The ocean and Disneyland are great and everything, but California has so much more to offer! Check out our two favorite spots to go houseboating in central and northern Calilfornia:

Shasta Lake, CA

Where Is It:  Just outside of Redding in Northern California, Shasta Lake is part of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, surrounded by sprawling mountains and treelined shoreline -- SEE MAP --

Why You Should Visit: Shasta Lake is the top fishing lake in California with over 20 types of both warm and cold water species. There are also Black Tailed Mule Deer, Black Bear, Bald Eagle, and Osprey in the area.

Must See/Do: Take a tour at the Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark, caves full of limestone formations that are 250 million years old! The entrance can be accessed by boat on the north end of the McCloud River Arm.

Best Time to Go: Houseboats rent year round but the most desirable weather and water temperatures are between mid-May through September -- SEE WEATHER --

Good to Know:  Every weekend in May is considered a holiday and requires an additional security deposit.

Houseboat Options and Sizes: Twelve houseboat sizes ranging from 8-22 sleepers -- SEE HOUSEBOATS --

Eight houseboat sizes at Jones Valley and Silverthorn Marinas ranging from 12-22 sleepers:

• 3 night weekend: Fri-Mon
• 4 night midweek: Mon-Fri
• 7 nights full week starting Sun, Mon, Thurs, Fri, or Sat
  *Some houseboats have a 7 night minimum during the summer season

Four houseboat sizes at Bridge Bay Marina ranging from 8-13 sleepers:

• 2 night minimum, no set schedule
• No Tuesday or Wednesday arrivals

More About the Experience: 
Shasta Lake: The Complete Package

Lake Don Pedro, CA

Where Is It:  About an hour east of Modesto CA sits Lake Don Pedro, nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills that also borders the northwestern corner of Yosemite National Park. It covers the site of Jacksonville, a Gold Rush town that was once a major supply center for miners along the Tuolumne River. -- SEE MAP --

Why You Should Visit: Carved out by the Tuolumne River with several tributaries that drain into the lake to maintain high water levels and comfortable water temperature. Great for boating and water sports, as well as year-round fishing. 

Must See/Do: Gardener Falls is a waterfall that runs from late fall to late spring/early summer, it's a popular site to visit on the water. 

Best Time to Go: Houseboats rent year round but the most desirable weather and water temperatures are between mid-May through September -- SEE WEATHER --

Houseboat Options and Sizes: Seven houseboat sizes ranging from 6-10 sleepers -- SEE HOUSEBOATS --

• 3 night weekend: Thurs-Sun or Fri-Mon
• 3 night midweek: Sun-Wed or Mon-Thurs
• 6 nights full week starting Thurs or Fri
  *Houseboat schedules vary by model

More About the Experience:
Lake Don Pedro: Your Gateway to Unforgettable Memories

Start planning your own Californian houseboat vacation! Give us a call at 888-454-8825 or send an Online Request and an agent will reach out to you.