01
Best overall pick
Lake Perris State Recreation Area
Lake Perris Shoreline • Inland Reservoir Beach With Full Facilities • Closest Full-Service Beach To Perris
A wide, sandy lakeshore with swim areas, boat ramps, and mountain views just minutes from central Perris.
If you want a classic beach day without leaving town, Lake Perris is the go-to. Long stretches of sand, designated swim zones, picnic tables, and nearby campgrounds make it easy to settle in for the whole day. Expect families, boaters, and anglers sharing the shoreline, plus enough room to find your own patch of sand.
02
Best nearby lake alternative
Elm Grove Beach at Lake Elsinore
North Shore Of Lake Elsinore • Relaxed Lakeside Beach Park • Good Mix Of Sand, Shade, And Lake Views
A mellow neighborhood-style beach on the shore of Lake Elsinore with grassy areas, sand, and mountain backdrops.
About a half-hour west of Perris, Elm Grove Beach offers an easygoing lakeside option when you want a change from Lake Perris. There’s sand for laying out, shaded lawns for picnics, and quick access to town for snacks or lunch. Water conditions can vary by season, so it’s worth checking current advisories before planning a swim-heavy day.
03
Best mountain lake beach
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
San Bernardino Mountains • Scenic Mountain Reservoir Beach • Best For Cooler Temps And Day-Long Picnics
A pine-framed reservoir with sandy swim areas and cooler mountain air, ideal when the inland valley is baking.
Silverwood Lake sits higher in the San Bernardino Mountains, so the water and air typically run cooler than the valley lakes around Perris. The designated swim beaches are backed by picnic areas and trails, making it just as good for a full day of lounging as for a quick dip. It’s a bit more of a drive, but the change in scenery and temperature often feels worth the extra miles.
04
Best coastal day trip
Corona del Mar State Beach
Newport Coast • Wide Oceanfront Cove • Best First Stop On The Pacific
A sheltered, crescent-shaped ocean beach with gentle waves, fire pits, and classic Newport scenery.
When you’re ready to swap lakes for the Pacific, Corona del Mar is one of the most straightforward coastal runs from Perris. The beach sits in a protected cove, so waves are often manageable for casual swimmers and families. With lifeguards, restrooms, and nearby neighborhood streets for food runs, it’s an easy place to spend a long, unhurried day by the ocean.
05
Best for a classic SoCal vibe
Laguna Main Beach
Downtown Laguna Beach • Lively Oceanfront Beach With A Walkable Town • Great For Pairing Surf With Shops And Cafes
A busy, photogenic stretch of sand backed by a boardwalk, art galleries, and casual restaurants.
Laguna’s main beach is a favorite for Perris locals who want their beach day to come with people-watching and a small-town coastal feel. You get volleyball courts, a beachfront park, tidepool access nearby, and lifeguard towers dotting the sand. Step off the beach and you’re immediately in downtown Laguna, with coffee shops, boutiques, and easy options for a post-swim meal.