The ocean may be grand, but as a Midwesterner, I need an occasional dose of swimming-temperature water and the sense of calm you can get only from lazing on the shore of a lake on a hot day. I’ve found the most consistently sunny skies and warm weather at Lake Del Valle, just south of Livermore. On certain days, it can feel about 20 degrees warmer than it does at my home in Oakland. The lake is set in a valley, surrounded by rolling hills dotted with oaks, and picnic areas line the eastern and western shores. You can plant yourself there, or hike or cruise in a rented boat farther south to your own secluded beach—I’ve even rented a 10-person pontoon with a bunch of friends for the day. Climb onto a raft or inner tube and float away the afternoon: Little white clouds breeze by above, your toes and tush won’t freeze off in the waters beneath, and you might even hear the jubilant cry of a city kid who’s just caught his first fish.

Lake Del Valle- Del Valle Regional Park: Directions: Exit I-580 in Livermore at N. Livermore Ave. Head south and proceed through town. About 1.5 miles outside town, turn right at Mines Rd., go about 3.5 miles, and continue straight onto Del Valle Rd. The park entrance is four miles ahead. 7000 Del Valle Rd., Livermore, 888-327-2757, 6 a.m.–9 p.m., $6 parking fee, $2 dog fee, fees vary for boat rentals, ebparks.org/parks/del_valle.