01
Closest splash spot
Yucaipa Regional Park Swim Beach
Yucaipa • Family-Friendly Swim Lake • Closest True Beach To Calimesa
A sandy swim lagoon just up the hill, ideal for quick cooling dips without committing to a full-day road trip.
Only a short drive from Calimesa, Yucaipa Regional Park’s swim beach gives you sand, clear water, and mountain views without the coastal crowds. Lifeguarded summer swimming, on-site picnic tables, and nearby playgrounds make it easy to bring kids or a mixed-age group. Aim for early morning or late afternoon for softer light and more elbow room on busy weekends.
02
Best lakeside day trip
Lake Perris SRA – Moreno Beach
Lake Perris • Lakeside Beach With Mountain Views • Best For Paddleboarding And Boating
A broad, sandy shoreline on a large reservoir, popular with swimmers, paddlers, and boaters from across the Inland Empire.
Moreno Beach at Lake Perris feels like a mini coastal getaway, with a wide sand strip, marked swim areas, and rentals available in season. Calimesa locals come for all-day picnics, shade canopies, and the chance to mix a beach hang with kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Parking can back up on hot summer Saturdays, so plan to arrive on the early side and bring cash or a card for the park entrance fee.
03
Coolest summer escape
Silverwood Lake – Cleghorn Swim Beach
Cajon Pass / San Bernardino Mountains • Cooler Mountain Reservoir Beach • Best Summer Escape From Inland Heat
A tree-lined swim cove in the foothills where Calimesa residents go when they want sand and cooler mountain air.
Set above the Cajon Pass, Silverwood Lake’s Cleghorn area offers a sandy swim beach framed by pines and boulder-dotted hillsides. The water typically runs cooler than low-elevation lakes, which feels especially good during peak summer heat back in Calimesa. Pack layers for breezy afternoons, and bring your own shade if you want to settle in for a long, lazy day by the water.
04
Best ocean day trip
Newport Beach – Balboa Peninsula
Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach • Classic Socal Surf Beach • Best Ocean Day Trip For Calimesa Locals
A long, sandy Pacific shoreline with gentle waves, bike paths, and plenty of amenities, about an hour and a half from Calimesa.
When Inland Empire residents say they’re “going to the beach,” Newport is often what they mean, and the Balboa Peninsula is the easiest all-round pick. You get wide sand, consistent surf, volleyball courts, and a laid-back boardwalk with snack shacks and rentals. Expect traffic on summer afternoons; aim for a morning arrival, then linger for golden-hour walks as the sun drops behind the pier.
05
Classic surf city experience
Huntington City Beach
Downtown Huntington Beach • Lively Surf City Strand • Top Pick For Pier-And-Bonfire Vibe
A bustling stretch of sand anchored by an iconic pier, with fire pits, surf breaks, and a lively scene that still works for day trips from Calimesa.
Huntington City Beach delivers the postcard version of Southern California: surfers by the pier, long rolling waves, and a deep sand beach lined with bike paths. Many Calimesa and Redlands locals make this their go-to when they want the energy of a true surf town plus the option to stay into the evening for bonfires. Check for fire-pit availability and bring layers—once the sun sets, that ocean breeze cools down fast, even after a hot inland day.