Have you ever been to a primary care doctor and wondered why they focus on treating symptoms instead of addressing the root cause of your illness? Rather than take a patient-centered approach to address questions like, “Why are you ill?” they prescribe medications that alleviate symptoms but don’t do much to solve the underlying issue that’s causing you to be sick.
When you have a runny nose, you’re handed an antihistamine. When you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, you’re prescribed a pill that treats the number. The truth is that this approach only tackles your symptoms. When the root cause isn’t fixed, your symptoms can get exponentially worse. Remember - your body’s dysfunction isn’t due to your meds not working.
This begs the question: Wouldn't you rather address the underlying cause of your health concerns so you can experience long-term relief? As a naturopathic doctor in Lakeside, CA, Dr. Erica Oberg takes a functional approach to medicine and well-being instead of treating the symptoms her patients endure.
Health is a state of vibrant vitality, abundant energy, and positive affect. It can be learned, cultivated, and practiced by everyone. Dr. Oberg's approach to health and medicine combines the rigors of science with the wisdom of nature and our bodies. She is passionate about helping people experience a higher level of health and vitality. As such, her clinical practice focuses on preventing, reversing, and taming chronic disease, neuro-degeneration, and anti-aging.
Dr. Oberg specializes in nutrition & lifestyle, IV therapy, and identifying the underlying causes of disease using advanced testing and creating customized treatment plans to help individuals dial in their lifestyle, dietary supplements, peptides, bioidentical hormones, anti-aging pharmaceuticals, and more. If you’re looking for individualized, science-based, proactive functional, integrative, or natural medicine, we believe you’ll resonate with Dr. Oberg and work your way through life’s challenges with help from our functional medicine clinic in Lakeside, CA.
Dr. Oberg and her team of licensed providers specialize in a range of naturopathic and science-based services, including but not limited to:
If you're ready to reclaim your vitality and learn more about Dr. Oberg's approach to health and medicine, we make it easy to get started. The first step is to have a complimentary 15-minute phone call to ask questions and determine if her approach is a good fit. Once Dr. Oberg understands your health needs and goals, your journey to optimal health and wellness truly begins.
Now that you know more about what makes Dr. Oberg different from other physicians, let's dig a little deeper into some of the most popular programs and clinical services offered at her functional medicine clinic.
As people get older, many things change in life. Often, those changes are good, like having more self-control, financial freedom, and patience. Others are hard to deal with, especially when they're out of our control. Like all things in life, our hormones change when we get older. These fluctuations can cause problems for both men and women, including:
If those symptoms sound familiar, you're not alone. A 2019 American Psychological Association survey found that almost half of women aged 30 to 60 in the US have experienced symptoms of a hormonal imbalance. Of course, as men age, they suffer from imbalanced hormones, too. Research from BodyLogicMD states that nearly 38% of males in America aged 45 and older have a testosterone deficiency.
The good news is that balancing your hormones and addressing the root cause of your symptoms doesn’t have to be hard. It’s a realistic goal with Dr. Oberg by your side. As a functional medicine doctor in Lakeside, CA, she can help your body metabolize and detoxify both your own hormones and the endocrine-disrupting chemicals infiltrating your life. When your hormones are in harmony, you experience improved energy, mood, and overall health – and that’s something to be excited about.
Our comprehensive Three-Month Hormone Balancing Program is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools to take control of your hormonal health. This is no "one-and-done service" - it's a holistic journey that spans three transformative months, offering the support and guidance to become confident, capable, and healthier than ever. Features of our hormone balancing program include:
You will receive support throughout your journey from Dr. Oberg, who will provide healthcare services, and our health coaches, who offers personalized coaching tailored to your specific needs.
Nutrition has a significant impact on hormonal health. A customized hormone-balancing diet plan will be provided to help nourish the body optimally based on individual goals.
We provide a range of practical strategies and tips for regulating hormone balance through your nervous system. These techniques aim to empower you to take control of your well-being.
When appropriate, we’ll prescribe you hormone replacement therapy (HRT), testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), or growth hormone peptide therapy to help balance your hormones.
At our functional medical office, we make it a point to correct the root causes of our patient's problems. We don't treat symptoms - but we do use them to figure out the underlying issues you're facing. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it could be time to consider HRT.
When you mention hormone replacement therapy, most people think the treatment is exclusively for females going through menopause. While that's partially true - HRT can relieve night sweats, hot flashes, and other menopause-related problems - men also deal with imbalanced hormones.
