11 Little Known Swimming Spots in California Worth Visiting
11 Little Known Swimming Spots in California Worth Visiting
1. Gualala
In Northern California, the small town of Gualala offers the beauty of the forest and the summertime lure of the coastline. Offering a variety of uncrowded swimming spots, you’re free to take your pick between the cool blue waters of the Pacific Ocean or the warmer Gualala River.
2. Natural Bridges
This majestic swimming spot is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. You’ll journey below the visible earth’s surface and into a cavern to get to this little-known gem. Visitors enjoy swimming, or floating, the length of the hollowed-out cavern.
3. The Lower McCloud Falls
Boasting three waterfalls, the McCloud Falls offer a variety of swimming spots suitable for summer fun. Soak in the sun, bring a lunch, and make a day of it. Satisfy your urge for thrill and jump from the cliffs into the water below. It’s hard to find a more beautiful spot to swim.
4. Sierraville Hot Springs
Filled with water from nearby natural hot springs, the pools and spas at Sierraville Hot Springs offer an earthy swimming experience in a resort style setting. The water is warm, the scenic backdrop is gorgeous.
5. Little Backbone Creek
Little Backbone Creek is unlike any other natural swimming spot. Not only is it gorgeous, but since it has been such a well-kept secret, large crowds won’t jeopardize your exotic experience. Just a short hike from the shore, it’s easy for just about anyone to get to. Oh yeah, one more thing… Natural Water Slides! You’re welcome.
6. Meek’s Bay
With Meek’s Bay’s white sandy beaches and crystal blue water, you’ll feel like you’ve landed on a tropical paradise. Perfect for the adventurer, nearby campgrounds and resorts let you extend your stay so that you have an opportunity to explore the hiking trails, do some boating, and get in some swimming!
7. Orr Hot Springs
If you’re looking for a quiet getaway, Orr Hot Springs is the place to be. nestled within the hilly terrain of the Mendocino Range, pools adorn rest alongside natural springs. Filled with natural waters from springs that remain unfiltered and pristine. The experience is simply refreshing.
8. Castle Lake
Deep within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Castle Lake offers great camping grounds if you’re the outdoorsy type that wants to stay a while. Enjoy a variety of water sports – from swimming, kayaking, boating, and more – this location is the perfect place to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the urban environment.
9. Clear Lake
Clear Lake is the oldest known lake on the continent, and one of the largest in the golden state. Swimming in this huge piece of history is a blast! Bring the whole family!
10. Lake Helen
Lake Helen is incredibly stunning. With a mountainous backdrop and a mix of desert and forest landscaping, this swimming spot located in Lassen Volcanic National Park is so peaceful and pleasing to the eye that you’ll never want to leave.
11. Donner Lake
Last but not least, Donner Lake. This luscious mountain refuge is beautiful year-round. Home to lakeside-loving residents, the Donner Lake community has the ability to take you back to childhood nostalgia at summer camp. Unwind and have some fun at this great low-key swim spot this summer. You won’t be disappointed.
1. Gualala
In Northern California, the small town of Gualala offers the beauty of the forest and the summertime lure of the coastline. Offering a variety of uncrowded swimming spots, you’re free to take your pick between the cool blue waters of the Pacific Ocean or the warmer Gualala River.
2. Natural Bridges
This majestic swimming spot is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. You’ll journey below the visible earth’s surface and into a cavern to get to this little-known gem. Visitors enjoy swimming, or floating, the length of the hollowed-out cavern.
3. The Lower McCloud Falls
Boasting three waterfalls, the McCloud Falls offer a variety of swimming spots suitable for summer fun. Soak in the sun, bring a lunch, and make a day of it. Satisfy your urge for thrill and jump from the cliffs into the water below. It’s hard to find a more beautiful spot to swim.
4. Sierraville Hot Springs
Filled with water from nearby natural hot springs, the pools and spas at Sierraville Hot Springs offer an earthy swimming experience in a resort style setting. The water is warm, the scenic backdrop is gorgeous.
5. Little Backbone Creek
Little Backbone Creek is unlike any other natural swimming spot. Not only is it gorgeous, but since it has been such a well-kept secret, large crowds won’t jeopardize your exotic experience. Just a short hike from the shore, it’s easy for just about anyone to get to. Oh yeah, one more thing… Natural Water Slides! You’re welcome.
6. Meek’s Bay
With Meek’s Bay’s white sandy beaches and crystal blue water, you’ll feel like you’ve landed on a tropical paradise. Perfect for the adventurer, nearby campgrounds and resorts let you extend your stay so that you have an opportunity to explore the hiking trails, do some boating, and get in some swimming!
7. Orr Hot Springs
If you’re looking for a quiet getaway, Orr Hot Springs is the place to be. nestled within the hilly terrain of the Mendocino Range, pools adorn rest alongside natural springs. Filled with natural waters from springs that remain unfiltered and pristine. The experience is simply refreshing.
8. Castle Lake
Deep within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Castle Lake offers great camping grounds if you’re the outdoorsy type that wants to stay a while. Enjoy a variety of water sports – from swimming, kayaking, boating, and more – this location is the perfect place to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the urban environment.
9. Clear Lake
Clear Lake is the oldest known lake on the continent, and one of the largest in the golden state. Swimming in this huge piece of history is a blast! Bring the whole family!
10. Lake Helen
Lake Helen is incredibly stunning. With a mountainous backdrop and a mix of desert and forest landscaping, this swimming spot located in Lassen Volcanic National Park is so peaceful and pleasing to the eye that you’ll never want to leave.
11. Donner Lake
Last but not least, Donner Lake. This luscious mountain refuge is beautiful year-round. Home to lakeside-loving residents, the Donner Lake community has the ability to take you back to childhood nostalgia at summer camp. Unwind and have some fun at this great low-key swim spot this summer. You won’t be disappointed.
