River Swimming Spots
Gualala River
The Gualala River, bordering Sonoma and Mendocino counties, encircles Gualala River Redwood Park, offering an ideal campground and swimming hole. Accessible only to registered campers, the park features campsites with river-view spots that provide views of deep green pools and pebble beaches for $90 a night. Visitors enjoy diving into the clear water while salmon and steelhead trout swim below.
Yuba River South Fork
The South Fork of the Yuba River, known for its pristine swimming spots, traces from the Sierra Nevada to Sacramento Valley. Depending on the location, the river transitions from white-water rapids to calm emerald pools by late June or July. Towns like Nevada City and Grass Valley are home to public swimming spots, with Purdon Crossing as a popular entrance for its accessibility and limited visitors. South Yuba Trail leads to Mother’s Beach, a family-friendly area with sandy entrances, and upstream the clothing-optional China Dam offers a pool with high rocks, and clear, cold water.
Big Sur River Gorge
Hidden among the slopes of the Santa Lucia Range and Big Sur region are trails, campgrounds and swimming holes, with Big Sur River Gorge in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park being one of the best spots ($10 day fee). The park has an 11-acre campground nestled under redwoods, and visitors can take the Gorge Trail from lot three to reach the clear, deep river. Despite some road closures due to rockslides, access from the north remains unaffected.
Red Rock Pools
Known for its delicious wine, the Santa Ynez Valley has great swimming spots along the Santa Ynez River. Accessible via Paradise Road and the First Crossing Kiosk ($10 day fee), the road winds through cavernous canyon walls and past deep swimming holes, ending at Red Rock Trailhead. A half-mile walk along the Gibraltar Trail, Red Rock Pools always provide a reliable swimming spot.
Devil’s Elbow
Devil’s Elbow on the Trinity River is known for its scenery and outdoor activities. The river bend is surrounded by rugged mountains and forests of pine and oak, offering a serene and remote setting. The clear, emerald waters flow through the narrow valley, creating great conditions for white-water rafting and kayaking. The abundance of steelhead and salmon also make it a prime fishing destination. Hiking trails in the area provide views of the river and the surrounding Trinity Alps, with opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Upper Salmon Creek Falls
Upper Salmon Creek Falls, located in Big Sur, is a hidden NorCal gem. The waterfall, accessible via a moderate hike from the Salmon Creek Trailhead along Highway 1, has breathtaking views of water tumbling over rocky cliffs into a clear, refreshing pool. This spot is ideal for picnicking, photography and soaking in Big Sur's southern landscape.
Middle Fork Tule River Falls
At Middle Fork Tule River Falls in Sequoia National Forest, visitors can experience the lesser-known waterfall set amongst the ancient sequoias. Accessible via a moderate hike, the Falls offer a peaceful retreat away from crowded spots in the region. The cool waters invite visitors to relax by the river's edge, while the shaded canopy provides a perfect spot for a picnic.
Highway 49 Crossing
Located outside of Nevada City, the Highway 49 Crossing perfectly showcases NorCal’s natural beauty. At the entrance of the historic arched bridge, hear rushing water while taking in the lush greenery and rocky outcrops along the terrain. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from swimming to sunbathing on the smooth river rocks. The area is also popular for hiking, with trails that offer views of the river and the surrounding hills. Fishermen can be seen casting their lines, hoping for a catch of trout or other local fish.
Del Rio Woods
Del Rio Woods, located along the Russian River in Sonoma, offers a serene and picturesque swimming spot perfect for a relaxing day out. Nestled amidst lush greenery, this tranquil location features a gently flowing river with clear waters ideal for swimming and wading. The area is also popular for picnicking and kayaking, providing a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation.
Swim River Confluence
The Swim River Confluence in the Six Rivers National Forest is a stunning swimming destination where the pristine waters of two rivers merge. Surrounded by lush forest, this spot features pebble beaches and a perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. The scenic river, with its clear, refreshing waters, provides an ideal setting for swimming and wading.
Carlton Falls
Carlton Falls, located on the South Fork of the Tuolumne River, is a natural wonder tucked away in the Sierra Nevada. This picturesque waterfall cascades into a series of pristine pools, creating perfect spots for swimming and cooling off. Surrounded by lush forest and rock formations, Carlton Falls offers a serene and scenic escape for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Tecopa Hot Springs
Tecopa, near the Nevada border and south of Death Valley National Park, features hot springs filled with mineral-rich hot water that create natural wetlands, supports small resorts and local Japanese sentÅ-style bathhouses. Visit Delights Hot Springs or Tecopa’s public bathhouse for the hottest water. Despite its small population of about 100 people, Tecopa offers barbecue, breweries, a steakhouse, a cafe and the nearby China Ranch Date Farm. No cell phone service available, sorry!
Vibrant Coastal Beaches
Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach, located in the Central Coast, is a seaside town offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The expansive shores are ideal for sunbathing, beachcombing and building sandcastles, while the gentle waves invite surfers and boogie boarders. The beach is also a prime spot for clamming, particularly during low tide. Nearby, the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area provides a unique opportunity for off-road enthusiasts to explore sand dunes.
Hoyt’s Crossing
Hoyt’s Crossing, nestled along the South Yuba River, is a picturesque swimming spot known for its striking granite boulders, sandy pebble beach and crystal-clear waters. This tranquil location features deep pools perfect for swimming, as well as shallow areas for wading and lounging. The scenic landscape, surrounded by lush greenery, creates a peaceful atmosphere ideal for relaxation and nature appreciation. It’s also considered Nevada City’s unofficial nudist beach.
