01
Best overall pick
Wawona Swinging Bridge Swimming Area
In Wawona • Classic River Swimming Hole • Local Favorite
A broad, calm bend in the river beneath Wawona’s swinging bridge with sandy pockets, smooth rocks, and easy wading for most ages.
This is the spot many people picture when they think of a Wawona beach day, with clear water, gentle current, and room to spread out. You can pick a sunny rock slab, tuck into the shade of pines, or wander a little upstream or downstream to find a quieter corner. Parking fills quickly on hot days, so arrive early if you want the easiest access.
02
Best for families
Wawona Campground River Beach
Near Wawona Campground • Laid-Back Family Sandbar • Great For Kids And Picnics
Shallow stretches of the South Fork Merced with small gravel bars steps from campsites make this a low-key place to let kids splash and explore.
Along the edges of Wawona Campground, paths drop quickly from the loops down to mellow riverbanks where the current often stays manageable. Families roll down with camp chairs, snacks, and buckets, then spend hours hopping between sun and shade. Even if you’re not camping, it’s an easy option when you want minimal walking between your car and the water.
03
Best for a short adventure
Chilnualna Creek Pools
Chilnualna Falls Trailhead Area • Rocky Creek Retreats • Great For Creek Lounging
A series of clear pools and cascades along Chilnualna Creek offer cool, less crowded alternatives to the main river beaches.
Start up the Chilnualna Falls trail and you’ll quickly find side spots where the creek slides over granite into natural basins. Instead of a wide sandy shore, expect flat rock shelves for sunbathing, ankle-deep riffles, and deeper pockets carved into stone. It feels more like a mountain hideaway than a conventional beach, so pack good footwear and be prepared to scramble a bit.
04
Best for views
Cathedral Beach Picnic Area
Yosemite Valley Riverbend • Scenic Riverside Sandbar • Great For Iconic Photos
A broad sandy beach on the Merced River with big, open views of El Capitan and calm water later in the season.
Cathedral Beach feels like a classic Yosemite postcard, with towering cliffs reflected in slow-moving water and plenty of space to spread out. Families set up day-use picnics here, but there is still room to find a quieter patch of sand if you walk a bit along the shore. It pairs nicely with a half-day valley visit for those driving in from Wawona.
05
Best for a relaxed afternoon
Sentinel Beach Picnic Area
Yosemite Valley South Side • Long, Mellow Riverside Beach • Great For Lingering
A long stretch of riverbank with a mix of sand and shaded forest, perfect for reading, napping, and watching the light change on the cliffs.
Sentinel Beach tends to feel a bit quieter than the busiest valley pullouts, especially if you wander away from the main access point. You get gentle river access, filtered views of Half Dome and surrounding peaks, and enough space for larger groups to settle in without feeling crowded. It’s an easy choice when you want a slower-paced, stay-all-afternoon spot before heading back to Wawona.