Vacation rentals in Lake Cachuma

Lake Cachuma is everything you could ever want in a vacation destination: a mild climate year-round, consistently sunny skies, plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, and spectacular natural scenery. The tranquil Central California lake is located right off Highway 154 in the Santa Ynez Valley and is bordered by the San Rafael Mountains. Every type of traveler will find something to enjoy during a trip to the lake, from fishing, hiking, boating, exploring wineries, and dining at top-rated restaurants. With its peaceful atmosphere and endless opportunities for fun, you may never want to leave Lake Cachuma!

Enjoy a peaceful getaway at Lake Cachuma with a wide range of rental options to choose from. The majority of properties in this area are totally private without neighboring rentals, surrounded by trees and the sounds of nature. Book a rental with a private garden and a balcony to enjoy views of the stunning mountain and lake. Splash around in your own private pool in the summer months with quite a few rentals equipped with a private pool and deck area. Several rentals in this area are designed to accommodate large groups, with plenty of bedrooms and facilities for everyone to feel at home. Accommodations in this area are designed with modern interiors and up-to-date appliances. Pet-friendly rentals are available for people traveling with pets.

If you’ll be arriving by air, Santa Barbara Airport is set just 12 miles away from Lake Cachuma. The smaller Santa Ynez Airport is just 8 miles from the lake. If you’ll be renting a car during your trip, there are rental companies at both airports. Having a car is highly recommended during a trip to Lake Cachuma since the area around the lake is quite spread out.

There is plenty to do around the lake. On the south side of the lake you’ll find Cachuma Lake Recreation Area and the Tequepis Trailhead. The Santa Ynez River runs through the east side of the lake, and Cachuma Lake Vista Point is on the west. Santa Ynez is the closest town to the lake and lies around 8 miles northwest. Santa Barbara is the nearest main city at 20 miles southeast of the lake.

Lake Cachuma is known for its abundance of fish species, including large mouthth and small mouth bass, rainbow trout, crappie, channel catfish, and more. With a valid fishing license, fishing is allowed year-round from the shores of Lake Cachuma or from a boat.

Lake Cachuma offers a romantic and laid-back vacation destination for couples seeking some quality time in a natural, tranquil environment. Go horseback riding along the lake, where you can enjoy stunning natural scenery, creeks, canyons, and waterfalls from on top of a horse. There are several ranches around the lake which offer guided horseback tours and daily rides., This region of California is known for its incredible abundance of wineries and vineyards. You can either do a self-guided wine tour where you hit all the nearby wineries, do tastings, walk around the vineyards, and view the winemaking facilities on your own. Or, you can book a guided wine tour with one of the many companies offering tours in the area.

Santa Ynez, just a few miles northwest of Lake Cachuma, is home to countless wineries. You can spend a day visiting them all and sampling the different wines offered at each. Grassin Family Vineyards, Gainey Vineyard, and Roblar Winery are some of the top-rated wineries near Lake Cachuma.

This nature center is a must-visit for families, couples, and travelers visiting the lake. Admission is donation-based and opening times are from Thursdays through Sundays from 10am-4pm. Here you can learn about the rich cultural history of the lake and surrounding areas. There are educational and interactive exhibits featuring the Chumash Native Americans that used to inhabit the region, as well as the native animal and plant species of the area. There are regularly hosted live events and a guided ½ mile nature walk along the Don Wimpress Nature Trail where you can explore the lakeside ecology and oak woodland surroundings.

This scenic spot is a fantastic place to see unparalleled views of the Santa Ynez Valley and Lake Cachuma. You can relax here and enjoy the fresh air while reading the several informational plaques around the point.

You can bring your own boat, kayak, or canoe, or you can rent one from one of the concession stands at the lake. Taking a boat out on the lake is a great way to see various forms of wildlife around the lake, like herons, wild deer, and grebes. Lake Cachuma is known for

There are several great restaurant options to choose from near Lake Cachuma. Grab breakfast at Succulent Café, which offers a variety of delicious menu items like lavender lemonade, eggs Benedict, and French toast. Enjoy an upscale meal at the stylish S.Y. Kitchen where ingredients are thoughtfully and locally sourced. Dos Carlitos serves excellent Mexican and Southwestern style cuisine just a 10-minute drive from the lake.