Carmel Beach
Carmel Beach, located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, is a stunning coastal haven renowned for its white sands and turquoise waters. Visitors can enjoy walks along the shoreline, exploring tide pools filled with marine life, or simply relax on the soft sand while soaking up the sun. The beach is a popular spot for picnics, beachcombing and watching the vibrant sunsets. The iconic Point Lobos State Natural Reserve gives hikers ocean vistas and opportunities to spot sea otters, seals and migrating whales. Hidden gems include the serene fairytale cottages and downtown art galleries, boutique shops and cafes.
La Jolla Cove
San Diego’s La Jolla Cove offers clear waters perfect for swimming, and an abundant marine life that snorkelers love. The protected cove offers a relaxing atmosphere for swimmers to enjoy the calm waves, while the neighboring caves and cliffs lure thrill seekers looking for a bit of adventure. For added fun, don’t miss the playful sea lions who frequent the relaxing area.
Lovers Point
Lovers Point in Monterey’s Pacific Grove is a charming destination featuring a pocket-sized cove beach with clear waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. This picturesque spot is surrounded by rugged cliffs and lush greenery, offering breathtaking views of the coastline. A hidden gem of Lovers Point is the scenic park adjacent to the beach, perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls. Additionally, the nearby tide pools are great to explore, revealing an array of marine life and adding to the allure of this romantic getaway.
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach, nestled along the SoCal shoreline, is a seaside paradise renowned for its sandy shores, artistic flair and community vibe. Main Beach is perfect for swimming, surfing and paddleboarding. Nature enthusiasts can explore the nearby Heisler Park, where scenic trails and landscaped gardens give way to ocean views. A short drive away, the secluded Thousand Steps Beach provides a serene escape with its hidden coves and tide pools teeming with marine life. Visit the Laguna Art Museum or take a stroll through the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, where you can hike through coastal canyons and spot local wildlife.
Venice Beach
Venice Beach, located in Los Angeles, is home to a wide sandy beach and the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk, bustling with an eclectic mix of street performers, artists and vendors. The beach offers plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming and beach volleyball, with the Pacific Ocean providing a refreshing escape. Just off the boardwalk, Muscle Beach Gym is a famous outdoor workout area. Skate along the Venice Skate Park, while cyclists and joggers enjoy the scenic bike path. Nearby, the Venice Canals are picturesque waterways with footbridges reminiscent of Italy. Abbot Kinney Boulevard, a short walk away, is a hidden gem lined with trendy boutiques, gourmet restaurants and art galleries.
Santa Monica Beach
Located three miles north of Venice Beach is Santa Monica Beach, famous for its golden shores lined with luxurious hotels and visitors sunbathing, swimming and surfing. The iconic Santa Monica Pier, with its historic carousel, Ferris wheel and lively amusement park, provides entertainment for all ages. Nearby, the Third Street Promenade has an array of shops, restaurants and street performers, creating a vibrant atmosphere just steps from the beach. Hidden gems like the Annenberg Community Beach House, a public beach facility with a pool, café and cultural events, add to the beach's charm.
Morro Bay
Morro Bay’s beaches span over six miles of continuous sand, offering their own unique set of activities, wildlife and atmosphere to discover. Visit North Point Beach to observe aquatic creatures up close through its tidepools or allow dogs off-leash in the white sand Toro Creek Beach. The bay is a protected sanctuary brimming with wildlife such as sea otters, seals, whales, monarch butterflies and various bird species.
Idyllic Swimming in Mountain Lakes
Budd Lake
Budd Lake, nestled in Yosemite's Cathedral Range within the High Sierra, epitomizes the untouched beauty of Yosemite National Park's backcountry. Accessible via a five-mile round-trip hike from the Cathedral Lakes Trailhead in Tuolumne Meadows, this serene spot is reached by following an unmaintained climbers' trail along Budd Creek. The lake's polished granite beaches and clear, cold waters offer a tranquil retreat reminiscent of ancient geological times.
Shasta Lake
Shasta Lake, the largest reservoir in California, covers approximately 30,000 acres and is about a three-and-half-hour drive from San Francisco. Reservoir visitors can indulge in a variety of activities, from boating, fishing and swimming to kayaking and paddleboarding. Houseboats are a popular way to explore the lake's many coves and inlets, providing a unique and leisurely way to enjoy the scenery. Hiking and biking trails around the lake offer breathtaking views and the chance to encounter local wildlife. The historic town of Shasta provides a glimpse into the region's Gold Rush past, with preserved buildings and artifacts. The McCloud River Falls, with its series of beautiful cascades, is also a short drive away.
Shadow Lake
Shadow Lake, located in Lassen Volcanic National Park, is an alpine lake that offers visitors a glimpse of the park's natural beauty. Nestled at an elevation of approximately 6,400 feet, the lake is accessible via a moderate hike along the popular 3.5-mile Shadow Lake Trail, which starts near the Summit Lake North Campground. The trail winds through dense forests of pine and fir, offering picturesque views of the surrounding volcanic landscape. Wildlife sightings include deer and various bird species.
Minaret Lake
Minaret Lake, located in the Ansel Adams Wilderness of the Sierra Nevada, is renowned for its stunning scenery and pristine natural environment. Nestled at an elevation of about 9,800 feet, the lake is framed by the Minaret Peaks, which rise dramatically from the surrounding landscape, creating a striking backdrop. Accessible via a challenging hike along the Minaret Lake Trail, which starts from the Devils Postpile National Monument, the journey to the lake takes adventurers through dense forests, across rushing streams and past vibrant wildflower meadows.