Testosterone plays a crucial role in male sexual health. Low levels can result in decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual performance issues. Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection may be a sign of imbalanced hormones or low testosterone levels.
When your sleep patterns change - like when you have trouble falling or staying asleep - it could be a sign of a hormone imbalance. Testosterone is involved in regulating the sleep cycle, and insufficient levels of it can disrupt quality rest.
Imbalances in hormones can affect mental health and mood. If a man shows signs of irritability, mood swings, or depression, it could indicate low testosterone or other hormonal issues. Hormone replacement therapy can help regulate mood by balancing your hormone levels.
Menopause happens when a woman has not had a menstrual cycle for at least 12 consecutive months. It is a result of declining sex hormone levels, causing the ovaries to stop releasing egg cells. During menopause, women face a range of challenges.
Testosterone plays a crucial role in male sexual health. Low levels can result in decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual performance issues. Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection may be a sign of imbalanced hormones or low testosterone levels.
Irregular menstrual cycles are a common sign that women are nearing menopause, and their hormone levels may be shifting. The frequency of their periods may increase or decrease, and the amount of bleeding could be more or less than usual, while also lasting for a shorter or longer time.
Hot flashes are perhaps the most well-known symptom of menopause and a frequent sign that a woman's hormones are imbalanced. Hot flashes are sudden feelings of warmth and sweating that are usually most intense on your face, neck, and chest.
Don't let hormone imbalances dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your balance, energy, and vitality. By working together with Dr. Oberg and her team, you can unlock the path to a healthier, more harmonious you.
When you choose Dr. Oberg as your naturopathic doctor in Lakeside, CA, a new world of healthy living and wellness options are at your disposal. One of the most popular and effective ways to give your body the goodness it needs is with custom IV therapy at our functional medicine office.
Customized IV therapy from Dr. Oberg is all about tailoring your treatment to meet your health goals and needs. Unlike one-size-fits-all IV clinics, our team considers factors like nutrient deficiencies, hydration levels, and overall health to create a customized infusion. This personalized approach gives you better and more applicable results, whether you're looking to get a boost of energy, fortify your immune system, or get relief from a specific ailment.
Your custom IV therapy begins with a consultation with Dr. Oberg. During your initial meeting, we’ll get a better sense of what your brain and body needs. From there, we’ll create a custom infusion for you – not just a formula that matches your height, weight, and age.
Our IV drip therapy menu includes infusions such as:
IV therapy is considered one of the best ways to get the nutrients and immune-boosting goodness your body needs because it gives you a more direct, efficient means of delivery. Unlike oral supplement, which often falls short due to digestive limitations, IV therapy ensures swift and comprehensive nutrient absorption. Some of the biggest benefits of IV therapy from a functional medicine doctor in Lakeside, CA include the following:
IV fluids and electrolytes rapidly hydrate your body, providing an efficient remedy for dehydration resulting from illness, physical activity, or excessive alcohol intake.
IV treatment is able to increase energy and fight tiredness, which can make you feel re-energized.
IV infusions containing immune-enhancing vitamins and antioxidants can fortify your immune system and assist in recovering from illness.
IV therapy containing growth factors, exosomes, and vitamins is effective in improving the health and appearance of the skin and hair. These components complement hair and facial microneedling treatments exceptionally well.
IV therapy can help reduce the symptoms of toxic exposure, like headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dehydration, whether it's from a basic hangover or prolonged exposure to molds, heavy metals, or other toxins.
Dr. Oberg’s personalized IV infusions can serve as an initial boost for making lifestyle changes and play a role in a sustained plan to control persistent conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, cancer, heart disease, and others.
Support Mitochondria function and Anti-aging
Dr. Oberg offers carefully sourced and research backed regenerative therapies such as exosome and stem cell infusions. These can be powerful options for people recovering from chronic infections such as long COVID or Epstein Barr or Lyme. They are also powerful for neuro-regeneration and we frequently use them in stroke recovery and for traumatic brain injury.
Dr. Oberg offers personalized IV micronutrient therapy tailored to address specific nutritional deficiencies, hydration needs, and overall health. This therapy is based on advanced testing that evaluates your cells' nutrient levels. Whether you need more energy, a stronger immune system, or relief from different health issues, IV drip therapy can be customized to help you rediscover the very best version of yourself.
As we get older, our bodies experience a range of changes that affect our health and appearance. These changes are primarily caused by issues with mitochondria and cellular aging. However, there have been significant developments in regenerative medicine, offering the potential to turn back the hands of time and improve health. Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Oberg to begin your journey with regenerative medicine.
