01
Best overall pick
Brandy Creek Beach
Whiskeytown Lake, West Of Redding • Family-Friendly Lakeside Beach • Local Favorite
A classic Whiskeytown hangout with a broad sandy shoreline, gentle water, and easy amenities.
From Montgomery Creek, Brandy Creek is the go-to spot when you want a full lake day without overthinking it. Lifeguards in peak season, shaded picnic tables, and a gradual entry make it especially friendly for mixed groups and kids. Go early on hot weekends if you want closer parking and a quieter feel.
02
Best for a full beach day
Oak Bottom Beach
Whiskeytown Lake, Northwest Shore • Campground-Style Swim Beach • Great For Families
A laid-back beach backed by a campground, with room to spread out and make a day of it.
Oak Bottom pairs a gentle swim area with nearby camping, a marina, and long stretches of lakeshore to explore. It is a smart choice if your crew wants to mix swimming with paddle rentals, shoreline walks, and lazy blanket time. Expect more of a relaxed camping vibe than a busy day-use crowd.
03
Best mellow cove
East Beach
Whiskeytown Lake, Eastern Shore • Quiet Cove-Style Lake Beach • Best For Relaxed Afternoons
A smaller, more sheltered Whiskeytown beach that feels calmer than the main swim hubs.
East Beach tends to draw a slightly quieter crowd than Brandy Creek or Oak Bottom, making it nice for reading, floating, and low-key picnics. The cove layout and mountain backdrop give it an enclosed, scenic feel even on breezy days. Pack what you need; amenities are simpler than at the larger beaches.
04
Best waterfall add-on
Lake Britton Beach
Lake Britton, Near Burney • State Park Lake Beach • Perfect As Part Of A Burney Falls Trip
A swim-friendly stretch of Lake Britton that pairs perfectly with a visit to Burney Falls.
Once you have walked the falls loop at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, the sandy, roped-off swim area on Lake Britton is where you cool down. The water is refreshing without being as shockingly cold as the pool below the falls. It is ideal if you want a classic towel-and-cooler setup with big pines and easy access back to the car or campsite.
05
Best quick lake fix
Centimudi Day Use Area
Shasta Lake, Upper Sacramento River Arm • Shoreline Picnic And Swim Spot • Best For Quick Swims Near Redding
A straightforward Shasta Lake shoreline stop where locals dip in, launch small craft, and picnic with a view.
Centimudi is not a groomed sandy beach, but it is a practical, close-to-town way to get Shasta Lake water on your skin. You will find a mix of gravelly shoreline, picnic tables, and space to wade or swim between boat traffic. It suits anyone who wants a spontaneous swim and sunset view more than an all-day, umbrella-lined beach scene.