01
Best overall pick
Clear Lake State Park Swim Beach
Near Kelseyville Along The West Shore • Classic State-Park Swim Beach • Local Favorite For A Full Beach Day
A roomy, well-managed swim beach with plenty of shade, lake access, and amenities for an easy all-day outing.
This is the spot locals name first when you ask where to swim on Clear Lake: a protected swim area, sandy and pebbly shoreline, picnic tables, and big shade trees right behind the beach. You’ll find restrooms, easy parking, and grassy patches that make it comfortable for families or mixed groups. Arrive earlier on summer weekends if you want a table close to the water and time for a hike on one of the park’s short trails before you swim.
02
Best for picnics
Lakeside County Park
Between Kelseyville And Lakeport • Shady Picnic Shoreline • Great For Laid-Back Afternoons
A mellow stretch of shoreline with lawn, shade, and easy water access that feels more like a neighborhood park than a busy beach.
Lakeside County Park trades a big sandy strip for a mix of lawn, trees, and narrow shoreline where kids can wade and adults can unwind. It’s an easy option when you want to spread out a blanket, fire up a barbecue, or toss a Frisbee without feeling packed in. Expect a casual, dog-walkers-and-families vibe rather than a formal swim area, and bring water shoes if you plan to spend much time in the shallows.
03
Best for families
Austin Park & Beach
Central Clearlake Lakefront • Lively Family-Friendly Swim Beach • Best For Playgrounds And Events
A community lakefront with a small beach, playgrounds, and open lawn that keeps kids entertained between swims.
Austin Park & Beach in the city of Clearlake feels like a classic town waterfront: a compact beach area paired with play structures, open grass, and frequent community events. It’s a good choice if you’ve got younger kids who will split their time between sand, swings, and watching boats move across the lake. Parking is fairly straightforward, and you’re close to casual spots for snacks or takeout to bring back to the shoreline.
05
Best for small-town charm
Library Park
Lakeport Town Center • Relaxed Small-Town Lakefront • Great For Sunsets And A Stroll
A classic downtown lakefront park with piers, lawns, and small beachy access points perfect for a low-key evening by the water.
Library Park sits right at the heart of Lakeport, pairing grassy lawns and shade trees with docks and bits of shoreline where you can dabble your feet in the lake. It’s more about atmosphere than full-on swimming, making it ideal for a sunset walk, an ice cream by the water, or a quiet break between errands. Pair a visit here with a wander through the nearby shops and cafés to round out a relaxed small-town lake day.