01
Best overall pick
Horseshoe Lake Beach
Mammoth Lakes Basin – Horseshoe Lake • Sandy Family Beach At A High Alpine Lake • Easiest In-Town Beach Day
A broad, sandy shoreline with shallow water makes Horseshoe Lake the go-to swim beach close to Mammoth town.
Horseshoe Lake has the most obvious “beach” feel in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, with soft sand, gradual entry, and space for kids to dig and splash. The day-use area is drive-up convenient, and you can usually find a patch of shoreline even on busy weekends. Afternoon winds can pick up, so locals often plan their swim sessions and paddleboard laps for late morning.
02
Most like a classic beach
June Lake Beach
June Lake Loop • Wide Sandy Swim Beach With Marina Nearby • Best For A Classic Beach Feel
June Lake’s long sandy arc feels closest to a traditional beach, framed by turquoise water and steep granite walls.
Just 20–25 minutes north of Mammoth, June Lake Beach offers a big sweep of sand, clear water that warms up a bit more than most alpine lakes, and easy parking just behind the shore. It is popular with families and groups thanks to the gentle entry, restroom access, and nearby marinas for kayak or paddleboard rentals. Arrive early on summer weekends if you want a front-row towel spot by the water.
03
Best for low-key afternoons
Twin Lakes Shoreline
Mammoth Lakes Basin – Twin Lakes • Pine-Lined Shoreline With Small Swim Coves • Great For Picnics And Paddling
Scattered pocket beaches and picnic nooks along Twin Lakes offer quieter spots to wade, float, and watch canoes glide by.
Instead of one big beach, Twin Lakes rewards a little exploring to find your own small cove or rock-framed landing. The campground and day-use areas have lakeside tables, making it an easy place to combine a picnic with quick dips or a mellow paddle. It is a good pick if you prefer a more tucked-away feel than the larger, open beaches nearby.
04
Best for mixing activities
Lake Mary Shore
Mammoth Lakes Basin – Lake Mary • Active Mountain Lake With Pocket Beaches • Best Combo Of Boating And Quick Dips
Lake Mary’s busy marinas and scattered little shorelines let you pair a swim stop with time on a boat or board.
Lake Mary is the hub of the Mammoth Lakes Basin, ringed with marinas, campgrounds, and small strips of shoreline where you can slip into the water. The lake is a bit cooler and deeper than Horseshoe or June, but on warm days swimmers and paddleboarders spread out along the quieter edges away from boat traffic. It suits groups where some people want to rent a pontoon or fishing boat while others are happy just dangling feet in the water from shore.
05
Best for sunrise or sunset
Convict Lake Shore
Along U.S. 395 South Of Mammoth • Pebbly Alpine Shoreline Under Steep Peaks • Most Dramatic Scenery
Convict Lake offers cold, clear water and small pebbly landings set beneath some of the most dramatic cliffs in the region.
About 10 minutes south of town, Convict Lake trades sand for smooth stones and big views, with a shoreline trail that gives you plenty of options to step down and wade in. The water stays brisk even in midsummer, which locals treat as part of the charm for a quick plunge on a hot day. Aim for early or late light when the amphitheater of cliffs glows and the wind is often calmer.