01
Best overall pick
June Lake Beach
June Lake Loop North Of Bishop • Classic Mountain Lake Beach • Best Mix Of Scenery And Easy Access
A wide, gently sloping sandy beach on a turquoise alpine lake that feels made for long summer days.
June Lake Beach is the closest thing to a classic swim beach in the Eastern Sierra, with soft sand, shallow entry, and big mountain views all around. It’s popular but rarely feels overwhelming, especially if you wander a bit away from the main parking area. Bring a chair, a cooler, and maybe a paddleboard, and plan to stay until the evening light hits the peaks across the water.
02
Best for room to spread out
Crowley Lake Shore
Crowley Lake South Of Mammoth • Wide-Open High Desert Shoreline • Best For Wind And Watersports
A broad, rugged reservoir shoreline with big skies, breezes, and plenty of space to launch boats and boards.
Crowley Lake has a more open, high-desert feel than the tighter mountain lakes, which makes it a favorite for folks who want to mix casual beach time with fishing or paddling. The south shore access points give you easy car-to-water proximity and room to spread out your setup. It can be windy, so it’s ideal for people who don’t mind a bit of chop and want a less sheltered, more adventurous waterfront vibe.
03
Most dramatic backdrop
Convict Lake Day Use Beach
Convict Lake Basin Near Mammoth • Scenic Alpine Lake Cove • Best For Dramatic Scenery
A small pebbly shoreline set beneath towering cliffs and glassy, cold-blue water that looks straight off a postcard.
Convict Lake’s day-use shoreline isn’t a big sandy sprawl, but the views more than make up for it, with sheer rock walls dropping straight to the water. The cove-style beach near the day-use area works well for quick swims, picnics, and lounging with a camp chair right at the water’s edge. Come early or later in the afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds on the popular lakeside trail.
04
Best roadside swim stop
Diaz Lake Beach
Owens Valley South Of Lone Pine • Casual Roadside Swim Lake • Best For Families And Groups
A mellow lakeside park with an easy-entry swim area just off Highway 395, framed by big views of the Sierra crest.
Diaz Lake is the kind of place where you can pull in on a road trip, kick off your shoes, and be in the water within minutes. The small beach area is simple but kid-friendly, with gentle shoreline, picnic tables, and plenty of sun. It’s a great option if you want a low-key swim and a leg-stretch partway between Wilkerson and the southern Owens Valley attractions.
05
Best high-elevation escape
Lake Sabrina Shore
Bishop Creek Canyon West Of Bishop • Rocky Alpine Lakeside Hangout • Best For Cool Summer Afternoons
A cool, high-elevation lake with rocky pockets of shoreline perfect for dangling your feet and soaking up crisp mountain air.
Lake Sabrina isn’t a sandy beach destination, but the scattered rock shelves and small shore nooks around the marina make for great sunning spots between dips in the chilly water. The drive up Bishop Creek Canyon is half the experience, with each turn delivering bigger peaks and cooler temperatures. Pack layers, a picnic, and maybe a fishing rod, and treat it as a full-afternoon escape from the valley heat.