estuary
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Santa Ynez Lake — SRF Lake Shrine
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The Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens are open free of charge, Wednesday through Sunday. lakeshrine.org
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Lake Shrine is part of Self-Realization Fellowship founded by Paramahansa Yogananda. Dedicated in 1950, he envisioned a spiritual environment where people from all over the world could come and experience peace of heart and mind. Today, Lake Shrine offers a lakeside Meditation Garden with shrines and waterfalls, a hilltop Temple with weekly inspirational services and meditations, a retreat for silent renewal, and an ashram for monks of Self-Realization Fellowship. All are welcome to come and experience inner and outer peace, and to discover Raja Yoga (Royal Yoga) through the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda. The Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens are open free of charge, Wednesday through Sunday. https://lakeshrine.org
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The wetlands reserve on the far side of the marina ditch is a hotbed of conservation efforts, with more than 100,000 volunteers helping to clean trash, remove invasive plants and restore native plants over the years. It's a marvel of perseverance and the impacts we humans can have on the earth — both positive and negative. More than 260 bird species have been seen in the restored area, though, so it looks like the "positive" effects are winning.
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The wetlands reserve on the far side of the marina ditch is a hotbed of conservation efforts, with more than 100,000 volunteers helping to clean trash, remove invasive plants and restore native plants over the years. It's a marvel of perseverance and the impacts we humans can have on the earth — both positive and negative. More than 260 bird species have been seen in the restored area, though, so it looks like the "positive" effects are winning.
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Ballona Wetlands, one of the last major marshes in Los Angeles County. Sadly, many wetlands in the area have been filled for urban development. The Ballona Freshwater Marsh can be observed from a 0.75-mile walking path along Jefferson and Lincoln Boulevards during daylight hours.
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With narrow paths, beautiful vistas, ponds covered in lily pads and a picture postcard view towards Downtown with the mountains rising behind, Kenneth Hahn State Recreational Area is the perfect place to escape the trouble of the big city. It is also known als L. A.s "Central Park" with nice hiking trails and large enough for a longer run.
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With narrow paths, beautiful vistas, ponds covered in lily pads and a picture postcard view towards Downtown with the mountains rising behind, Kenneth Hahn State Recreational Area is the perfect place to escape the trouble of the big city. It is also known als L. A.s "Central Park" with nice hiking trails and large enough for a longer hike or several smaller walks.
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Most of today's Marina del Rey and Venice used to be a large natural wetland. Today the originally large lagoon it essentially narrowed down to a wide canal and a small network of manmade drainage channels. The original channels in Venice have mostly been filled with houses meanwhile.
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Nice little harbor. Parking space available.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes near Santa Monica offer good hiking opportunities?
For hiking, consider Kenneth Hahn State Recreational Area, known for its narrow paths, beautiful vistas, and trails large enough for a longer run. Malibu Creek State Park, home to Century Lake, also offers over 35 miles of trails, including an easy trail to the lake with spectacular views. You can find more hiking options in the area by exploring the Hiking around Santa Monica guide.
Are there family-friendly lakes to visit near Santa Monica?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Kenneth Hahn State Recreational Area is considered family-friendly with its trails and open spaces. The Ballona Lagoon — Marina Del Rey and Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve offer easy walking paths and opportunities for birdwatching. The serene Santa Ynez Lake — SRF Lake Shrine also welcomes families to its meditation gardens.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see at lakes near Santa Monica?
The lakes near Santa Monica offer diverse natural beauty. At Kenneth Hahn State Recreational Area, you'll find lily-pad-covered ponds and expansive vistas. The Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve is a crucial ecological site for birdwatching and observing wetland ecosystems, home to over 260 bird species. Malibu Creek State Park features rolling hills, jagged peaks, and tranquil streams leading to Century Lake.
Are there any lakes with historical or cultural significance near Santa Monica?
Yes, the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine in Pacific Palisades is a serene sanctuary dedicated in 1950, offering a spiritual environment for peace and reflection with its meditation garden and windmill chapel. Additionally, Malibou Lake, though private, has a rich film history, having been featured in over 100 movies since its creation in 1922. You can learn more about its history on Wikipedia.
What outdoor activities are available near these lakes, besides hiking?
Beyond hiking, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. Malibu Creek State Park offers fishing, bird watching, mountain biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. The Kenneth Hahn State Recreational Area is also suitable for longer runs. For cycling enthusiasts, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Santa Monica or the Gravel biking around Santa Monica guides for nearby routes.
Which lakes near Santa Monica are good for birdwatching?
The Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve is an excellent spot for birdwatching, with over 260 bird species observed in the restored area. Malibu Creek State Park also provides opportunities for bird watching amidst its diverse landscape.
Are there any lakes near Santa Monica that are easy to access or have parking?
Yes, Ballona Lagoon — Marina Del Rey has parking available, making it easily accessible. Many of the lakes in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area are also easily accessible from Santa Monica by car.
What makes the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve unique?
The Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve is one of the last significant wetlands in Los Angeles County. It's a crucial ecological site for birdwatching and observing wetland ecosystems, which have largely been lost to urban development. A 0.75-mile walking path allows visitors to observe the marsh, and a pedestrian bridge offers excellent viewpoints.
Can I visit the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine?
Yes, the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens are open free of charge, Wednesday through Sunday. It offers a peaceful lakeside Meditation Garden with shrines and waterfalls, providing a unique spiritual retreat.
What is Century Lake and where is it located?
Century Lake is located within Malibu Creek State Park in Calabasas, approximately 25 miles northwest of Los Angeles, within the Santa Monica Mountains. The park is known for its diverse landscape and was a former 20th Century Fox movie ranch, including being a filming location for the M*A*S*H TV show. An easy trail leads to the lake, offering scenic views.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Santa Monica?
Visitors appreciate the diverse escapes these lakes offer from city life. They enjoy the serene environments for reflection, the extensive hiking trails, and the opportunities for birdwatching and observing unique ecosystems. The scenic vistas, like those at Kenneth Hahn State Recreational Area with views of the LA skyline, are also highly valued.
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