01
Best overall pick
Clear Lake State Park Beach
Near Kelseyville On Soda Bay Road • Classic State Park Swim Beach • Best Overall Lake Day
A roomy lakeside beach with shaded picnic areas, easy swimming access, and plenty of space to spread out for the day.
On the western shore of Clear Lake, this state park beach pairs a sandy swim area with big lawns, shade trees, and shoreline trails just steps away. Families appreciate the gentle entry into the water and the convenience of restrooms and designated picnic sites. It’s an easy place to spend a full day, from a morning paddle to an evening barbecue as the light fades over the hills.
02
Scenic nature escape
Anderson Marsh State Historic Park Lakeshore
South End Of Clear Lake Near Lower Lake • Wildlife-Rich Shoreline Access • Best For Quiet Nature Time
A mellow stretch of lakeshore where bird calls tend to drown out boat noise, with simple access points rather than a built-up beach.
This south-shore park is more about reeds, birds, and open views than umbrellas and coolers, making it a good fit for people who like their lake time on the quiet side. You’ll find spots to get close to the water, launch a kayak, or sit on the bank and watch herons work the shallows. Plan to walk a bit from the parking areas and pack in what you need, as amenities are minimal but the scenery more than makes up for it.
03
Easy in-town option
Redbud Park Lakeside Area
Central Clearlake Lakeshore • In-Town Community Beach • Best For Picnics And Playgrounds
A convenient city park on the water with lawns, a small swim area, and room for kids to run between dips in the lake.
Right in Clearlake, Redbud Park puts you on the shoreline without a long drive, combining a modest beachy edge with docks, boat access, and open grassy space. Locals come here to grill, let kids loose on the play areas, and cool off in the shallows when the afternoon heat builds. It’s not a wide sandy beach, but it’s hard to beat for a spontaneous hour or two by the water between errands or after dinner.
04
Relaxed local favorite
Clearlake Oaks Beach
Clearlake Oaks Waterfront • Small Neighborhood Swim Spot • Best Low-Key Local Hangout
A compact lakeside park with a simple beach, picnic tables, and a laid-back feel that serves the nearby neighborhoods.
Tucked along the shore in Clearlake Oaks, this little beach park is the kind of place where people greet their neighbors between dips. There’s enough sand and shoreline to make it feel like a proper swim stop, plus a few tables and shade for relaxed snacks or a casual lakeside lunch. It’s ideal when you want quick access to the water without the bustle of the larger parks around the lake.
05
Great for evening walks
Library Park Lakefront
Downtown Lakeport Lakefront • Lively Town Pier And Beach Lawn • Best For Strolling And Sunsets
A central Lakeport park that combines a small beachy shoreline with piers, lawns, and a walkable downtown right across the street.
Library Park is where Lakeport’s civic life leans up against the water, with a narrow swim area, broad lawns, and long views across the lake to the opposite hills. Visitors often split time between a quick dip, a stroll down the piers, and a snack run to nearby cafés and restaurants along Main Street. Come later in the day if you can—the sunsets from the benches here are some of the most dependable in the area.