01
Best overall pick
Brandy Creek Beach
Whiskeytown Lake West Of Redding • Family-Friendly Lakeside Beach • Local Favorite For Summer Afternoons
A classic Whiskeytown Lake swim beach with lawns, shade, and clear water that feels built for long, lazy afternoons.
Brandy Creek is the go-to beach when the valley heats up, with a roped-off swim area, lifeguard presence in season, and a mix of grass, sand, and picnic tables. The surrounding pines give pockets of shade, and the gentle entry into the lake makes it comfortable for kids and casual swimmers. Get there earlier on hot weekends to snag a parking spot and a prime patch of shoreline.
02
Best for camping and beach time
Oak Bottom Beach
North Shore Of Whiskeytown Lake • Relaxed Campground Shoreline • Great For Overnight And Day-Use Combos
A laid-back beach tucked into the Oak Bottom area, where you can pair lake swims with camping or a full-day picnic.
Oak Bottom Beach sits beside the campground and marina, so it has an easygoing, stay-all-day feel. The shoreline is a mix of small pebbles and sandy patches, with room to spread out and quick access to restrooms and snacks in season. It is a smart pick if you want a simple base for swimming, paddleboarding, and sunset watching without leaving the same cove.
03
Best for groups and paddlers
East Beach
Eastern Side Of Whiskeytown Lake • Open Lakeside Swim Area • Ideal For Meetups And Lake Toys
A broad swath of shoreline with room for coolers, floaties, and kayaks, East Beach handles bigger groups without feeling cramped.
Compared with the more tucked-in coves at Whiskeytown, East Beach feels wide open, with long views down the lake and plenty of elbow room along the waterline. It is a natural gathering spot for birthday parties, casual meetups, and anyone rolling in with kayaks or inflatables. Expect a simple, no-frills setup: bring shade, chairs, and everything you want for the day, then settle in right by the water.
04
Most scenic lake escape
Centimudi Recreation Area
Shasta Lake North Of Redding • Mountain Reservoir Cove • Best For Views And Boating Access
A Shasta Lake day-use spot with rugged shoreline, clear water, and big-sky views that make quick swims feel like a mini getaway.
Centimudi sits on the arm of Shasta Lake closest to town, so you get that high-country water and scenery without a long drive from Palo Cedro. The shoreline is more pebbly than sandy, but there are easy places to wade in, float, and cool off between boat rides or paddle sessions. Come for a short swim-and-picnic stop, or use it as a launch point for exploring coves farther out on the lake.
05
Best river hangout
Anderson River Park Beach
Anderson Along The Sacramento River • Shaded Riverside Beach • Relaxed Spot For Hot Days And Evening Strolls
A casual gravel-and-sand river beach where locals slip into the Sacramento River and cool off under the trees.
Downstream from Redding, Anderson River Park has a small riverside beach that feels low-key and local, with current to respect but easy access to the water. On hot evenings, you will see people dipping their feet in, launching rafts, and watching the light slide across the river. Pair a quick swim or splash session with a walk on the park paths or a picnic in the shaded lawns just above the beach.