Boating in Northern California: Fun Facts and History
Whether it be boating around the iconic Golden Gate Bridge or cruising down the river to wine country, the seemingly endless bodies of water around the diverse landscapes of Northern California allow boaters to create unforgettable adventures, as well as learn about fun facts and history. The California Delta alone offers over 1,000 miles of waterways.
Here are five of the best places for boating in Northern California.
Lake Tahoe
One of the top California destinations for boat lovers is two-million-year-old Lake Tahoe, the largest and possibly the most famous alpine lake in Northern California. During the summer, tourists flock to the several beaches along the shores of Lake Tahoe to soak up the sun.
Lake Tahoe hosts a prestigious annual event that showcases the most stunning restored wooden boats in the world. A group of Tahoe Yacht Club members formed the Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance (French for “competition of elegance”) in 1972 to share their passion for wooden boats. This annual boat show plays a significant role in both the wooden boat and maritime communities, as well as the community at large. Each year a different charitable organization is awarded a grant by the Tahoe Yacht Club Foundation. Below is a video of Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance 2019:
Shasta Lake
The picturesque red dirt beaches, sparkling emerald waters, and majestic backdrop of Mount Shasta make this reservoir one of the most serene places to boat in Northern California. When full, this lake offers over 360 miles of shoreline! Sites all around Shasta Lake offer amenities so boaters can extend their stay and camp comfortably. Looking for a place to take the whole family? Go on a geologic adventure and explore the underground limestone caverns of Lake Shasta!
San Francisco Bay
With a thousand miles of inland waterways and rivers, there are endless sights to be discovered around the San Francisco Bay. Sailboats operated by licensed skippers are best suited for the choppy, unpredictable waters near the Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco is a great place to sit back, relax, and enjoy the views while a seasoned captain takes you on a pleasure cruise around the bay.
Clear Lake
Just over two hours northwest of Sacramento, Clear Lake may be viewed as a hidden gem, but did you know it is actually the largest natural freshwater lake in California? If you have a sport fishing license and are looking to do some freshwater fishing, Clear Lake is the place to go. The lake is commonly known as the “Bass Capital of the West,” and every year the lake lands a spot on the top 10 bass lakes in the United States. It is also a great place to work up an appetite! Boaters can tie up their boats and enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants right on the water. According to the American Lung Association, Lake County has some of the cleanest air in the nation, so take a deep breath and enjoy the boat ride.
Lake Berryessa
The sandy beaches of Lake Berryessa make it a beautiful place to beat the Napa summer heat. In addition to boating, some of the lake’s popular recreational activities include fishing, kayaking, hiking, bicycling, picnicking, and swimming. The oak and Manzanita trees surrounding the lake provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching. Locals refer to Lake Berryessa as California’s “best-kept secret” for its extensive list of year-round recreational activities. Its close proximity to Sacramento makes it the perfect place for a quick day trip!
Boat Accident Attorney in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento boat accident lawyer. The types of injuries suffered by people involved in boating crashes can be severe or even fatal in some extreme cases. If you have been seriously injured in a boating accident in Sacramento or elsewhere in Northern California, call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice about your best options for recovery.
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Image Source: By Lukas via Pexels and BrianScotland0 and Chenhengyu via Pixabay
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