Best lakes around Agoura Hills are situated in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. This region provides access to several lakes, each with distinct features. While some are private, public access points and nearby attractions allow for enjoyment of their scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. The area offers a variety of water bodies for exploration.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Agoura Hills.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
This is one of the prettiest sections of bikeable roadway near Thousand Oaks, with gorgeous Lake Sherwood just off the road to the south. If you head west on West Potrero Road you can connect into a large loop of roughly 20 miles, doubling back toward Thousand Oaks before returning to the lake.
4
0
Westlake Lake is a stunning lake privately maintained for the residents of Westlake Village. However, there are many ways to enjoy its beauty. Popular activities include running, cycling, and walking around the lake via Triunfo Canyon and other adjacent streets. On the lake's southwest side, several lakefront restaurants offer indoor/outdoor dining. Alternatively, you can stroll around, enjoying the sweeping views and serenity.
0
0
Los Padres Open Space is located near the southern end of Moorpark Road. Spanning across 187 acres, this beautiful area features chaparral-covered hillsides, captivating oak woodlands, and a stunning stand of coast live oaks. Accessible via the Los Padres Trail (mostly single track)on the west side of Los Padres Drive, this area is frequented by deer, rabbits, California quail, California thrashers, and many other birds and animals. The oak woodlands are an excellent place to observe migrating birds, such as warblers and vireos, in the spring and fall.
0
0
If you are looking for a scenic and refreshing trail run in the Santa Monica Mountains, you should check out the Rock Pool at Malibu Creek State Park. This 2-mile out-and-back trail follows the creek through oak and sycamore woodlands, offering views of volcanic rock gorges and pools. The Rock Pool is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and even cliff-jumping, if you are feeling adventurous. You can also extend your run by exploring other trails in the park, such as the Grassland Trail or the M*A*S*H site. Just make sure to bring enough water, sunscreen, and trash bags, as the park can get hot and crowded in the summer. And don’t forget to enjoy the beauty of nature and the history of this park, which has been used as a filming location for many movies and TV shows.
0
0
Century Lake is a beautiful and serene destination for trail runners who want to enjoy the scenery and history of Malibu Creek State Park. The lake was created by a dam built by the Crags Country Club in 1903, and later became part of the 20th Century Fox Ranch, where many movies and TV shows were filmed, including Planet of the Apes and MASH. The trail to the lake is about 1.5 miles from the parking area, and is mostly flat and easy, except for a rocky creek crossing. You can relax by the lake and admire the views of the Santa Monica Mountains, or explore the nearby helipad and MASH set. This is a fun and historic run that will make you feel like you are in a different century.
0
0
Explore the breathtaking terrain of Los Padres Open Space, situated at the southern end of Moorpark Road. Spanning 187 acres, this mountain biking haven showcases chaparral-covered hills and majestic oak woodlands. The scenic Los Padres Trail on the west side of Los Padres Drive invites riders to experience the beauty of nature's pristine landscapes.
0
0
wonderful cooling. It gets crowded in the afternoon
0
0
Several lakes in the Agoura Hills area have a rich history, particularly as filming locations. Century Lake, located within Malibu Creek State Park, was created in 1903 and served as a backdrop for numerous movies and TV shows like *Planet of the Apes* and *M*A*S*H*. Malibou Lake also boasts over 100 film credits, including the 1931 version of *Frankenstein* and *The Ring*.
Yes, several spots are great for families. Century Lake in Malibu Creek State Park offers an easy 1.5-mile trail walk, suitable for families. Westlake Lake is also considered family-friendly, offering pleasant walks and dining options. Additionally, Los Padres Open Space, which features oak woodlands and chaparral-covered hillsides, is a dog-friendly and family-friendly area with trails.
The lakes and surrounding areas offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and road cycling. Malibu Creek State Park, home to Century Lake and Malibu Creek Rock Pools, is excellent for hiking, fishing, bird watching, and rock climbing. For cycling, Lake Sherwood Drive is a popular scenic route. You can find more detailed routes for various sports in the area, such as Road Cycling Routes around Agoura Hills, Running Trails around Agoura Hills, and MTB Trails around Agoura Hills.
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. The trail to Century Lake in Malibu Creek State Park is an easy 1.5-mile walk from the parking area. Malibu Creek Rock Pools also offers a 2-mile out-and-back trail. For more options, explore the Running Trails around Agoura Hills guide, which includes many routes suitable for hiking.
Absolutely. Lake Sherwood Drive is a highly recommended scenic roadway for cycling, offering beautiful views of Lake Sherwood and connecting to longer loops. Around Westlake Lake, cycling along adjacent streets like Triunfo Canyon is a popular activity. You can find more routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Agoura Hills guide.
For serene natural settings, Century Lake in Malibu Creek State Park is an excellent choice, known for its lush wetlands and peaceful environment. Los Padres Open Space, with its oak woodlands, is an ideal spot for observing migrating birds in spring and fall, as well as other wildlife like deer and rabbits.
Yes, you can enjoy dining with picturesque lake views. On the southwest side of Westlake Lake, there are several lakefront restaurants offering both indoor and outdoor dining options with stunning scenery.
Malibou Lake is a private reservoir known for its charming East Coast small-town feel and its extensive history as a filming location. While the waterfront walkways and park are primarily for residents, a public pedestrian bridge offers excellent photo opportunities and sightseeing. The Lodge at Malibou Lake, a historic wedding and event venue, is also nearby. You can learn more about its history on Wikipedia.
Yes, Lake Lindero, an artificial lake directly in Agoura Hills, features a 9-hole public golf course named after the lake. While much of the lake is surrounded by private residences, the golf course provides public recreational access. More information can be found on Wikipedia.
For trail running, Century Lake offers a mostly flat and easy trail within Malibu Creek State Park, allowing runners to enjoy scenery and history. The Malibu Creek Rock Pools trail is another scenic option, following the creek through woodlands. You can explore more options in the Running Trails around Agoura Hills guide.
While not directly on a lake, Los Padres Open Space, located near the southern end of Moorpark Road, is a mountain biking haven with chaparral-covered hills and oak woodlands. It features the Los Padres Trail, which is mostly single track. For more mountain biking routes in the region, check out the MTB Trails around Agoura Hills guide.
Century Lake is a serene destination within Malibu Creek State Park, accessible via an easy 1.5-mile trail from the parking area. It's known for its lush wetlands, historical significance as a filming location, and natural recovery after the Woolsey wildfire. Be sure to walk around to the back side of the lake to see the redwood grove. You can find more information about the park on the official California State Parks website: parks.ca.gov.
The Malibu Creek Rock Pools are a popular spot for swimming, offering a refreshing experience in the Santa Monica Mountains. The water can be quite fresh, but it's a unique place to cool off, especially in the afternoon when it tends to get more crowded. Remember to bring your bathing suit!


Still not found your perfect lake around Agoura Hills? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.