01
Closest splash spot to town
Diaz Lake Recreation Area
Just South Of Lone Pine • Casual Lakeside Swimming Beach • Closest True Beach To Lone Pine
A mellow lakeside escape with easy access, swim areas, and postcard views of the Sierra crest.
If you want water without a long drive, Diaz Lake is the go‑to choice for Lone Pine locals. There’s a broad shoreline for spreading out a blanket, simple picnic facilities, and enough room to paddle or cast a line. Wind can kick up in the afternoon, so morning is usually the calmest time for a relaxed swim.
02
Best full-on beach day
June Lake Beach
June Lake Village • Alpine Lake Sand Beach • Best Full‑Service Beach Experience
A true sandy beach on a clear alpine lake, with gentle shallows and a small-town resort feel.
June Lake Beach feels surprisingly like a small mountain seaside, with soft sand, shallow entry, and a backdrop of jagged peaks. It’s a favorite for families thanks to the easy wading, nearby restrooms, and seasonal rentals for kayaks and paddleboards. Plan to linger—between the swimming, lounging, and lakeside snacks in the village, it easily fills a day.
03
Best for picnics with a view
Horseshoe Lake
Mammoth Lakes Basin • Pine-Rimmed Mountain Beach • Great For Dogs And Laid-Back Hangs
A high-country lake with sandy pockets and wide views, ideal for relaxed picnics and dog-friendly dips.
Set at the end of the Mammoth Lakes Basin road, Horseshoe Lake offers a mix of sandy shoreline and open forest that feels wonderfully removed from town. People spread out along the water’s edge, tossing sticks for dogs, setting up camp chairs, and taking quick, bracing swims. The altitude keeps things cooler, so a light layer is smart even on bright summer days.
04
Best for paddle sports and space
Crowley Lake South Landing
Crowley Lake Area, South Of Mammoth • Wide-Open Reservoir Shore • Best For Paddling And Fishing
A big-sky lakeshore with room to launch boats and boards, and enough space that it rarely feels crowded.
At Crowley Lake’s South Landing, the vibe is more open-water playground than compact swim beach. Anglers, kayakers, and SUP paddlers share the shoreline, with easy launches and long views over the basin to the Sierra. Shade is limited and afternoons can be breezy, so bring sun protection and aim for a morning session if you prefer calmer water.
05
Most dramatic mountain backdrop
Convict Lake Shoreline
Along Us-395 North Of Bishop • Scenic Rocky Lakeshore • Best For Views And Short Walks
A striking alpine lake ringed by cliffs, with small shoreline pullouts that double as informal mini-beaches.
Convict Lake is more about drama than sand, but its small gravelly coves are perfect for toe-dipping after a walk. A well-maintained loop trail circles the water, linking quiet nooks where people spread out towels, picnic, and watch the light change on the surrounding cliffs. It’s an easy add-on to a US‑395 road trip when you want a scenic “beach” stop without a big detour.