California is home to some of the most exquisite swimming holes. From turquoise lakeside pools, hidden in majestic forests, to serene rivers tucked away between mountain peaks – opt for one of these top 10 swimming spots and take a dip into nature’s backyard!
Best Swimming Holes in California
Lake Gregory Regional Park
- Address: 24171 Lake Dr, Crestline, CA 92325, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.4 (3542)
- Phone: +1 909-338-2233
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
5 Replies to The 12 Best Swimming Holes in California (According to Me)
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Top 12 Most Popular Swimming Holes in California
Rainbow Pool
- Address: CA-120, Groveland, CA 95321, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (646)
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Reviews:
This used to be a secluded get away for the locals from Sonora, Modesto and surrounding areas. Over the years the word has gotten out and it has become a very popular party place for large groups of drinkers. It’s unfortunate sometimes the carnage of garbage that they leave behind. It’s generally well patrolled by law-enforcement who will issue citations for alcohol violations. On a good note when the river is running at higher levels the falls are a great time. One of the most popular activities is jumping off the rock into the pools. Unfortunately a few careless people have drowned here over the years just not using their head. The road in and out of rainbow pools is very narrow and I wouldn’t recommend it for motorhomes.
If you manage to make it on a day that the crowds aren’t around you’ll have an amazing time at the poolBy Steven Rank (8 months ago)Fun swimming spot but very crowded on a hot summer day. Recommend coming in spring or fall to enjoy. You can hike up the river above, but don’t do that in summer…rattlesnakes could be lerking!By Ronald Keith (5 months ago)Beautiful little area to chill and cool off. We were headed to Yosemite falls but didn’t realize that they required reservations to enter the park. By the time we tried to buy tickets, it was all sold out so we headed to rainbow pools. We drove on the motorcycle and I didn’t have clothes to get in the water so that was a bummer for me but my son fully enjoyed nonetheless. Definitely will go back for a swim soon to enjoy the cascades. Maybe a weekday will be better as it got pretty crowded yesterday.By Ragni Chand (a year ago)This place is beautiful. A natural water park for all ages. You can jump off the highest point or the lowest point into a cool natural watering hole or climb your way up the mountain top where you find smaller pools. Parking in front gets packed early. Though parking is allowed along the main driveway entrance be sure your car is not hanging out the white line into the road or the rangers will ticket you. There is also more parking up top past the bridge. Bathrooms available and picnic tables with grills. Love this place check it out.By Dixy Morales (a year ago)Had an awsome swim. Great way to start your day. Lovely scenery.By Dick van den Berg (2 months ago)
Malibu Creek Rock Pools
- Address: Agoura Hills, CA 91301, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (507)
- Phone: +1 818-880-0367
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
- Reviews:
This simple trail is just beautiful with few inclines, most of it can be pretty simple. You can escalate your workout by traveling closer to the water over the small rocks. But it is a wonderful experience a little over 2 miles round trip. The experience includes a colorful palate and nature’s 🦋 bunnies 🐦 and many wonderful creatures. Also flowers along the way! Parking is $3 per hour 12 flat. Buy enough to not worry about a ticket so you can enjoy your time stress free. It’s worth it. There are clean bathrooms in the parking lots. The rangers are super nicr.By Constance AG (10 months ago)Malibu Creek is Beautiful especially after a good rain. After the rain the river is flowing and the waterfalls are gorgeous. The hike to rock pool is probably about a mile and a 1/2 or so. It is a beautiful hike! People swim at the rock pool, but I wouldn’t recommend it if the water isn’t flowing. If you traverse along the rock past the rock pool and climb up you get to a rocm climbing area called Mt. Gorgeous 😍! There are about 36 amazing routes here of all difficulties. You could come everyday and probably never be bored unless your an incredibly strong climber. I come for the climbing and will probably be coming for a long time before I can send all the routes. I highly recommend this place for all adventurers. Whether your a climber or just looking for some outstanding hiking Malibu Creek is beautiful. Parking is $12 otherwise this place is free to visit.By Tyler Adkins (11 months ago)The Malibu Creek Rock pools are fun to explore. They can be accessed from the Cistern Trail/Lookout Trail or from the Malibu Creek State Park visitor center. If you come right after it has rained, the water level will be high and you won’t be able to safely explore all of the rock pools here. However anytime you come, the area is very relaxing and worth the visit!By Mayur Patel (a year ago)Great trail with great adventures for all
