Best Beaches, Waterfalls & Swimming Spots in California
Discover 1004 top-rated destinations perfect for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and outdoor adventures
🏖️Best Beaches in California
10 locations
St. Ann's Beach
Elite Beach Volleyball Club - Clovis
Faria County Park
Crown Point Shores
Virgin Creek Beach
Three Mile Beach
Point Reyes Beach North
Salmon Creek Beach
Macabee Beach
Gallagher Beach
💧Best Waterfalls in California
2 locations
Yosemite Falls
Iconic 2,425-foot waterfall in Yosemite National Park, featuring upper fall, middle cascades, and lower fall. Best viewing in spring during snowmelt.
McArthur-Burney Falls
Spectacular 129-foot waterfall with year-round flow of 100 million gallons daily. Features hiking trails, swimming areas, and camping facilities.
🏞️Best Lakes in California
10 locations
Pinebrook Beach
Lake Isabella
Harveston Lake
Hume Lake
87-acre reservoir with a Christian camp facility, open to the public for hiking, swimming & fishing.
Pinecrest Lake
Lagoon
Lake Elizabeth
Recreation area with a bird-filled island, plus a dog park, playgrounds, sports fields & boat ramp.
Lake Poway
Whiskeytown Lake
Dunn Court Beach
🌊Best Rivers in California
5 locations
Reedley Beach
Navarro River
Beach Park
American River
The American River offers excellent opportunities for rafting, kayaking, fishing, and features the 32-mile American River Parkway with trails for biking and hiking.
Russian River
Scenic river winding through redwood forests and wine country, offering swimming holes, kayaking, canoeing, and beach areas.
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