Cachuma Lake makes a wonderful destination for fresh water boating and fishing activities, as well as camping, picnicking, Frisbee golf, hiking and wildlife watching (especially bald eagles and ospreys). Located between the Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains, for multiple day visits, Cachuma Lake Recreation Area offers tent sites, cabins, yurts, hookups and group areas for rent, which can be reserved.

There is a marina where watercraft (canoes, kayaks and boats) can be rented or launched, or you can take, for a fee, a two hour Eagle and Wildlife Lake Cruise with a park naturalist. During the summer months there is a swimming pool. In addition to many miles of hiking trails around the lake, the Neal Taylor Nature Center has interesting and informative displays.

At the western end of the lake, there is a Vista Point turnoff for the Bradbury Dam, which created Cachuma. From the parking lot, there is a terrific wooded trail with excellent views of the lake. The Sweetwater Trail is also recommended.

Lake Cachuma has something for almost everyone to enjoy.