01
Closest to home
Mentone Beach on Mill Creek
Along Highway 38 In Mentone • Casual Creekside Beach • Laid-Back Local Hangout
A rocky little stretch of Mill Creek that locals treat as their backyard beach, just minutes from central Mentone.
When the creek is flowing, Mentone Beach is the quickest way to cool off without leaving town, with shallow pools, smooth rocks, and plenty of room to spread a towel. It feels more like a rustic swimming hole than a developed park, so bring your own chairs, shade, and water shoes for the river stones. Flows and conditions change with the seasons, so this spot is best in warmer months when snowmelt and releases keep the water moving.
02
Best family lake day
Lake Gregory Regional Park Swim Beach
Crestline In The San Bernardino Mountains • Tree-Lined Mountain Lake Beach • Best For Families And Groups
A managed swim beach with lifeguards, rentals, and mountain views, wrapped around a compact lakefront park.
Up the hill in Crestline, Lake Gregory offers a sandy roped-off swim area, seasonal lifeguards, and easy access to restrooms, picnic tables, and snack options. Families love the gentle entry, inflatable water features when in season, and shade from surrounding pines that keeps summer days comfortable. It is a great choice if you want a true beach setup with facilities but do not want to drive all the way to the coast.
03
Classic mountain beach
Swim Beach at Meadow Park, Big Bear Lake
Lakeside In Big Bear Lake • Sandy Lakeshore With Park Amenities • Great For All-Day Lounging
A sandy, roped swim area on Big Bear Lake backed by grassy parkland, playgrounds, and mountain scenery.
On the south shore of Big Bear Lake, Meadow Park’s designated Swim Beach delivers that classic mix of sand, cool water, and a backdrop of pines. The adjacent park brings extras like playgrounds, sports courts, and shady picnic spots, so kids can bounce between the water and dry-land play. Come early on summer weekends to snag parking and a comfortable patch of sand before the afternoon crowds roll in.
04
Wide-open shoreline
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area Swim Beaches
Between Crestline And Hesperia • Expansive Reservoir Beach Areas • Best For Big-Water Views
A series of broad lakeside swim beaches on a high-desert reservoir, popular for swimming, fishing, and boating days.
Silverwood Lake’s designated swim areas give you long, sandy stretches of shoreline and sweeping views across the reservoir’s open water. The park is set up for full-day outings, with picnic tables, barbecue spots, and nearby trailheads if you want to mix a hike with a swim. Expect hotter, drier conditions than in the higher mountain lakes, which makes the cool water especially inviting in midsummer.
05
Warm-water escape
Lake Perris State Recreation Area Beach
South Of Moreno Valley • Broad Sandy Reservoir Beach • Best For Long Swims And Picnics
A wide, gently sloping beach on Lake Perris that feels like a classic reservoir getaway, with warm water and plenty of room to spread out.
Lake Perris is a go-to for Mentone locals who do not mind a bit more driving in exchange for warmer water and a broad, sandy shoreline. The main swim beaches have gradual entry, making them comfortable for casual swimmers and kids, and there are ample picnic areas and shade structures nearby. Pair your beach time with a walk along the shoreline trail or stay for golden-hour views over the rocky hills that ring the lake.