Swimming Holes in CA

Discover 45 amazing natural swimming destinations across CA. From pristine lakes to refreshing rivers, find your perfect swimming spot.

45
Swimming Holes
18
Types
14
Free Access
31
Fee Required
45 locations found
Natural hot spring fed into man-made pools
Fee

AGUA CALIENTE PARK

SAN DIEGO

Discover the rejuvenating hot springs of Agua Caliente Park in CA. Perfect for swimming, camping, and photography amidst stunning desert landscapes.

Hot springs
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Spring-fed pool
Fee

AQUATIC PARK

SAN FRANCISCO

Explore Aquatic Park in San Francisco, a historic waterfront swimming hole with stunning views, rich history, and calm bay waters. Visit today!

San Francisco Bay
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River
Free

Auburn American River Swimming Spots

SACRAMENTO

Explore Auburn's serene swimming holes in the American River. Dive into cool waters surrounded by history, wildlife, and stunning views near Sacramento & Reno.

American River
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Lake
Free

BASS LAKE

SAN FRANCISCO

Explore Bass Lake in Point Reyes, CA – hike, swim, and enjoy the rope swing surrounded by coastal beauty. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers.

Bass Lake
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Varies - see below
Fee

Big Sur Swimming Holes and Coastal Spots

SAN FRANCISCO

Discover Big Sur's diverse swimming holes, from freshwater pools to hot tubs, surrounded by redwoods and dramatic cliffs. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts!

Varies - see below
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Creek/falls
Fee

BLACK CANYON

SAN DIEGO

Explore Black Canyon, a serene swimming hole in Cleveland National Forest, CA. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.

Black Canyon Creek
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Cave in rocks near beach where ocean waves fill and empty.
Fee

BLOW HOLE

SANTA ANNA

Discover the adventurous Blow Hole in Laguna Beach, CA. Swim, dive, and explore rugged reefs and crashing waves along California’s stunning coastline.

Pacific Ocean
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Hot Springs
Free

Buckeye-Travertine Hot Springs and Creek Destinations

CARSON CITY (NV)

Discover Buckeye and Travertine Hot Springs near Bridgeport, CA—soothing geothermal pools with stunning Sierra Nevada views. Perfect for hot tubbing & wading.

Buckeye Creek/Hot Springs
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Falls
Fee

CEDAR CREEK FALLS

SAN DIEGO

Discover Cedar Creek Falls, a spectacular swimming hole near San Diego with an 80-foot waterfall, a challenging hike, and breathtaking views.

Cedar Creek
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Varies-see below
Fee

Chico Region Swimming Holes

SACRAMENTO

Explore the Chico Area's stunning swimming holes near Sacramento, Oroville, and Chico. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking natural pools and scenic views.

Varies-see below
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Lake
Fee

CULL CANYON

SAN LEANDRO

Discover Cull Canyon in Castro Valley, CA—a tranquil swimming lagoon surrounded by scenic trails, abundant wildlife, and family-friendly facilities.

Cull Creek
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Varies - see below
Fee

Death Valley Swimming Spots near Furnace Creek and Panamint Springs

FURNACE CREEK

Explore unique swimming holes near Furnace Creek & Panamint Springs in Death Valley, CA. Dive into nature, history, and breathtaking desert views.

Varies - see below
View Details
River
Free

FOREST GLEN

EUREKA

Explore Forest Glen, a secluded swimming hole in CA’s South Fork Trinity River. Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying nature’s beauty.

South Fork of the Trinity River
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River
Free

GODS BATH

STOCKTON

Discover God's Bath, a remote swimming hole along California's Clavey River. Explore crystal-clear waters, rugged trails, and breathtaking scenery.

Clavey River
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Varies - see below
Free

Happy Camp Swimming Holes and Recreation Area

YREKA

Explore the best swimming holes in Happy Camp, CA, from Indian Creek's natural Jacuzzi to Sulphur Springs' warm waters. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts!

Varies - see below
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Hot Springs
Fee

HARBIN HOT SPRINGS

SACRAMENTO

Discover Harbin Hot Springs, a geothermal retreat in Northern California offering hot pools, workshops, and tranquil nature. Perfect for relaxation and renewal.

Harbin Hot Springs
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Falls
Fee

HATCHET CREEK

REDDING

Explore Hatchet Creek in Northern California, a serene swimming hole near Redding & Burney. Perfect for swimming, jumping, and nature photography.

Hatchet Creek
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Hot Creek
Fee

HOT CREEK

BISHOP

Explore Hot Creek near Mammoth Lakes, CA – a unique geothermal swimming hole with stunning views, wildlife, and natural hot springs in Inyo National Forest.

Hot Spring Creek
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River
Fee

Humboldt Redwoods Swimming Holes

EUREKA

Discover the stunning swimming holes of Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Swim, tube, and explore the beauty of Eel River near Scotia & Eureka, CA.

Eel River, South Fork Eel River
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Varies-see below
Fee

Kern River Swimming Destinations

BAKERSFIELD

Discover the serene swimming holes of the Kern River in California’s Sequoia National Forest. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure or relaxation.

Varies-see below
View Details
Creek/ Hot Springs
Free

Lake Arrowhead and Deep Creek Swimming Spots

SAN BERNADRINO

Discover Deep Creek in Lake Arrowhead, CA: a serene swimming spot with clear waters, hot springs, and stunning views in the San Bernardino National Forest.

Deep Creek
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Fee

MCCLOUD AREA

Discover McCloud Area's breathtaking swimming holes, waterfalls, and outdoor adventures in scenic Northern California.

View Details
River/Falls
Free

McCloud River Swimming Holes in Northern California

REDDING

Explore refreshing pools, waterfalls, and scenic beauty at McCloud River swimming holes in Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Perfect for swimming, fishing, and kayaking.

