01
Best overall pick
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Crestline Foothills Above San Bernardino • Mountain Reservoir Beach • Closest All-Around Escape From The Desert
A forested mountain lake with a real swim beach, shady picnic spots, and cooler air than the Mojave floor.
From Johannesburg, Silverwood Lake is one of the quickest ways to trade dust for sand and pine trees. The designated swim beach has roped-off areas, restrooms, and nearby parking, so it feels easy even with kids or a big cooler in tow. Aim to arrive by late morning on summer weekends—parking can fill and afternoon winds sometimes kick up whitecaps.
02
Best for long summer days
Lake Isabella
Kern River Valley Northeast Of Bakersfield • Wide Lakeside Shoreline • Great For Swimming And Paddling
A sprawling reservoir with multiple coves and informal beaches where you can spread out and make a full day of it.
Lake Isabella is a long-time Kern County escape, with sandy and pebbly stretches around spots like Paradise Cove and Boulder Gulch. Expect a more open, high-desert feel than forested lakes, with room for kayaks, paddleboards, and bank fishing between swims. Check wind and water-level conditions before you go, and bring shade—pop-up canopies are common on busy summer weekends.
03
Family-friendly choice
Mojave Narrows Regional Park
Near Victorville In The High Desert • Tree-Lined Park Beach • Best For Picnics And Playground Time
A green pocket along the Mojave River with lakeside access, play areas, and easy facilities for families.
Mojave Narrows feels surprisingly lush compared to the scrub around Victorville, with tall trees, grassy areas, and lakeside spots to toss down a blanket. While it is more of a park-than-postcard beach, kids love the playgrounds, ducks, and easy shoreline access. Pair a short swim or wading session with a picnic and a slow loop of the park before heading back up 395.
04
Low-key weekend getaway
Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area
Southwest Of Bakersfield Near Taft • Calm Recreation-Lake Beach • Best For Camping By The Water
Twin lakes with gentle banks, small beaches, and campgrounds that let you wake up right next to the water.
Buena Vista is popular with Kern County locals who want a mellow lakeside spot without driving all the way to the coast. The shoreline is a mix of grass, sand, and packed earth, with designated swim areas and plenty of room to set up chairs or a day-use canopy. If you can swing a night or two, reserving a campsite turns it into an easy mini-lake vacation from Johannesburg.
05
Classic Pacific escape
Santa Monica State Beach
Westside Los Angeles Coast • Iconic Socal Ocean Beach • Best For A Full Coastal Day Trip
A broad, sandy Pacific beach backed by a lively pier, bike path, and plenty of food options once you’ve made the long drive.
When locals say they are really going to the beach, this is the kind of spot they mean, even if it’s a long haul from Johannesburg. Santa Monica’s wide sand, lifeguard towers, and gentle waves are ideal if you want a classic ocean experience with restrooms, showers, and nearby cafes. Leave before sunrise to beat LA traffic, plan to pay for parking, and treat it as an all-day reset from the desert heat.