Regenerative medicine is an exciting, innovative field that centers on activating your body's innate regenerative abilities to repair and revitalize tissues, cells, and organs. Its focus is on improving your body's natural healing processes to counteract the impacts of aging and different health issues. If you find that old, nagging injuries won’t go away or that fine lines and wrinkles have become overwhelming, anti-aging medicine from a functional medicine doctor in Lakeside, CA may be perfect for you.
At our naturopathic medical office, we use treatments like IV therapy, hormone replacement therapy, and Peptide Therapy to manage a broad array of health and aesthetic concerns. These treatments can aid in tissue repair, inflammation reduction, and enhancement of cellular function.
Anti-aging services offered at our functional medicine clinic include the following:
Peptides are fundamental components of proteins and play a crucial role in various biological processes, such as the aging process. Dr. Oberg offers peptide treatments to help counteract age-related decline, enhance muscle growth and performance, improve skin health, and more.
When you bring your hormones back into balance, you can fight back against issues such as fatigue, mood swings, reduced libido, and even erectile dysfunction.
Replenish vital nutrients, antioxidants, and hydration for improved energy levels, skin health, and immune support.
Exosomes are tiny vesicles generated from mesenchymal stem cells. These vesicles serve as powerful communicators, transmitting signals to various tissues in the body. Their main function is to trigger healing, regeneration, and repair processes, mimicking the actions of younger cells. They are considered to be one of the most effective strategies for combating the aging process.
When nutrition guidance, lifestyle adaptations, and powerful supplements are combined with naturopathic medical therapies from Dr. Oberg, you can reverse chronic diseases in your life and reach your anti-aging goals.
Our goal with regenerative medicine treatments is to rejuvenate deteriorating or aging tissue. Our approach to treatment centers on fixing and reversing damage instead of solely addressing symptoms like pain. Regenerative medicine harnesses the power of healthy cells to renew and restore function by enhancing the body's innate capacity for self-healing.
Dr. Oberg uses regenerative medicine to treat a range of issues, both aesthetic and injury-related, including the following:
Experience the future of anti-aging and regenerative medicine with Dr. Erica Oberg. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and embark on your journey to a healthier, more youthful you.
When you visit our functional medicine clinic, you can rest easy knowing Dr. Erica Oberg uses her unique skills, knowledge, and naturopathic principles for the betterment of your health and well-being. Unlike many traditional primary care providers, our team combines the best aspects of traditional wisdom and modern scientific medicine to diagnose, treat, and prevent chronic diseases.
You don't have to worry about us suggesting addictive pain medications or treatments that simply mask your aesthetic or medical challenges. Instead, our goal is to address the underlying factors holding you back. If you're ready to take the first step toward purposeful progress and healthy living, contact us today.
The Little League World Series is scheduled Aug. 18-25 in South Williamsport, Pa. It’s always a watchable event regardless of which team one is rooting for. For a select few, it’s also a launch pad to Major League Baseball as well as the collegiate ranks.University of San Diego junior catcher Arial Armas appeared in the 2015 LLWS for California District 42 champion Sweetwater Valley Little League. Just recently he was accorded honors with the 2024 American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings Gold Glove award as the best ...
The Little League World Series is scheduled Aug. 18-25 in South Williamsport, Pa. It’s always a watchable event regardless of which team one is rooting for. For a select few, it’s also a launch pad to Major League Baseball as well as the collegiate ranks.
University of San Diego junior catcher Arial Armas appeared in the 2015 LLWS for California District 42 champion Sweetwater Valley Little League. Just recently he was accorded honors with the 2024 American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings Gold Glove award as the best defensive catcher in the nation among NCAA Division I schools.
Armas, who was involved in the climactic rundown between third base and home plate in the West regional championship game against Hawaii to send Sweetwater Valley to Pennsylvania, posted a national-leading 0.998 fielding percentage in 55 games for the Toreros while throwing out 15 would-be base-stealers. He earned honors as the 2024 West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
Armas is not alone.
Former Park View Little League 2016 World Series standout Ali Camarillo was a member of this year’s Texas A&M squad that battled Tennessee in the Collegiate World Series. A junior transfer (from Cal State Northridge), Camarillo helped the Aggies advance to college baseball’s elite stage with a .288 hitting average to go with seven home runs, 50 runs scored and 36 RBI from his shortstop position. He started all 68 games in 2024 for Texas A&M, recording 72 hits — 21 for extra bases. As a senior at Otay Ranch High School, Camarillo batted 0.530 and stole 25 bases.