McCloud River
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Fee

**Fowlers Camp and Ah-Di-Na N.F. campgrounds.**

Explore serene swimming holes at Fowlers Camp & Ah-Di-Na in Northern CA. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking nature's beauty and tranquility.

View Details
Fee

**From Redding, take I-5 north to town of Mt. Shasta. Take the RT 89 east exit. Drive RT 89 east about 5.5 miles through the town of McCloud, then:**

Explore a serene swimming hole near McCloud, CA with crystal-clear waters, lush surroundings, and nearby attractions. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

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Fee

MCCLOUD FALLS

Explore McCloud Falls in CA: cascading waterfalls, clear pools, hiking trails, and serene natural beauty. Perfect for outdoor adventures and swimming.

View Details
Fee

MCCLOUD RIVER PRESERVE

Explore McCloud River Preserve in CA: crystal-clear swimming holes, scenic trails, and rich natural beauty. Perfect for outdoor adventures and relaxation.

View Details
Creek
Fee

MEMORIAL PARK

REDWOOD CITY

Explore Memorial Park in San Mateo County, CA, featuring Pescadero Creek’s swimming and wading spots surrounded by majestic redwoods. Perfect for family fun!

Pescadero Creek
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Creek/Hot Springs
Fee

MONO HOT SPRINGS

FRESNO

Discover Mono Hot Springs in Sierra National Forest, CA. Swim, soak, and explore hot springs & river waters amid stunning natural beauty and wildlife.

South Fork of San Joaquin River
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River
Free

Navarro River Swimming Spots

MENDOCINO

Discover serene swimming holes along the Navarro River in Mendocino County, CA. Perfect for freshwater swimming, nature photography, and outdoor recreation.

Navarro River
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Creek
Fee

ROCK POOL

THOUSAND OAKS

Explore Rock Pool, a breathtaking swimming hole in Malibu Creek State Park, CA. Perfect for swimming, cliff jumping, and photography amidst natural beauty.

Malibu Creek
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River
Free

Russian River Swimming Spots in Sonoma County

SANTA ROSA

Discover Sunset Park along the Russian River in Guerneville, CA. Swim, relax, and enjoy tubing in this scenic retreat surrounded by redwoods.

Russian River
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Varies - see below
Fee

Salinas Valley Swimming Spots

SAN JOSE

Explore the diverse swimming holes of the Salinas Area in CA. Perfect for swimming, jumping, and nature photography. Plan your next outdoor adventure today!

Varies - see below
View Details
Varies- see below
Free

Santa Barbara Swimming Spots

SANTA BARBARA

Explore Seven Falls in Santa Barbara, a stunning series of natural pools and waterfalls in Los Padres National Forest. Perfect for swimming and hiking adventures.

Varies- see below
View Details
Varies - see below
Fee

Santa Cruz Region Swimming Spots

SAN JOSE

Discover the best swimming holes near Santa Cruz, CA. Dive into natural pools, enjoy scenic views, and explore the beauty of Northern California.

Varies - see below
View Details
Varies-see below
Fee

Sequoia National Park Region Swimming Spots

FRESNO

Explore Sequoia National Park’s serene swimming holes. Dive into crystal-clear waters surrounded by ancient sequoias and breathtaking landscapes.

Varies-see below
View Details
Varies-see below
Free

Smith River Swimming and Recreation Areas

CRESCENT CITY (CA)

Explore the Smith River Area's crystal-clear pools and lush forests in Northern California. Perfect for swimming, tubing, and hiking adventures.

Middle Fork and South Fork of the Smith River
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RIVER
Fee

Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area Swimming Holes

EUREKA

Discover the serene swimming holes of Standish-Hickey in Northern CA, surrounded by redwoods and offering crystal-clear waters for summer adventures.

South Eel River
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Falls
Fee

SWITZER FALLS

PASADENA

Explore Switzer Falls in Angeles National Forest, near Pasadena. Enjoy swimming, hiking, and scenic views in this breathtaking natural oasis.

the Upper Arroyo Seco River
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Varies - see below
Fee

Truckee-Tahoe Sierra Swimming Spots

TRUCKEE

Discover the stunning Shirley Canyon waterfall pools in Squaw Valley, CA. Perfect for hiking, swimming, and photography amid Sierra Nevada's natural beauty.

Varies - see below
View Details
Varies-see below
Fee

Tule River Swimming Destinations in Sequoia National Forest

BAKERSFIELD

Discover Hidden Falls in the Tule River Area, CA. Serene waterfalls, shallow pools, and lush scenery await in the Sequoia National Forest.

Varies-see below
View Details
River
Fee

Van Duzen River Swimming Spots

EUREKA

Discover the Van Duzen River Area near Eureka & Fortuna, CA. Swim in clear waters surrounded by towering redwoods. Perfect for nature lovers & adventurers!

Van Duzen River
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Varies-see below
Free

Willow Creek Swimming Spots in Shasta-Trinity National Forest

REDDING

Discover Paradise Pools in Shasta-Trinity N.F., CA—crystal-clear waters, rugged bluffs, and unforgettable swimming experiences await in this natural haven.

Varies-see below
View Details
River
Fee

Yosemite National Park Swimming Spots

MERCED

Explore Yosemite's breathtaking swimming holes along the Merced River, perfect for swimming, hiking, and photography. Seasonal tips provided.

Varies -see below
View Details
River
Free

Yuba River Swimming Holes and Recreation Area

SACRAMENTO

Explore Yuba River's swimming holes in Tahoe National Forest. Dive into crystal-clear waters and enjoy scenic views in Sacramento, Yuba City, and Nevada City.

South Yuba River
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