Atascadero Lake Park

A short drive from San Diego you find Atascadero Lake Park. Located right next to the Coronado National Forest, Atascadero Lake Park is a natural park with hiking, boating, fishing and other attractions within its boundaries. This natural park is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Lifts are available for rent, but not for visitors wishing to do the walking!

The playground at Lassen Park is two miles long, offering playground type activities for small children and adults. There is a boat ramp where you can catch a few fish or take a ride on a water scooter through the forest. Lifts are available for rental, too. Another overlook offers a panoramic view of the bay and the peninsula. It's a great place to spend a Saturday, relaxing on one of the many picnic tables or just watching the beautiful sky clear before bedtime.

Another attraction at the park is the Charles Paddock Aquarium, complete with a fully-stocked pool, an aquatic display and several exhibits on saltwater fishes. Children will enjoy the tactile experience as they touch live sea turtles, manta rays, rainbow lizards and more. Adults will appreciate the interactive nature of this aquarium, which features live feeding shows and a large aquarium that house a variety of tropical fish. The park also offers fishing packages for families. The facilities are available on a seasonal basis and include daily catch and release permits.

Located right by the entrance of the park is a nature center complete with interpretive exhibits. It features trails for hiking and cycling, as well as boat tours, sunset butterfly pictures, bird watching and more. The Center for Bird and Water conservation is home to more than 250 species of birds and several hundred amphibians. The Atascadero State Fish Hatchery offers catch and release fishing throughout the year.

A few blocks from the lake is the historic Woodland Park Inn, which serves dinner on the first and second Sunday of each month. Two other small bed-and-breakfasts are also located nearby. The Woodland Park Inn has an Old Town parking lot, and the Gold Lake Inn has a deck and sidewalk that allow you easy access to the rest of the park. Both have comfortable outdoor seating areas and free WiFi. Another nearby attraction is the Sea World, which offers several different types of water attractions. A boat tour of the downtown area is also offered.

As you can see, there are many amenities available near the Atascadero Lake Park area. The area has seen rapid growth in recent years, and a number of new hotels, restaurants and other attractions have been built along the lake. Your entire family will enjoy visiting this area, which is truly an exceptional attraction in this city. You will find a number of excellent hotels in the area, many of which are located right on the water.