Lucerne and the neighboring town of Nice are two of several lakeside communities along the north shore of Clear Lake on State Highway 20, the major east-west thoroughfare in Lake County. Long beautiful stretches of shoreline are shaded by large pepperwoods and giant oaks. Several resorts and campgrounds offer visitors a place to stay, and public beaches, parks, and harbors provide residents and visitors opportunities to enjoy the lake.

Along State Highway 20 between Nice and Lucerne are two wineries—Ceago Vinegarden and Tulip Hill Winery, both of which offer wine tasting daily and host special events throughout the year.

With the steep Bartlett Mountain Range as its backdrop, the lakeside town of Lucerne is often referred to as “the Switzerland of America” with terrain and sweeping views reminiscent of the Alps. The town of Nice was patented in June 1871 and named after the small town of Nice, France. Spectacular redbud shrubs bloom throughout the town in springtime.

In the community of Lucerne, the Lake County Redevelopment Agency is developing the Lucerne Promenade between State Highway 20 and Clear Lake. You will find a Visitor’s Center in Lucerne on Highway 20 or contact 800-525-3743 for information.

In Nice, the Agency has developed a town square at Hinman Park with plans to develop a tourist-oriented retail center around the square.