No. 1 Tennessee defeated Texas A&M two games to one in the teams’ best-of-three series.
Looking ahead
The road to the 2024 Little League World Series has begun for local 12U San Diego County all-star teams, so it’s possible lightning could strike again someday in the future for a homegrown player.
More than 50 former Little Leaguers have made it as far as the MLB level. It’s rarefied strata considering the estimated 16 million baseball players in this country.
A total of 20 teams will compete in South Williamsport — 10 regional champions from the United States and 10 international teams. The U.S. and international teams play in separate brackets leading up to the Little League World Series championship game. There is also a third-place consolation game.
Domestic teams generally qualify through district, sectional, divisional and regional tournaments.
San Diego County teams wrapped up district all-star play this past weekend to determine which teams will advance on the long road to Pennsylvania — and other points throughout the country in other age divisions.
East County hopefuls in the 12U Little League Division include Lakeside National (California District 41) and Las Palmas (California District 66). Sweetwater Valley will represent California District 42 in the age division. California District 41 and California District 66 serve East County while California District 42 encompasses South County.
Besides the iconic Little League division, there are five other age divisions: 10U, 11U, intermediate (11-13), junior (12-14) and senior (13-16).
However, only the 12U division advances to the Little League World Series.
The 10U and 11U divisions conclude with regional state championships.
Local 10U district champions include Valley de Oro (District 66), Fletcher Hills (District 41) and Sweetwater Valley (District 42).
Local 11U district champions include Lemon Grove (District 66), Alpine American (District 41) and Sweetwater Valley (District 42).
Alpine American defeated Santee National to win the District 41 11U division title while Fletcher Hills defeated Santee National for the 10U championship pennant.
Lakeside National shut out Fletcher Hills, 7-0, in the 12U final. Regional tournaments on the road to the Little League World Series include Great Lakes, Metro, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Mountain, New England, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest and West.
The West region comprises Arizona, Northern California, Southern California and Hawaii.
International divisions include Asia-Pacific and Middle East, Australia, Canada, Caribbean, Europe and Africa, Japan, Latin America and Mexico. Cuba, Panama and Puerto Rico receive two bids on a rotating basis with the remaining team forced to play through a regional qualifier.
The Junior Division, Intermediate Division and Senior Division all feature regional tournaments and a national championship event.
The Junior League Baseball World Series is slated Aug. 4-11 in Taylor, Mich. There are six United States regionals and six international regionals.
The Intermediate 50/70 Baseball World Series is scheduled July 28 to Aug. 4 in Livermore. There are six U.S. regionals, including a California regional, and six international regionals.
The Senior League Baseball World Series is scheduled July 27 to Aug. 3 in Easley, S.C. There are six U.S. regionals and six international regionals.
Little League International also fields three national softball tournaments.
Locals only
California District 41 boundaries include 14 local leagues: Alpine American, El Cajon National, El Cajon Western, Fletcher Hills (El Cajon), Jamul, Julian, Lakeside American, Lakeside National, Mountain Empire (Campo), Rancho de Oro, Rios Canyon (El Cajon), Santee National, Singing Hills (El Cajon) and West Hills (Santee).
California District 66 boundaries include 10 leagues: Encanto (San Diego), Las Palmas (National City), Lemon Grove, National City American, San Diego American, Skyline (San Diego), Southeastern (San Diego), Spring Valley, Twin Hills (San Diego/Paradise Hills) and Valley de Oro (Spring Valley).
California District 42 boundaries encompass nine leagues: Chula Vista American, Chula Vista National, Eastlake, Imperial Beach, Luckie Waller (San Diego), Park View (Chula Vista), South Bay (Chula Vista), Southwest (San Diego) and Sweetwater Valley (Bonita).
Overall, there are 15 Little League districts in San Diego County.
California District 33 also dips into parts of East County. Boundaries include Allied Gardens, Chollas Lake, Kearny Mesa, La Mesa, Lake Murray, Mid-City, Mission Trails, Murphy Canyon, North Park, Patriot, Rolando, San Carlos, Serra Mesa, Sunshine and Tierrasanta.
Beyond the district level, teams compete in the California Section 7 championship tournament. The Section 7 tournament features champions from District 41, District 42, District 66 and District 22 (Imperial Valley).
California District 22 includes Brawley, Calexico, Calipatria, El Centro, Heber, Holtville, Imperial, Sunbeam (El Centro) and Westmorland.
District 66 will host the Section 7 10U tournament at its Sweetwater Lane Sports Complex in Spring Valley starting Saturday, July 13, at 4 p.m.
