Shasta Lake, the Houseboat Capital of the World, earns its stripes perhaps because of the 370 miles of shoreline. Many lakes have lots of shoreline, however. If you ask guests to tell you the one best reason for choosing Shasta Lake houseboating as their vacation destination, you'll find the answer lies in "Mother Nature."

Shasta Lake, a deep blue body of water surrounded by breathtaking mountains with evergreen pines, inspires the soul with its natural beauty. In addition to the spectacular setting, unparalleled weather with dry, hot 100 degree days, sunshine and an inviting lake (usually a perfect 78 degrees during summer months) make this appealing experience a much needed escape for Bay Area residents who may go long periods without sunshine or heat.

Fed by rain instead of snow melt from the mountains, Shasta Lake water temperatures are warmer than nearby bodies of water such as the Sacramento River. Those who have tested many lakes for houseboating find Shasta one of the best for recreational opportunities such as swimming and water sports. What's especially nice is the evening time. The evening can bring a cool breeze and comfortable sleeping weather  20 to 30 degrees cooler than the 100 degree daytime temperature.  

Located near Redding, California, direct flights from Los Angeles International Airport to Redding Airport offer easy access for Los Angeles travelers, as well. While Angelinos are known for their dessert houseboating penchant, Shasta Lake is a strikingly different experience. Surrounded by evergreen forests, there are many natural wonders to explore nearby. From the Shasta Caverns tour to the Shasta Dam,  Lassen Volcanic National Forest to McArthur Burney Waterfalls, you are surrounded by nature in this northern California paradise. Many guests find it difficult to return to the big city after spending a week surrounded by such beauty. For those who love the ocean, a drive from this region to the coast takes you through some of the world's largest, oldest redwood forests.  One the coast you'll find Humboldt County's Eureka, Arcata, Samoa and Ferndale offering the look and feel of Victorian villages. Great chefs migrate to this eclectic locale with its romantic atmosphere.

Local attractions such a drive to the Shasta Dam from Shasta Lake afford a view of the three Shastas. When you're new, you may not know what the heck locals are referring to when they ask if you saw the three Shastas―Shasta Dam, Shasta Lake, and Mt. Shasta. Mount Shasta with its dramatic snow-capped peaks seen in the distance, makes a stunning background for landscape photos.

For anglers, Shasta Lake offers great fishing with trophy size bass, trout, bluegills, salmon, crappie, catfish and sturgeon. The wooded shoreline offers good hunting for bear, squirrels, quail, wild pigeon, turkey, deer and doves. Be sure to ask about the hunting season and appropriate licenses when planning a sportsman's  vacation. Spring offers the best hunting and fishing when the lake is at its peak. Nature lovers can enjoy the abundance of wildlife such as black tailed mule deer, bald eagle, osprey, ring tailed cat, California black bear and other wild animals.

Shasta Lake is comprised of a residences and resorts. Several resorts offering rentals include:

Jones Valley Resort - Located on the secluded Pit River arm of Shasta Lake, Jones Valley Resort is  20 minutes from Redding. A concrete dock system, and fleet of houseboats, are designed for wheelchair access. Jones Valley Resort marina even has a floating recreation center located on the dock complete with basketball, pool table, ping-pong, foosball and shuffleboard. The newly built marina store is well stocked with everything you will need for your stay on the lake including ice, groceries, beverages, fuel and unique apparel. For the angler, there's live bait and tackle.

Sugarloaf Resort - Located just off I-5 on the Sacramento River arm of Shasta Lake, Sugarloaf Resort also features concrete docks with wheelchair access. The marina store carries a wide variety of supplies including food, beverages, clothing, and fishing tackle. Sugarloaf Resort also provides a boat ramp free of charge to Sugarloaf guests. Sugarloaf Resort is open from May through October.

Lakeview Resort is located on one of the most beautiful arms of the lake, the McCloud. It provides the perfect starting point for exploring the glories of Shasta Lake. It is a full service marina that includes a convenience store, fuel dock, houseboat rentals, and moorings.

A week of pleasure on a houseboat can cost around $5000 - 6000, but may cost less or more, depending on your length of stay, size of boat and amenities. While houseboat rental packages are often for 1 week, some offer a several-day rental package that's ideal for those who want to squeeze much exploration into their trip.   Houseboats come in different models and packages that can include luxurious amenities such as an upper deck Jacuzzi, mahogany wood kitchen with an entertainment islands, top-of-the-line sound system and just about anything you can imagine. Each step up in amenities makes the boat cost a bit more. From the type of kitchen appliances to the number of televisions, guests get to pick and choose their options when booking early. 

While there are many companies to rent from, we met and enjoyed the folks at Shasta Lake Resorts, LP, a partner with the Shasta Trinity National Forest. You'll find them at www.houseboats.com. Phone: 877-HOUSEBOAT (877-468-7326).  Unveiled in their fleet is the Titan, a 65-foot boat featuring six private staterooms, three full bathrooms, an eight person hot tub, designer wet bar, crow's nest dining area and enclosed spiral tube waterslide. Titan can accommodate 22 people, according to the literature. If you want wow, Shasta Lake has it.