Beach life is closer to you than you might think

by Miguel Padilla

Do you miss your trips out to the beach? Collecting seashells, or the feeling of a swelling tide washing over your feet again and again? With the sand between your toes and a refreshing ocean breeze, all the amenities of a beach are closer than you might think! With only 30 minutes away and without all the traffic and stress that involves a trip towards Orange or Los Angeles County. Lake Perris offers visitors a chance to experience the relaxation of beach life closer to here at home.

The crystalline, serene Lake Perris is pictured above. The gravel pavement of a trail is lined by wooden beams and chain link, separating those walking the path from breakwaters and a radiant blue lake

Located between the city of Perris and Moreno Valley, Lake Perris lies nestled in a mountain-lined valley southwest of San Bernardino Valley College. The Bernasconi Hills and desert vegetation intermingle with aquatic life here, with everything from bluegill to spotted bass thriving in these waters. With a variety of recreational activities to choose from, visitors can experience everything they would at a beach, but with added benefits. Are you interested in our rich, local Californian history? Then visit the Ya'i Heki' Regional Indian Museum situated alongside the lake. There to enjoy an afternoon with family? Then feel free to enjoy a bit of rock climbing, bicycling, and even fishing out on the lake. Overnight campsites are available as well, perfect for those wanting to feel closer to nature, but not too far from their homes here in San Bernardino.

You can't go wrong with how you spend your time at Lake Perris, quality time is truly made here.

The lake is open daily from 7:00am to 8:00pm, with campers and boats allowed for those wayfaring, vagabond souls. The museum is open Friday 10am to 2pm, and 10am to 4pm on the weekends. Entrance fee for the park is 10$ per ride, with up to 9 individuals permitted per vehicle.

Sit back and enjoy the waves rolling in as memories are made. Gorgeous views of a lake are there for you to claim as your own, as the sun sets again and again over a beautiful, rugged mountainous landscape. The beach life is only a stone's throw away, take a trip and venture out to experience this local treasure near you!