01
Most iconic shoreline
Crowley Lake Columns Beach
East Shore Of Crowley Lake • Remote Wild Beach • Best For Scenic Wandering
A raw, wide strand backed by surreal volcanic columns that feels more like an adventure than a typical day at the beach.
Reached by a rough dirt road and a short walk along the sand, this beach is all about atmosphere rather than amenities. The shoreline is broad and quiet, with room to spread out and wander, while the towering stone columns carved into the cliff make every swim or shoreline stroll feel dramatic. Go prepared—there are no services here and afternoon winds can pick up quickly.
02
Best overall pick
Crowley Lake Marina Shoreline
North End Of Crowley Lake • Lakeside Hub Beach • Great For Mixed Groups
A practical, easy-access stretch of shoreline by the marina where you can combine a relaxed beach hang with boating and fishing.
Closest to the main highway, the marina side of Crowley Lake gives you simple parking, bathrooms nearby, and quick access to boat rentals and the store. The shoreline here is a mix of sand, pebbles, and packed dirt, better for chairs and coolers than sand castles, but perfect for dipping in and watching boats work the lake. It is a handy choice when you want water time without a long drive deeper into the mountains.
03
Best for families
June Lake Beach
June Lake Loop • Classic Family-Friendly Beach • Easiest Swimming Spot
A broad, sandy lakeshore with shallow, clear water and big mountain views, ideal for swimming, paddling, and kids’ beach days.
About 25 minutes north of Crowley Lake, June Lake Beach feels like a small mountain resort beach with an Eastern Sierra twist. The sand is soft enough for blankets and sand toys, and the gentle slope into the water makes it one of the most comfortable places for wading and swimming on a warm afternoon. Arrive earlier on summer weekends if you want a prime parking spot and some breathing room along the shore.
04
Most dramatic setting
Convict Lake Day-Use Shoreline
Convict Canyon Off Highway 395 • Scenic Alpine Shoreline • Best For Picnics And Short Swims
A small but stunning pebbly lakeshore backed by sheer peaks, better for a bracing dip and a long picnic than all-day lounging.
Just north of Crowley Lake, Convict Lake’s day-use area gives you easy access to the water right beside a loop trail and picnic tables. The shore is mostly small stones and gravel, so water shoes help, but the trade-off is glassy clear water framed by cliffs that light up at golden hour. It works well when you want a short hike, a quick cool-off, and a scenic picnic all in the same stop.
05
Best mountain escape
Lake Mary South Shore
Mammoth Lakes Basin • Pine-Framed Lakeside Beach • Great For Summer Afternoons
A series of small, sun-warmed pockets of shoreline where you can slip into the water between pines, docks, and mountain views.
Set higher in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, Lake Mary is cooler and greener than the open sage country around Crowley Lake. The south shore has a few informal little beachy openings between trees and docks where people swim, paddleboard, and set up low chairs by the water. It is an easy add-on if you are already heading into Mammoth for the day and want a refreshing lakeside break in real alpine air.