Valley de Oro will represent District 66 while Fletcher Hills will represent District 41.
Lemon Grove (District 66) and Alpine American (District 41) both advanced to the California Section 7 11U tournament being hosted by Alpine Little League.
District 41 is hosting the 12U Section 7 tournament at Lakeside National, also starting Saturday. Lakeside National (District 41), Las Palmas (District 66) and Sweetwater Valley (District 42) are representing San Diego County. Previously, District 66 hosted the Section 7 Senior League tournament.
The combined team from Lemon Grove and Spring Valley won the championship title over District 42 champion Eastlake to advance to the Southern California state tournament hosted by District 72 Norco Little League.
Santee National (District 41) defeated Park View (District 42) to win the Intermediate Division section title and, in the process, advance to the Southern California state tournament.
Route 66
District 66 is fielding the same number of leagues (10) this year but will reduce that number by two next year, according to district administrator Rolland Slade.
“Next year we will be combining Las Palmas and National City American into one league in National City,” he said. “Additionally, we will be combining Encanto and Skyline Little League into one league. That will give us eight leagues total, though I think we will be stronger.”
Slade said registration was slightly less than last year. For 2024, the district had 1,386 registrations compared to 1,518, for 2023 and 1,510 for 2022. All numbers were significantly higher than 949 for 2021 while coming off the COVID-19 pandemic. But the hope is for higher numbers next year.
“Our registration numbers were down slightly,” Slade noted. “Over the district that’s one team per league. I expect that to grow this next year with introduction of the central registration system of players under the age of 7. That system will be featured during the national telecast of the Little League World Series.”
There is exciting news for the district on other fronts.
“We are excited that we were able to add girls softball,” Slade said. “The 8-9-10 girls from Lemon Grove and Little League (10-12) girls from Las Palmas advanced to their respective California state tournaments.
“We hope to continue to grow this aspect of our program using the marketing that will come out for our ‘Girls with Game’ celebration. Little League is celebrating 50 years of girls playing Little League. I hope that we can make ties with San Diego State University and take our girls out to see them play.”
The 2024 Lady Aztecs won the Mountain West championship title and advanced two rounds deep into the NCAA regionals.
The new building on Lakeside Special Care Center's campus is the latest development in Generations Healthcare's rapidly expanding behavioral health program.LAKESIDE, Calif., June 6, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Generations Healthcare is thrilled to announce the grand opening of a new behavioral health building on the ...
The new building on Lakeside Special Care Center's campus is the latest development in Generations Healthcare's rapidly expanding behavioral health program.
LAKESIDE, Calif., June 6, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Generations Healthcare is thrilled to announce the grand opening of a new behavioral health building on the Lakeside Special Care Center campus, located in Lakeside, CA. The press and public are invited to celebrate the grand opening on June 13, from 3 to 7 p.m.
While Lakeside Special Care Center has operated its special treatment program since 2020, this brand-new building will allow for a much-needed expansion of its behavioral health services.
"I'm thrilled to officially open our new building and provide mental health services to even more patients in need," said Jamie Boehs, administrator of Lakeside Special Care Center. "The mental health care we offer can be life-changing — not only for our patients but also for the community."
The new building at Lakeside is just one initiative associated with Generations' expanding behavioral health program. According to Thomas Jurbala, director of operations for behavioral health at Generations Healthcare, special treatment programs will be an ongoing investment for Generations as a whole.
"Expanding our treatment offerings has been and will continue to be a priority," Jurbala said. "I've seen first-hand the benefit that our special treatment programs have on patients and their outcomes. With this new building, we're proud to be able to offer these services to an even greater number of patients."
Join the Generations team in celebrating the grand opening of the new building at Lakeside Special Care Center on June 13 at 11962 Woodside Ave. in Lakeside from 3 to 7 p.m.
For more information about Generations Healthcare and the new behavioral health building on the Lakeside Special Care Center campus, please visit https://lifegen.net.
About Generations Healthcare Generations Healthcare began with a single, 89-bed skilled nursing facility in 1998. It has since grown to 30 facilities with more than 3,300 licensed beds. Eight facilities offer behavioral health services, bringing Generations' care and beliefs to another sector of the industry. Generations was founded on the belief that caring for the elderly and infirm is a sacred stewardship. Since its inception, Generations has established an excellent reputation in the communities served by its facilities, building this reputation through a concerted focus on quality and service.
