01
Best overall pick
Lake Britton Beach at McArthur–Burney Falls Memorial State Park
Near Burney Falls • Forest-Framed Lake Beach • Best All-Around Day Trip From Little Valley
A classic North State swim beach backed by pines, paired with one of California’s most photogenic waterfalls.
About a 45-minute drive from Little Valley, Lake Britton’s swim beach gives you soft sand, clear water, and postcard views of the surrounding forested hills. You can cool off in the lake after walking up to the overlook for Burney Falls, then return to the beach for picnics and lazy swims. Arrive early on summer weekends if you want shade and a close parking spot.
02
Best for a full-day getaway
Brandy Creek Beach, Whiskeytown Lake
West Of Redding • Reservoir Swim Beach With Amenities • Best For Sand, Shade, And Simple Comforts
A managed swimming beach with roped-off swim areas, soft sand, and plenty of space to spread out along Whiskeytown Lake.
If you are willing to make about a 1.5-hour drive, Brandy Creek Beach delivers that classic summer-lake feel with an organized swim area and a wide sandy shoreline. Families like the gentle entry, nearby restrooms, and shady spots up from the water. Pair your beach time with a short waterfall hike in the recreation area if you get restless lying in the sun.
03
Best for boat days
Lake Almanor Recreation Area Beach
Near Chester On Lake Almanor • High-Elevation Recreation Lake • Top Pick For Boating And Long Swims
A roomy lakeside beach on big, blue Lake Almanor, popular with swimmers, paddlers, and boaters who like wide-open water.
About a 90-minute drive southeast of Little Valley, the beach areas at Lake Almanor Recreation Area feel like a classic mountain-lake resort without the crowds of bigger destinations. The water here warms up a bit more than some higher lakes, which makes it comfortable for longer swims and float sessions. Expect a relaxed scene of fishing boats, kayaks, and families rotating between the water and shaded picnic tables.
04
Best quiet escape
Gallatin Beach on Eagle Lake
North Of Susanville • Open, Breezy Lakeshore • Best For Birdwatching And Quiet Sunsets
A broad, lightly developed lakeshore with shallow water, big skies, and great evening light over Eagle Lake.
North of Susanville, Eagle Lake’s Gallatin Beach is a good pick when you want space and silence more than a built-up swim area. The shoreline is gently sloping and often shallow near the edge, which works well for wading and letting kids splash under watchful eyes. Bring binoculars for the birdlife and plan to linger until dusk, when the light over the water and surrounding sage hills can be spectacular.
05
Best for pairing with a hike
Manzanita Lake Day Use Beach
Lassen Volcanic National Park • Volcanic Mountain Lake Shoreline • Ideal For Paddling And Park Exploring
A small but scenic lakeside beach with crystal-clear water and big volcano views, perfect after a hike in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Manzanita Lake sits at the northwest entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park, within easy day-trip range of Little Valley. The designated day-use shoreline is more of a small beach and launch area than a long strip of sand, but the tradeoff is calm water, mountain reflections, and easy access to short lakeside trails. In summer, paddlers can rent boats nearby or bring their own craft to explore the glassy coves away from the road.