Whether you’re in the mood for a quiet retreat or a floating party, houseboats deliver. You don’t even have to know how to drive a boat to rent one; if you can drive a car, you can captain a houseboat.
Grab your inflatable unicorns and water noodles: here’s how to get out on the water on a houseboat or full-day party boat.
Lake Shasta, Shasta County
(Courtesy of @bridgebayhouseboats)
At Lake Shasta, you can cruise the blue-green waters of California’s third largest body of water by day and drop anchor in quiet coves by night. There are more than 360 miles of shoreline to explore with all of the comforts of home on board—soft beds, full kitchens, and bathrooms with running hot water.
Pick up your boat at one of two marinas where they’ll give you a quick lesson on how to keep the thing afloat before sending you on your way. At Holiday Harbor, rates range from $767 for two nights on a six-person houseboat to $2,315 for three nights on one that accommodates 16. Boats of varying sizes are also available for rent at Bridge Bay, starting at $1300 for two nights for up to eight people.
// Holiday Harbor, 20061 Shasta Caverns Rd (O’Brien), lakeshasta.com/houseboats; Bridge Bay, 10300 Bridge Bay Rd. (Redding), bridgebayhouseboats.com
Lake Don Pedro, Tuolumne County
(Courtesy of @lakedonpedromarina)
Lake Don Pedro near Modesto in the Sierra foothills has houseboats that range in size from 50 to 70 feet, and $2,238 to $4,121 for three nights. The smallest, the 50-footer, has room for up to six with two private staterooms with queen beds, a full-size sofa sleeper, and a full bath. The largest, the 70' Yosemite, is a beast with four staterooms, two full bathrooms, and sleeping room for 10.
// Lake Don Pedro Marina, 11500 Bonds Flat Rd. (La Grange), houseboating.org
Lake Berryessa, Napa County
(Courtesy of @pleasurecoveberryessa)
At Napa County’s Lake Berryessa, you can have all the fun of a houseboat without the overnight commitment. At the Pleasure Cove Marina, they rent party boats and barges for groups of different sizes, some of which come with slides. The daddy of 'em all is the Patio Pontoon, which comes complete with a waterslide, gas barbecue, and a bathroom with a shower for 15 people (pets are allowed, too!). Contact Pleasure Cove for current rates and availability.
// 6100 CA-128 (Napa), goberryessa.com
Trinity Lake, Trinity County
(Courtesy of @trinitylakeresort)
Trinity Lake, just south of the Oregon border, is a stunning reservoir at the base of the snow-peaked Trinity Alps. Less crowded than its counterparts farther south, you'll find peace and quiet here along with some pretty epic fishing. Rent from the Trinity Lake Marina where boats range in length from 50 to 59 feet, each with a waterslide, full kitchen and outdoor grill, and entertainment center. If you'd rather just spend the day on the lake, they've got party boats, too (contact Trinity Lake Marina for current rates). Houseboats are also available through the Trinity Alps Marina, where a 14 to 16 person boat starts at $1,791.41 for three nights.
// Trinity Lake Marina, 45810 CA-3 (Trinity Center), trinitylakemarina.com/boatrentals; Trinity Alps Marina, 1 Fairview Marina Rd. (Lewiston), trinityalpsmarina.com/boat-rentals