Media Contact
Lillian Sanders, Generations Healthcare, (916) 827-6738, lillian.sanders@fullcast.com, https://lifegen.net/
SOURCE Generations Healthcare
Clear Lake, one of California’s oldest and most-visited lakes, is not so clear anymore after an algal bloom turned the water cloudy and green.Images from NASA underscore the dramatic change in water quality at the Northern California tourist destination. Clear Lake ...
Clear Lake, one of California’s oldest and most-visited lakes, is not so clear anymore after an algal bloom turned the water cloudy and green.
Images from NASA underscore the dramatic change in water quality at the Northern California tourist destination. Clear Lake is in Lake County about 120 miles north of San Francisco.
The bloom may be comprised of blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, which produce microcystin, “a potent toxin that can irritate the skin and cause liver and kidney damage,” the National Aeronautics and Space Administration wrote.
The image below shows the lake on May 16, 2023, (left) and the same date this year (right). The algal levels were significantly lower at this time last year, as evidenced by the clear change in water color.
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Algal blooms have been common in Clear Lake’s long history, but have grown more common with human activity in the last century, according to NASA.
“Runoff from nearby farms, vineyards, faulty septic systems, gravel mines, and an abandoned open-pit mercury mine contributes to water quality issues in the lake,” NASA wrote.
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Additionally, they wrote, some nutrients exist in the lake bed’s sediment and are mixed into the water by waves and nonnative carp.
The NASA satellite image below shows the lake in greater detail. The main algal bloom, in the top left of the lake, is dark and cloudy.
The image was taken May 15 during the peak of the visible bloom. Toxicity monitoring data from May 8 did not yet show the bloom, and the next sampling will not take place until June 4.
At 43,000 acres, Clear Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in California, possibly the oldest lake in North America.
The lake is the centerpiece for several communities in the rural Lake County area, including Lakeport, Clearlake, Kelseyville, Glenhaven and several others.
The main attractions — boating, fishing and swimming — may be affected by the algal bloom for weeks to come, officials warn.
Envision starting your day with serene vistas of gentle waters, vibrant foliage, and verdant surroundings. This picturesque scenario is a daily reality when residing by California's premier lakes. The state's diverse lakeside locales range from peaceful retreats to lively hubs of activity, making the dream of lakeside living attainable in the Golden State.The allure of these top Californian lakes includes the absence of oceanic hazards like riptides and sharks, and the convenience of enjoying the waterfront without the hassle of sandy...
Envision starting your day with serene vistas of gentle waters, vibrant foliage, and verdant surroundings. This picturesque scenario is a daily reality when residing by California's premier lakes. The state's diverse lakeside locales range from peaceful retreats to lively hubs of activity, making the dream of lakeside living attainable in the Golden State.
The allure of these top Californian lakes includes the absence of oceanic hazards like riptides and sharks, and the convenience of enjoying the waterfront without the hassle of sandy garments. These idyllic spots offer a slice of paradise that beckons for endless enjoyment.
Lake Tahoe is a gorgeous Northern California lake with superb views, outdoor recreation, and plenty of entertainment. The two main parts of the lake, North and South Shore, offer somewhat distinct properties and should be discussed separately.
North Lake Tahoe: If lakeside living enveloped in the wilderness sounds like a lifestyle you’d enjoy, then the North Shore is a better fit for you. Dotted with world-class ski resorts, North Lake Tahoe offers more of a mountainous lifestyle than its southern counterpart. You’ll face more tourists here during the winter months, but in comparison you’ll have yourself a serene summer scene.
Truckee, Tahoe City, and Tahoe Vista are some of the most popular towns for living in Lake Tahoe. While giant lakeside mansions have steeper price tags, houses inland are more in line with the regular state standards.
Tahoe Region
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South Lake Tahoe: If North Lake Tahoe is a pristine and relaxed winter wonderland, South Lake Tahoe is more of a year-round affair. As any guide to Lake Tahoe would tell you, the lake’s reputation as a premier vacation spot precedes it. While winters are more relaxing than summers, it’s unlikely that you'll ever have a slice of public South Tahoe waters all to yourself.
This side of the lake doesn’t lack natural beauty whatsoever. But, it also packs plenty of indoor entertainment. Après ski clubs, restaurants, and shopping spots are aplenty—boredom is out of the question.
Since last year, average home prices in South Lake Tahoe have gone up approximately 21 percent. According to the average value index, you’re looking at about $500,000 to $600,000 for a home at one of the best lakes to live on.
