Top Beaches, Waterfalls & Swimming Spots in California
Discover top-rated destinations for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and outdoor adventures
🏖️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
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