Rock climbers dream, for those wanting to dip into water, a 1.5 mile hike in and you have a beautiful place to dip and dive. Some amazing trails can continue the adventure. Gets busy and lots of people on trailBy Isaac Sabu (4 months ago)This is an absolutely gorgeous hike. My sister and I brought our boys here with the intention of them being able to swim after a nice long hike. This is definitely not the place for that, at least not in August, because it is pretty dry. And, the water that is left, is pretty stagnant, and not swim worthy. But, the scenery is gorgeous, and the hiking is amazing! Very kid friendly. Lots of different walking trails. Just beautiful…By Heather Smith (a year ago)
Hermit Falls
- Address: Monrovia, CA 91016, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (418)
- Opening hours:
Monday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Reviews:
I give this trail a five-star rating since it’s a fantastic area to get away from the city. Beautiful wild trees, a river alongside the trail, and stunning wild plants may all be seen while hiking. However, I believe that individuals should be more responsible and considerate when it comes to littering, and that tagging is not acceptable. And yeah, the route to get up there has been closed for quite sometime; I’m not sure if it’s due to the BobCat fire that occurred in September of 2020 or if they’re working on the roads to get up there. I’m hoping they’ll be able to reopen it, soon. This is a fantastic spot to hike. I’m looking forward to being back on the trail hopefully in the near future.By Hugo Soto (a year ago)Beautiful hike. Mostly shady area. There are tons of bugs. Not many mosquitos tho. We got here around 9-10 am which is later than we expected and there is no parking spots near the park already. We parked on the street a mile away from the trailhead. You’ll need to reserve parking permit if you want to park inside.
The trail is easy, nothing difficult. As long as you follow the sign, should be able to get there in no time. The fall is nice and there is a pool under it.
On the way back, we met a little friend- young rattlesnake. Just be careful and bring a hiking stick to go on the hike. (They are more scared than you)
My main issue is many people leave trashes on the trails or put graffitis on the boulders which destroys the beauty of the nature. Sad to see some people don’t cherish the nature.
Tip: get here as early as possible. It gets hot and no shade if you have to park far out.By K K (2 years ago)Beautiful place to hike. Plenty of parking on the way up to the entrence. Very scenic still, but there was a decent amount of graffiti in some spots.By Jacky Zhao (2 years ago)I been of many hikes this one of the most beautiful, tall trees, green the water falls, it is very easy to walk for kid but there’s some danger areas down the waterfall fall to get down we hanging for a rope very scary if you don’t have experience with hike . Oh please don’t trash te place if you want to have this placases .By Imelda Hz (2 years ago)People often ignore the trailhead or just overlook it. But this trail is quite nice especially in the afternoon. It will be mostly under the shadow and is very suitable for hiking. Afternoon is also easier to find parking. So you should stop by to enjoy it. Lots of water now.By Chien-Chang Chen (2 years ago)
Lower Falls, McCloud River
- Address: McCloud River, McCloud, CA 96057, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (322)
- Opening hours:
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
- Reviews:
Highly recommend checking out the lower falls of McCloud.
While the waterfall itself is quite small, you can get really up close to it and enjoy the river at it’s purest form. There’s usually fishermen upstream, so be mindful of their lines.
I bring a small towel with me so I can right in and dip my feet in the river. It felt great after several miles of hiking, even on a cold autumn day. I imagine it’s even better in the summer.