Nestled within the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake presents an enchanting retreat, boasting seasonal charms that cater to various interests. During the winter months, the area becomes a haven for snow-based activities, while spring ushers in a period of tranquility. Autumn showcases the stunning beauty of changing leaves, and summer invites endless water sports and activities under the sun. Big Bear Lake epitomizes the quintessential year-round paradise.
Contrary to the typical secluded lakeside living, Big Bear Lake offers the best of both worlds. Situated just a two-hour journey from the heart of Los Angeles, it provides easy access to urban amenities and coastal pleasures, blending the tranquility of lake living with the vibrancy of city life. With its appealing real estate market, where home values have been appreciating consistently, Big Bear Lake stands out as a premier choice for those seeking a lakeside residence, with median home prices ranging between $400,000 and $500,000.
Sitting pretty in the Shasta Trinity National Forest, Lake Shasta is one of California’s best lakes for many reasons. Boaters flock to the lake every summer, making pontoons, jet skies, sailboats, and houseboats common Lake Shasta sights during the warmer months. You also won’t run out of fresh seafood to catch since Shasta is abundant in bass, catfish, sturgeon, and everything in between.
Compared to other lake towns, Lake Shasta is somewhat more affordable in property prices. The average home value index is reported to be around $250,000, with lower yearly price increases than Tahoe and Big Bear.
If the amazing outdoor recreation and beautiful scenery aren’t enough to convince you to live in Mammoth Lakes, the 300 days of sunshine definitely will. The Mono County destination boasts a vibrant scene of local businesses and a tight-knit community that’ll help you fit right in.
The beautiful mountainous city offers housing options for every family size, including condos and single-family homes. The average home prices hover around half a million dollars. We can rave about the picturesque Central California destination all day, but the best way to see Mammoth Lakes is definitely on a weekend getaway.
The shores of Donner Lake are adorned with charming cabins and luxurious houses. Residential complexes can be found on both the north and south shores. Cottages are aplenty on Donner Pass Road, and more modern glass-front houses are common at Donner Summit. The wide range of listings also means that home prices are very varied, ranging from $200,000 all the way to millions.
Your best bet is to live and work in the mountain town of Truckee. It offers comfort and convenience, along with the opportunity to play along the shores of the lake when the season is right. Undoubtedly one of the best lakes to live on, Donner will give you the best lakeside features without cutting you off from big-city amenities.
Clearlake is one the more affordable lake towns in California, with average home prices just under $200,000. However, its ghost town status seems to be changing with a larger number of people moving here after the pandemic. While Clearlake has not always found itself among the list of best lakes to live on in California, its newfound popularity may change that substantially.
The city is rebuilding its park with the goal of making it a better place to live. Many serious steps are being taken to tackle the city’s larger problems such as littering, homelessness, and fire hazards. When moving here, you’ll enjoy the NorCal lakeside lifestyle among gorgeous natural scenery.
Lake San Antonio isn’t among the most urbanized lake towns in California, but it sure is among the most beautiful. As the premier freshwater spot in Monterey County, Lake San Antonio is popular among hikers, campers, boaters, birders, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
You’ll find that the residential properties here are mostly large-scale, single, and multi-family homes. Therefore, people coming to Lake San Antonio mostly use their properties as vacation homes—you won’t find many full-time residents. However, San Luis Obispo is only an hour-long drive away. So, if living life in the slow lane is your cup of tea, then you'll love living at SLO and vacationing around Lake San Antonio.
Southern California is most famous for its singular season. It’s a place where sunny days abound and golden-sand beaches are punctuated by surfers taking on the epic waves. Hiding just two hours inland from Los Angeles, travelers will find Big Bear Lake, a spectacular mountain oasis that delivers springtime wildflowers, summer hikes, fall foliage, and snow-filled fun all winter long.“When you live in LA, it's only natural that you need an escape from all the hustle and bustle, and Big Bear is just that,” Sara Simon, ...
Southern California is most famous for its singular season. It’s a place where sunny days abound and golden-sand beaches are punctuated by surfers taking on the epic waves. Hiding just two hours inland from Los Angeles, travelers will find Big Bear Lake, a spectacular mountain oasis that delivers springtime wildflowers, summer hikes, fall foliage, and snow-filled fun all winter long.
“When you live in LA, it's only natural that you need an escape from all the hustle and bustle, and Big Bear is just that,” Sara Simon, owner of Noble+Proper in Big Bear, shared with Travel + Leisure. “It's peaceful, offers a slower pace of life, and is a great place to escape to reconnect with yourself, nature, or a special someone.”
