First stop: Swan boats! Ah, the iconic swan boats gliding gracefully on the lake. And let me tell you, if you’re planning to hop on one of these beauties, it’s going to be a workout if you paddle around the whole time! But fear not, it’s worth every paddle. Plus, at just $12 for adults and $7 for kids per hour, it’s the best deal for some serious fun! It’s great way to relax and enjoy the views. The paddle boats seat as many as five people, and life vests are provided. Two passengers get to pedal and three go along for the ride.

Pedal your boat toward the north end of the lake near the Cascade. Park officials warn boaters to stay clear of the waterfall by at least 20 feet because of water turbulence and rocks. But it’s also the nicest part of the lake. Then, you can either pedal your way south or just float. Bring a book to read or just enjoy the sun. Weekends are the busiest times at the park, and officials say the wait for paddle boats on Saturdays and Sundays can be as long as one hour, so plan accordingly. Pedal your boat toward the north end of the lake near the Cascade. It’s also the nicest part of the lake. Then, you can either pedal your way south or just float. Bring a book to read or just enjoy the sun.

Of course, you can avoid the wait by bringing your own boat. There are a few restrictions. No inflatable rafts or boats are allowed. Boats must be launched from the launching ramp and must be between 7 feet 6 inches and 18 feet in length. Gas motors are prohibited, only electric motors are allowed. And all boats must be currently registered with the state. No anchors can be used due to the lake’s underwater aeration system.

Now, why is Lake Balboa Park the talk of the town? Picture this: 80 acres of pure bliss, with a 27-acre lake stealing the spotlight. Add in a 1.3-mile loop for walking, jogging, or biking, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate playground for families, friends, and nature lovers alike! The path is restricted to foot traffic, wheelchairs and strollers. Just north of the boathouse and launching ramp, a small cove is set aside for model-boat sailing, both remote-control electric boats and sailboats. Some boating enthusiasts spend hundreds of dollars and hours on these models, but it doesn’t cost anything to watch the miniatures cut through the water.

The adjacent Sepulveda Basin portion of the L.A. River Recreation Zone is one of two segments where the Los Angeles River has a natural earth bottom, fostering a riparian habitat. The Sepulveda Basin River Recreation Zone extends for two miles and features some of the best kayaking, fishing, and bird watching in the L.A. basin. It is a quiet retreat from the neighboring commotion of urban activity.

The Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area was originally designed as a flood control basin, and its 2,000-acre expanse includes a wildlife reserve with crucial habitat space; the Sepulveda Dam; the Tillman Water Reclamation plant, which treats 40 million gallons of water per day; Anthony C. Beilenson Park; Lake Balboa; and The Japanese Garden.

We want to hear from you too. What’s your favorite spot at Lake Balboa Park and the surrounding Sepulveda Basin area? Drop your thoughts in the comments below or slide into our DMs. We can’t wait to hear from you!