01
Best overall pick
June Lake Beach
June Lake Loop North Of Mammoth Lakes • Family-Friendly Alpine Lake Beach • Best All-Around Day At The Lake
A broad sandy shoreline, shallow water near shore, and big granite peaks make June Lake Beach the classic Eastern Sierra beach day within reach of Big Pine.
The main beach on June Lake has the kind of soft sand and gentle entry that makes it easy to forget you’re at 7,600 feet in the mountains. Families spread out blankets, kids paddle in the shallows, and anglers work the drop-offs deeper out. Go early on summer weekends for easier parking and calmer water before the afternoon wind picks up.
02
Closest swim spot to town
Klondike Lake
North Of Big Pine Near Bishop • Quiet High-Desert Swimming Lake • Closest True Swim Beach To Big Pine
Klondike Lake offers a small, mellow shoreline where locals slip in for a swim or paddle without committing to a long mountain drive.
Tucked just off Highway 395 north of Big Pine, Klondike feels like a locals’ shortcut to summer, with calm water and a simple, no-frills setting. On hot afternoons you’ll see people cooling off with a quick swim, launching small boats, or just sitting at the edge with their feet in the water. Bring shade and water shoes, as the high-desert sun and shoreline can both be intense.
03
Best mountain escape
Horseshoe Lake
Mammoth Lakes Basin • Pine-Ringed Mountain Lake With Sandy Shore • Best For Cool Mountain Escape
Horseshoe Lake pairs a surprisingly sandy shoreline with cool, shallow water and a full wraparound of Mammoth’s pine-covered slopes.
At the end of the road in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, Horseshoe Lake feels noticeably cooler than the valley on hot summer days. The broad, pale sand and gently shelving bottom make it easy to wade out or let kids splash close to shore. Watch posted signs about tree and gas hazards, stick to open beach areas, and pack layers for the quick temperature drop when afternoon clouds roll in.
04
Best for low-key lounging
Diaz Lake
South Of Lone Pine Along Highway 395 • Desert Campground Lake With Swim Cove • Best For Relaxed, Low-Key Afternoons
Diaz Lake offers a mellow lakeside scene just south of Lone Pine, with spots to swim, paddle, and watch the light shift on the Sierra wall.
Set in the flats below the Alabama Hills and the high Sierra, Diaz Lake feels laid-back and uncrowded compared with resort-style lakes farther north. There are patches of shoreline suitable for swimming and floating, along with picnic areas and easy access from the campground. It’s a nice option if you’ve spent the morning exploring around Lone Pine and want a calm water break before heading back to Big Pine.
05
Best for paddlers and anglers
Crowley Lake
Crowley Lake Area Off Highway 395 • Open Reservoir Shoreline With Boat Access • Best For Paddling And Wide-Open Views
Crowley Lake combines rambling shorelines, big-sky views, and easy boat access for people who like their beach time mixed with paddling or fishing.
Although it feels more like a high-desert reservoir than a classic sandy beach, Crowley has several spots where you can pull up, lay out a chair, and step into the shallows. The appeal here is space: long views, room to spread out, and plenty of water for kayaks, SUPs, and small boats. Expect breezier afternoons and cooler water than the valley lakes, and bring layers if you plan to stay through sunset.