01
Closest sandy escape to campus
Lake Yosemite Recreation Area
North Merced • Relaxed Reservoir Shoreline • Easiest Quick Getaway
A low-key lakefront with sandy stretches just minutes from the UC Merced campus.
If you want to be by the water without committing to a long drive, Lake Yosemite is the obvious choice. The shoreline has small sandy areas for laying out a towel, plus picnic tables and grassy spots if you’d rather stay out of the sun. It’s more of a casual hangout than a full-on resort beach, but the convenience factor is unbeatable for students.
02
Top nearby lake day trip
Turlock Lake State Recreation Area
East Of Turlock • Riverside Reservoir Beach • Best For Full-Day Picnics
A broad reservoir shoreline with sandy and pebbly spots, set up well for picnic-and-swim days.
About an hour from Merced, Turlock Lake offers a more expansive beach feel than the city’s local reservoirs. You’ll find long stretches of shoreline where people spread out under shade trees, grill, and cool off in the water. Go early if you want a quieter atmosphere, as weekends can draw plenty of Central Valley families and anglers.
03
Scenic foothill reservoir
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area
Northeast Of Fresno • Hilly Reservoir Shoreline • Great For Hiking And Swimming
A large, hilly lake ringed with coves and swim areas that feels like a foothills getaway.
Millerton Lake combines swim-friendly coves with miles of foothill scenery, making it a solid choice if you like to mix beach time with short hikes. The shore is a mix of sand, small rocks, and grassy patches, so bring sturdy sandals along with your towel. It’s far enough from Merced to feel like a real trip, but close enough for a long afternoon escape.
04
Best coastal day trip
Monterey State Beach
Monterey Bay • Wide Urban Ocean Beach • Ideal For Cool Coastal Escapes
A long, sandy Pacific shoreline with gentle waves and cool coastal air, perfect for a full-day break from the valley heat.
When you’re ready for real ocean waves, Monterey State Beach is one of the most straightforward coastal runs from UC Merced. The beach stretches for quite a distance, so it’s easy to find your own space for a blanket, a walk, or a casual game of beach volleyball. Pair your beach time with a stop in town for seafood or coffee before heading back inland.
05
Classic boardwalk beach
Santa Cruz Main Beach
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Area • Lively Oceanfront Boardwalk Scene • Best For Classic California Beach Vibe
A busy, energetic ocean beach backed by the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s rides and arcades.
Santa Cruz Main Beach is where you go when you want the full postcard version of a California beach day. The sand is wide, the surf is lively but usually manageable for casual swimmers, and the boardwalk brings food stands, arcades, and rides within a few steps of your towel. Expect crowds and a bit of chaos in peak season, but also plenty of people-watching and energy you won’t find at the quieter lakes closer to Merced.