Outdoors
Lakes near Salinas
16 named lakes within 30 miles, nearest first, with a map and directions.
Lakes within 30 mi
16
Closest
5.5 mi
Espinosa Lake
Within 10 miles
1
Reservoirs
9
Worth the drive
Map
Map of 16 places loads as you scroll.
All lakes, nearest first
- 5.5miEspinosa Lake
- 12.1miBennett Sloughreservoir
- 13.1miDel Monte Lake
- 13.6miMc Closky Sloughreservoir
- 13.9miLake El Estero
- 13.9miEl Estero Lake
- 15.5miSan Justo Reservoirreservoir
- 16.2miSoda Lake
- 18.7miKelly Lake
- 20.3miPinto Lake
- 20.7miPaicines Reservoirreservoir
- 20.7miLos Padres Reservoirreservoir
- 23.5miSan Felipe Lakereservoir
- 26.9miUvas Reservoirreservoir
- 29.5miBear Gulch Reservoirreservoir
- 29.8miCoyote Reservoirreservoir
Straight-line distance from the center of Salinas; driving and trail distances are longer.
Before you go
Many reservoirs are drinking-water supplies with no swimming or body contact. Look for a designated swim beach.
Green, scummy or paint-like water can be a toxic blue-green algae bloom. Keep kids and dogs out and check the county advisory.
Boat launches often need a day pass or inspection for invasive mussels, and anglers 16 and older usually need a state fishing license.
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Questions
What is the closest lake to Salinas?
Espinosa Lake, about 5.5 miles from the center of Salinas.
How many lakes are near Salinas?
16 named lakes are within 30 miles, 1 of them within 10 miles.
Are the lakes near Salinas natural?
9 of the 16 are reservoirs made by dams; the rest are mapped as natural lakes. Swimming rules differ, so check each one.
Sources: Wikidata and OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked 2026-11-08; photos from Wikimedia Commons under the licenses shown. Access, fees and conditions change; check before visiting.