Top Beaches, Waterfalls & Swimming Spots in California
California has 19,803 listed water destinations, including beaches, waterfalls, lakes and rivers. Browse them by type below, with ratings, photos and directions for each.
🏖️Top Beaches in California
6 locations
4.7(17,531)Newport Beach Pier
Scenic pier popular for fishing & ocean views, convenient to beach & nearby shops & restaurants.
4.7(13,981)Huntington Beach
This 3.5-mile stretch of beach & pier draws crowds & hosts pro surfing & volleyball competitions.
4.7(13,872)Manhattan Beach Pier
This restored 928-ft. concrete pier is the oldest on the West Coast & features a cafe & an aquarium.
4.8(8,186)Hermosa Beach Pier
Long-standing 1,140-foot pier featuring beach & sunset ocean views, plus public restrooms & fishing.
4.7(7,589)Children's Pool La Jolla
Protected sandy cove home to many adult harbor seals & their pups, open for swimming in summer.
4.7(7,179)Mission Beach Park
Large grassy space beside the beach boardwalk offers benches for picnics & recreational activities.
💧Top Waterfalls in California
3 locations
4.9(2,098)Burney Falls
President Theodore Roosevelt called it "the eighth wonder of the world" — Burney Falls is a stunning 129-foot waterfall fed by underground springs that produce 100 million gallons of water daily, maintaining its flow even in the driest months. Located in the 910-acre McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, the falls were designated a National Natural Landmark in 1954. The park offers camping, cabin rentals, boating and kayaking on Lake Britton, swimming, fishing, and 5 miles of streamside trails.
4.9(1,234)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.
Hiking Trails · Viewing Areas · Photography Spots · Visitor Center
4.8(892)McArthur-Burney Falls
Spectacular 129-foot waterfall with year-round flow of 100 million gallons daily. Features hiking trails, swimming areas, and camping facilities.
Hiking Trails · Swimming Area · Camping · Visitor Center
🏞️Top Lakes in California
6 locations
4.4(4,406)Lake Gregory Regional Park
Park's 84 acres are dominated by Lake Gregory, which is surrounded by trails, picnics & pines.
4.5(1,554)Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Hidden beach offering ideal surf conditions, gardens, picnic seating, a fishing pier & guided tours.
4.6(1,249)Del Rey Lagoon
Small park featuring a saltwater lagoon with waterfowl, plus a baseball field & play area for kids.
4.7(475)Lake Elizabeth
Recreation area with a bird-filled island, plus a dog park, playgrounds, sports fields & boat ramp.
4.8(371)Hume Lake
87-acre reservoir with a Christian camp facility, open to the public for hiking, swimming & fishing.
4.1(276)Lake Piru
Shady campgrounds, picnic areas, boating & disc golf at a lakeside area within a national forest.
🌊Top Rivers in California
5 locations
4.7(3,221)Arroyo Burro Beach County Park
This oceanfront beach with seasonal lifeguards & a grassy area for picnicking allows off-leash dogs.
4.8(2,910)Carmel River State Beach
This mile-long beach offers bird watching opportunities & a popular scuba diving entry point.
4.8(774)Big River Beach at Mendocino Headlands State Park
Beach in the Mendocino Headlands State Park featuring picnicking, sunbathing & more.
4.3(567)Russian River
Scenic river winding through redwood forests and wine country, offering swimming holes, kayaking, canoeing, and beach areas.
Swimming Holes · Kayak Rentals · Beaches · Camping
4.5(423)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.
Rafting · Kayaking · Bike Trails · Hiking Trails
Advertisement
Sponsored gear checklist
Pack for the water
Start with practical categories that fit many water trips. These are Amazon search links, not fixed product endorsements.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
A reliable default for rocky entries, docks, creeks, and hot pavement.
Keeps towels, keys, and layers together around splash, sand, and rain.
Small enough to pack, easy to forget, and useful on most exposed water days.
A low-cost way to protect your phone near boats, beaches, falls, and pools.