01
Best overall pick
Crowley Lake Shoreline
Crowley Lake Shoreline • Wide-Open Lakeside Beach • Best Overall Pick
Closest sizeable lakeshore to McGee Creek, with plenty of room to spread out along the water.
Just down the road from McGee Creek, Crowley Lake offers long stretches of gently sloping shoreline where you can wade in, cast a line, or launch a paddleboard. The vibe is relaxed and low-key, with anglers, paddlers, and families sharing the same broad coves. Go early on summer afternoons if you want calmer water before the wind picks up across the open basin.
02
Most dramatic setting
Convict Lake Day Use Beach
Convict Lake Area • Scenic Alpine Shoreline • Best For Dramatic Views
Small pebbly beach backed by sheer cliffs and some of the most photographed water in the Eastern Sierra.
The day use area at Convict Lake has a compact but inviting stretch of shoreline where you can sit right at the water’s edge and look straight up at towering rock walls. The lake drops off fairly quickly, so it’s better for confident swimmers and lounging by the shore than for toddlers splashing in the shallows. Pack a picnic and walk a bit along the loop trail to find quieter nooks away from the main parking lot.
03
Best swim beach
June Lake Beach
June Lake Loop • Designated Swim Beach • Best For Families
A true sandy beach with shallow water and classic mountain scenery, ideal for swimming and casual lake days.
June Lake Beach feels like a small mountain resort strand, with soft sand, roped-off swim areas, and mellow shallows that warm up nicely on sunny afternoons. It’s a bit of a drive from McGee Creek, but the payoff is an easy, family-friendly setup where kids can dig in the sand while adults relax with a clear view of the water. Summer weekends get busy, so aim for mornings or shoulder seasons if you prefer more breathing room.
04
Best laid-back hangout
Horseshoe Lake Beach
Mammoth Lakes Basin • Forest-Fringed Mountain Beach • Great For Picnics And Paddleboarding
Broad, gently sloping beach at the end of the road, with easy water access and plenty of space to spread out.
Horseshoe Lake has one of the more spacious natural beaches in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, with a wide arc of sand and fine gravel that makes getting in and out of the water simple. It’s popular with locals for casual swims, dog-friendly strolls, and launching paddleboards away from marina traffic. Expect a more rustic feel than a groomed resort beach, and keep an eye on posted advisories about changing lake conditions.
05
Best mix of boating and beach
Lake Mary Day Use Shoreline
Above Mammoth Lakes • Marina-Side Coves • Best For Mixing Boating And Beach Time
Small pocket beaches tucked between marinas and pines, with easy access to rentals and classic alpine views.
Around the day use areas at Lake Mary, short paths drop down to little coves where you can roll out a towel between boulders and pine roots. The water stays refreshingly cool, and you’re close to boat and kayak rentals if you want to turn a lazy beach stop into a full day on the lake. It’s a smart choice if your group wants both quiet shoreline time and the option to get out on the water without moving the car.