Indeed, it’s a destination where Angelenos (and travelers from farther away) can come to chill out — both metaphorically and literally. “Here, it is usually about 20 degrees cooler than the cities below,” Liz Blake, who hosts sound healing and yoga sessions in Big Bear, added. “I encourage travelers to come to shift their perspective to relax the body, explore the senses in nature, and reflect on the stillness of nature to calm the monkey mind.”
Ready to explore all that Big Bear Lake has to offer? Here’s how to plan a perfect mountain escape.
Noble+Proper offers travelers the chance to indulge in all their mountain lodge fantasies while still getting every ounce of luxury they desire. The hotel’s cabins come decked out with colorful wallpaper, high-end furnishings, and full kitchens, so guests can totally settle in.
Big Bear Lake Front Lodge delivers exactly what its name describes — lakefront access. The old-school lodge offers several rooms with full kitchens and spacious living rooms, making it an ideal spot for families or large groups who want to spend as much time together as possible.
Want to bring your four-legged friend along for your trip to Big Bear? Book a stay at Midnight Moon Cabins, where dogs are always welcome. The three cabins are equipped with full kitchens, high-end linens, and plenty of chic style thanks to its black and gold aesthetic that makes for an excellent Instagram backdrop.
Didn’t pack enough cold-weather clothing? Head to Big Bear’s downtown area to shop in some of its charming boutiques. We say “downtown” loosely, as Big Bear Village is really a short road lined with just a few shops, but it gets the job done all the same. Stop into places like O Koo Ran for women’s wear or Bear Essentials for just about everything.
Big Bear is an outdoor paradise with miles upon miles of fantastic hiking, but to get the best view, try making your way up Pine Knot Trail, rated the number one route in the area on All Trails. The 6.8-mile hike is rated as moderate, so make sure to take your time. But if you do go all the way, you’ll be rewarded with fantastic 360-degree views.
Looking for something a little less strenuous? Hang out with Blake for a sound healing session. The session includes 30 minutes of guided yoga followed by a 15-minute sound bath, which will leave you feeling totally renewed.
Laugh and scream to your heart’s content with a ride down the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain. Guests take a calm chairlift up the mountain before getting onto a sled to zip down the hill as fast as they can on the closed track. (Yes, it does come with a break, just in case you feel like you need to slow down).
Visiting Big Bear in the winter means getting the chance to ski down its impressive slopes. Big Bear Mountain Resort is ideal for all levels, with terrain spread across 800 skiable acres. Tickets are available in half, full, and multi-day options.
Start your day in Big Bear by getting exactly what you want at Amangela’s Sandwich and Bagel House. Here, guests can choose a creation from its lengthy menu, including veggie bagels stacked high and classics like lox and cream cheese. Or, guests can make their own creations that include all the ingredients they want, and nothing more.
Before heading out for a hike, a day on the slopes, or an adventure on the lake, stop in at The Old German Deli. It’s a quaint little spot that offers fantastic to-go sandwiches that will fuel all your adventures. You can’t go wrong with the smoked turkey club with Swiss cheese.
There aren’t many fine dining options in Big Bear, but 572 Social is really all you need. The menu includes plenty of sharable plates, which you can enjoy on the outdoor patio when the weather is right, and mains like charred salmon with caramelized onions and grilled vegetables and seared ahi tuna steak.
Toast one more time to your vacation in Big Bear with a beer at Fire Rock. While it also serves some tasty burgers, the star here is the craft beer menu. Go for the Free Bird Blonde Ale for something lighter or Purple Haze Raspberry Lager for a fruity refresher.
The best time to visit Big Bear depends on what you’re after for a vacation. If you’re looking for a snow-filled ski trip, make your way to the mountain from late December through March. For wildflowers, head to Big Bear in spring, from late April to early June. For warm days filled with lakeside dips, go in July through September, and for fall foliage, try the end of September to early November. Big Bear really is a year-round destination that has something for every kind of traveler.
The easiest way to get to Big Bear from Los Angeles is by driving on the 101 South to the 210 East for about two hours (depending on traffic). Just make sure to check the weather and road conditions before you leave, especially in the winter.
If you’re coming from far away, you can also fly into Ontario International Airport, which sits halfway between Los Angeles and Big Bear, and drive the remaining one hour in a rental car from there.
Having a car makes it easy to get from one end of the lake to the other, to and from the mountain, and everywhere in between. But if you really want to avoid driving, you can also hop on the Mountain Transit Bus System, which offers rides around town for $1.50. There’s also the Big Bear Weekend Trolley that makes stops at Bear Mountain Mountain Resort and a few other must-see attractions for $1.50 per ride.
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