Being a suburb of Los Angeles, Woodland Hills sure knows how to attract fun-loving folks from the surrounding areas of Calabasas, Tarzana and Topanga, what with the beautiful beaches of Malibu only a short drive away and the sexiest trendsetting spots populating famous thoroughfares like Hollywood Boulevard in the near distance. But Woodland Hills is also known for its many parks and green spaces, to say nothing of its plethora of outdoor activity opportunities to take advantage of, a list that includes (but is certainly not limited to) hiking and biking.

Amidst these natural attractions are some of the most beautiful lakes and waterways you’ll ever lay eyes on, so if you have been looking for something different to do as we all continue to endure the COVID restrictions, we have some suggestions for the prettiest lakes to visit around Woodland Hills.

Lake Calabasas, beautifully and serenely situated at 23401 Park Sorrento in Calabasas, offers a variety of wildlife to take in, including turtles, ducks, geese, cranes, and other birds, with scenery that can only be described as downright amazing. The gorgeous lake, protected by on-site security, represents an ideal place to run and work out and making it even more enthralling is the fact that it is only open to residents. Lake Calabasas and its accompanying park are well-maintained, relaxing, and uber-serene, so pack up that good book, plug-in those earbuds, and prepare for the tranquil experience we all need right now.

Reseda Pond Path, a 0.6-mile moderately-trafficked loop trail located near Reseda and part of the Reseda Park and Recreation Center, features a stunning lake perfect as a backdrop for walking, running, nature trips, and bird-watching. Home to a multitude of geese, this nicely-paved loop is an easy stroll for kids, the walk itself on a flat, even path that sits in close proximity to Caballero Canyon Trail, Caballero Canyon to Mulholland, Vanalden Cave Trail, Serrania Ride Trail, Lower Hectic Trail and a handful of others, making Reseda Pond Path a can’t-miss selection in this roundup.

Lake Sherwood, located at Westlake Village, is a hidden gem in Woodland Hills, populated with adorable ducks and plenty of other wildlife to admire. When the sun glistens off the gentle ripples of Lake Sherwood, you may just forget about COVID altogether, making this the ultimate respite from the day-to-day grind – but this spot is so much more. As California’s oldest man-make lake, Sherwood is also an unincorporated community and a census-designated place (CDP) in the Santa Monica Mountains, a gorgeous neighborhood overlooking the Lake Sherwood Reservoir south of Conejo Valley and the city of Thousand Oaks. If you have been searching for the perfect Woodland Hills body contact lake, there’s no better place than Lake Sherwood to get in all your swimming, fishing, and boating.

Malibou Lake is a small reservoir surrounded by residential development in the Santa Monica Mountains near Agoura Hills and sits adjacent to Malibu Creek State Park while residing in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area between Malibu Beach and the Conejo Valley. The 350- acres site includes rugged mountain terrain, exclusive ranch houses, cabins, and a club, and has been a popular attraction for filming due to its proximity to the Hollywood studios. However, access is limited to Malibou Lake Mountain Club residents, save for limited quick drive-by’s on Lake Vista Drive; the lake is said to be haunted by “The Lady of the Lake” who was a local resident and would swim on a daily basis out to the lake’s island.

Bard Reservoir, part of the Sunset Hills Trail in Thousand Oaks, will treat you to the natural beauty that is truly one-of-a-kind, complemented by the gentle, hilly slope that surrounds it, offering up incredible panoramic views of the entire area including the Conejo Valley, Simi Hills, and Camarillo/Oxnard. The body of water is also known as Bard Lake and Wood Ranch Reservoir, and remains the largest lake in Simi Valley; known for its rich avifauna, some of the bird species that can be spotted here include white-tailed kites, northern harriers, Anna’s hummingbirds, and red-tailed hawks. Don’t miss this during your search for beautiful Woodland Hills area lakes!

Lake Balboa, located at 6300 Balboa Boulevard in Van Nuys, features, along with its natural scenic beauty, barbecue pits, children’s play area, picnic tables, jogging path, walking paths, bike path, restroom facilities, multipurpose sports field, fishing, pedal boats, and bike rentals – and that’s just the beginning of the Lake Balboa possibilities. Surrounding the lake is Anthony C. Beilenson Park, which is subject to closure during rainy weather, so it is suggested you call ahead or visit the LAParks.org website for access information.

In these days of stress over just about everything, it’s nice to know the aforementioned lakes in and around Woodland Hills exist, even if it’s for a moment of tranquil reflection.