01
Best overall pick
June Lake Beach
June Lake Loop West Of Benton • Mountain Lake Beach With Soft Sand • Best Mix Of Scenery And Easy Access
A broad sandy fan on the north shore of June Lake with shallow, clear water and big granite views that feels closest to a classic beach day.
Pull into the day-use area and you step right out onto pale sand that gently shelves into startlingly turquoise water. The shallows stay relatively calm and kid-friendly, while farther out you’ll see paddleboards and kayaks drifting along the cliffy shoreline. Arrive before midday in peak season if you want a close parking spot and a quieter patch of sand.
02
Most otherworldly shoreline
Mono Lake South Tufa Shore
Mono Lake South Shore Near Lee Vining • Photogenic Alkaline Lake Shoreline • Best For Sunset Walks And Photography
A strange and beautiful stretch of shoreline where tufa towers rise from still, salty water and the focus is wandering and watching, not swimming.
This isn’t a towel-and-swim kind of beach, but the shore at South Tufa is unforgettable and an easy add-on to any Benton-area day trip. A short path leads to the water’s edge, where knobby limestone towers glow at sunrise and sunset and shorebirds work the shallows. Pack sturdy sandals, plenty of water, and a camera, and plan to linger as the light changes over the lake.
03
Best for boating and space
Crowley Lake South Landing Beach
Crowley Lake South Shore • Open Shoreline With Boat-Friendly Vibe • Great For Groups And Water Sports
A windswept reservoir shoreline with long views, boat launches, and room to spread out for a casual, activity-focused beach day.
On a summer weekend, Crowley feels like the Eastern Sierra’s social lake, with fishing boats, wakeboarders, and paddlecraft sharing the water. The south landing area gives you direct access to the lake plus open stretches of coarse sand and pumice where families set up shade tents and chairs. Expect stronger afternoon winds here than at the smaller alpine lakes and bring layers if you plan to stay toward evening.
04
Coolest high-country escape
Lake Mary Day Use Beach
Mammoth Lakes Basin • Wooded High-Elevation Lakefront • Coolest Escape On Hot Summer Days
A compact lakeside area fringed by pines where cold, clear water and mountain air make it feel a world away from the heat around Benton.
Set above Mammoth, Lake Mary trades wide sand for a mix of small pebbly beaches, docks, and grassy pockets tucked among the trees. It is a great choice if you like to pair quick dips with easy paddling, fishing, or a lazy loop walk along the shore. Parking is limited in midsummer, so ride the local shuttle if you’re visiting during busy weekends or holidays.
05
Quietest option
Grant Lake Shoreline
Grant Lake North Of June Lake • Low-Key Open Shoreline • Best For Those Who Like Elbow Room
A broad, mostly undeveloped shoreline where you can usually find your own stretch of gravelly beach and big-sky views.
Compared with neighboring June Lake, Grant Lake sees fewer casual visitors, which means it often feels calm even on peak-season weekends. The shore is mostly coarse sand and gravel with scattered coves where you can park, walk down to the water, and set up a simple camp chair-and-cooler base. It’s a solid pick if you prioritize quiet, easy lake access, and sunset reflections over amenities.