Itinerary: Lakes

Images of sunny days, tanned bodies and the sand and surf may be synonymous with Southern California, but the beaches aren’t the only places to go to cool off this summer. The lakes in and around Los Angeles County are equally good for splashing about and soaking up the summer sun. As with beaches, it’s best to call ahead to determine whether lake conditions are suitable for swimming.

Friday

If you’re looking for a quick fix, head to Whittier Narrows Recreation Area (750 S. Santa Anita Ave., South El Monte, [626] 575-5526). Three small lakes--North, Center and South lakes--join together and offer model boat racing, fishing and paddle boating. No swimming. There is no cost to use the lake; however, there is a $3 parking fee on weekends and holidays.

If you’re looking for a great place to swim, try the Hansen Dam Aquatic Center at Hansen Dam Recreation Area (11798 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace, [818] 899-3779). The area consists of a 9-acre recreation lake for boating and fishing, and a 1 1/2-acre swimming lake that has been called one of the largest “pools” in the world. No motorboats allowed. Swimming: adults, $1.25; children younger than 17, free. Pedal-boat rentals, $10 an hour.

Saturday

Seven miles north of Magic Mountain you’ll find the 8,000-acre Castaic Lake Recreation Area (32132 Castaic Lake Drive [formerly Ridge Route Road], Castaic, [661] 257-4050). Castaic’s two lakes--Upper Lake and Lower Lagoon--make up one of the largest lake areas in Los Angeles County with more than 29 miles of shoreline. Castaic offers motorboating, water-skiing, fishing and swimming. Aluminum boats and jet skis are available for rent. If you’re more of a landlubber, Castaic has mountain-biking and horseback-riding trails in addition to camping and picnicking. Cost: $6 per car; $6 per boat launch.

Less than an hour from the beaches in Ventura County you’ll find Lake Piru (4780 Piru Canyon Road, Piru, [805] 521-1500). Located in the foothills of the Los Padres National Forest, this 4-mile lake is a haven for weekend getaways. The lake is available for water-skiing, boating, swimming, bass fishing and hiking, and a large grassy area makes for great picnicking. Day use, $8 per vehicle; boats, $8 per day. Jet skis not allowed.

Sunday

Pack up your car and drive east to Puddingstone Lake in Frank G. Bonelli County Regional Park (120 E. Via Verde, San Dimas, [909] 599-8411). The 250-acre lake east of the San Gabriel Mountains is a haven for sailing, water-skiing, swimming, camping and more. In fact, the lake is so popular that it has an odd-even system to accommodate all water vessels. Odd-numbered days of the week are reserved for jet skiing; even-numbered days for power boating and water-skiing. After a day on the lake, you can soothe your sore muscles in one of the 15 hot tubs that overlook the lake at the Puddingstone Hot Tub Resort. Cost: $25 to $35 per hour. For information: (909) 592-2222. Lake cost: $6 per car or boat.

Or try the 70-acre man-made lake at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area (15501 E. Arrow Highway, Irwindale, [626] 334-1065). Go angling for catfish. Take a swim at the 5-acre beach. Rent a paddle boat ($8 per hour) or take the half-mile nature trail, and discover the plants and trees in this 835-acre recreation area. Cost: $6 per vehicle or boat. Seniors, $3, Monday through Friday.