By B. Li (11 months ago)We’ve been to this place multiple times over the years. It’s a popular swimming and fishing hole ask when the temps are warm and the weather is nice, expect other people at the falls. Not a big deal if you’re just hiking, picnicking, trying to swim or fish there yourself. If you’re trying to do photography though keep that in mind. Flow can vary depending on time of year, ranging from just a single spot during a low flow to flowing across the entire ledge from edge to edge during high flow. There’s great views from up above and if you take the stairwell down below. There are also pit toilets, camping tables and the like nearby. On our most recent trip there, there were signs warning of daily black bear activity at the nearby campground. So if you’re thinking about coming here for a picnic (or even if you’re not) definitely keep that in mind and keep your head on a swivel. I wouldn’t let that keep me from going here, you’re always going to run that risk in nature. Just keep your head on a swivel and secure your food and you should be fine.By James M (2 months ago)Beautiful place! Three levels of falls… have been there numerous times and it never gets old! We will continue to keep going and enjoying the beauty these waterfalls display 💙By nichole paxton (9 months ago)So glad I stopped here! It’s beautiful, walk down to the river is short and easy and there are stairs if needed. Rest room is by the parking lot.By jacqueline Just a Husky Mom (3 months ago)Visited on 12/30/2021. The 1.7 miles road up to closest parking lot was closed due to snow right about at the intersection of 89. There was still some space to park 10-15 cars before the blockad. We parked there and walked down to the lower falls, following another family who arrived few minutes before us and told us they know the area and its safe to go there. It was about 2 miles hike and took us 45 minutes to get there (yes, we were slow because we stopped for pictures and making snow angles 🙂 and snowball fight to keep the walked entertaining). Adding pictures here to show how the hike was down to the falls. For the most part you are walking on snow covered road. I am sure all three falls are accessible in minutes when there’s no snow on the road.View of the fall was OK but a bit disappointing due to its height and time it took us to reach there (I should have looked at the pictures before and we would have went to middle or upper falls, but we selected lower falls because it was closer and we had 1.5 hours before sunset when we parked). Except for the short height of the fall, the overall view and scenery was spectacular in snow.
By Farhan Ahmad (a year ago)
Oregon Creek Day Use Area
- Address: CA-49, Camptonville, CA 95922, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (320)
Garden of Eden – Henry Cowell Redwood State Park
- Address: CA-9, Felton, CA 95018, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (268)
Aztec Falls
- Address: Pacific Crest Trail, California, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.2 (237)
Emerald Pools
- Address: Emerald Pools Trail, Nevada City, CA 95959, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (219)
Red Rock Pools
- Address: Gibraltar Trail, California, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (76)
God’s bath
- Address: California, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.3 (61)
Big Sur River Gorge
- Address: Big Sur, CA 93920, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (39)
Indian Pools Trailhead
- Address: Shaver Lake, CA 93634, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (27)
That’s it for our list of the best swimming holes in California! If you have any arguments or additional information, please leave a comment. We love to hear from our readers. And don’t forget to check out some of the other posts on our blog for more travel inspiration. Happy beachcombing!
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Love it! The walk is great around the lake, lovely scenery, fresh air, beautiful mountains and trees. Many times we been here and I cant get enough of it. For the 1st time we went on a boat ride around the lake on a cold day because we reserved a reservation weeks before. We made the best fun out of it with bubbles, blankets, and a Bose to connect to our music. My daughter loved it. I recommend doing it.
Lake Gregory has public access to the beach area with fun amenities for children and adults. There is an entrance fee of $10 plus another $10 to gain access to the water raft amenities. There are also boat, Duffy, canoe, kayak, and paddle boat rentals available at a reasonable price. My husband and I rented a canoe for 2 hours and really enjoyed being on the lake taking in the beautiful mountain scenes.
This is a small lake compared to big bear and arrowhead lake but in my opinion this is the most beautiful of them all. You can walk around the whole lake, I haven’t done it but it looks doable. There are areas where you can swim but you have to pay to do that. Definitely recommend this little gem.
What a fun place. We came here while camping at dogwood because it was a hot day and we heard that the had water play here. We came on a Wednesday in July so it’s summer time and everyone is out camping. We got here at about 11 and it was already pretty busy. The main parking lot was full but we found a place on the street and it was a short walk. For the ticket to play on all the water blowups and the big slide it was 20 bucks. A little more than I would like to pay but was still worth it. The beach had a lot of people but we were able to find a great spot on the water. The big slide was fun but the line went pretty slow. The blowups were a blast. I’m an old guy (42) and I was out there with two of my teanagers and really had a great time. Even with a LOT of people out playing you still find your place and are able to play. They allowed ice chest and drinks but no alcohol. They also had a little stand with food and drinks. We will be back here for sure because it was a great day.
I loved it here. They have cool hiking trails, great scenery, and lot’s of fun activities too! There is also a lot of great wildlife to see here as well. You can also rent kayaks and other boats or go on the obstacle course and water slide. But if you choose to rent a boat or go on the obstacle course its card only, they won’t accept cash (only downside). Also charge your phones so that you can scan the qr code to pay for parking.
Either way this is a super fun place to go and I cant wait to go again!