01
Best overall pick
June Lake Beach
June Lake Village • Classic Family-Friendly Swim Beach • Best All-Around Beach
A broad sandy shoreline on the east side of June Lake with shallow, clear water and big-mountain views.
This is the spot most locals send first-time visitors, thanks to easy access, soft sand, and plenty of room to spread out. The water stays shallow for a good distance, which makes it comfortable for wading, kids, and casual swimming. On calm days you will see kayaks and paddleboards gliding past while Carson Peak looms dramatically across the lake.
02
Best with a campsite
Oh Ridge Beach on June Lake
Oh Ridge Side Of June Lake • Wide Sandy Shoreline With Campground Vibe • Best For Camping And Long Lake Days
A long sweep of sand below the Oh Ridge campground, ideal for rolling straight from your tent or RV into the lake.
If you are staying at Oh Ridge, this beach becomes your backyard, with an easy walk down to a spacious shoreline. It feels a little more laid-back and residential than the main town beach, with plenty of room for chairs, shade tents, and evening strolls along the waterline. Sunrise and sunset here can be spectacular as the light hits the surrounding peaks.
03
Best small-town lake spot
Gull Lake Park Shoreline
Gull Lake, Near The Village • Compact Lakeside Park Beach • Best For Picnics And Paddlecraft
A cozy patch of lakeshore with grass, playgrounds, and easy access to the water for canoes and small boats.
Gull Lake feels like June Lake’s quieter next-door neighbor, and the park shoreline fits that mood. There is a small beachy edge where kids can splash, plus picnic tables, a dock, and rentals nearby if you want to paddle instead of swim. It is an easy choice when you want a relaxed, in-town lake day with a bit of everything in a compact space.
04
Most scenic roadside stop
Silver Lake Day Use Beach
Silver Lake Along The June Lake Loop • Scenic Roadside Lake Cove • Best For Mellow Scenery Breaks
A small but dramatic slice of shoreline framed by steep granite walls and reflective, often calm water.
Silver Lake sits right against the highway, but the day use areas drop you quickly into a world of still water and towering cliffs. The beachy sections are modest, more about soaking up the view than building sandcastles, yet they are perfect for a quick swim or a long picnic. Come early or later in the day when the light is softer and the lake turns mirror-like.
05
Best for peace and quiet
Grant Lake South Shore
Grant Lake At The North End Of The Loop • Remote High-Desert Reservoir Shore • Best For Solitude And Big-Sky Sunsets
Open, lightly developed shoreline where you can spread out, watch the wind on the water, and catch wide Eastern Sierra skies.
Grant Lake feels wilder than the other loop lakes, with long stretches of scrubby shoreline and fewer people around. The south shore has spots where you can walk down to the water, set up a chair, and enjoy the sense of space you get from a larger reservoir. It is a better fit for those who value quiet vistas and evening colors over amenities and manicured sand.