Outdoors
Swimming holes and lakes near Laguna Beach
Lakes, rivers and beaches near Laguna Beach where swimming is allowed on public land.
5places to swim
45 mito the closest
June–Octoberbest months
Good to know: Most natural swimming areas have no lifeguard; check water-quality advisories and current conditions before swimming.
Closest picks
Deer Group Camp
56 mi north · USDA Forest Service
Deer Group Campground is a great place to bring an extended family or large group.
Map of all 5 places
Map of 5 places loads as you scroll.
30 to 75 miles (4)
Angeles National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Off-highway vehicles
- Picnicking
San Bernardino National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
Deer Group Camp
Deer Group Campground is a great place to bring an extended family or large group.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Water sports
Sand to Snow National Monument
Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.
- Accessible Swimming
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Photography
- Wildlife viewing
- Winter sports
75 miles and farther (1)
Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve
The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve preserves one of the largest remaining examples of coastal wetland habitats in the southern California sub-region.
- Paddling
- Photography
- Ranger programs
- Swimming
- Wildlife viewing
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Laguna Beach. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
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More outdoors near Laguna Beach
- Hiking near Laguna Beach
- Camping near Laguna Beach
- Fishing near Laguna Beach
- Boating and kayaking near Laguna Beach
- Biking and mountain biking near Laguna Beach
- Picnic spots near Laguna Beach
- Horseback riding near Laguna Beach
- Wildlife viewing and birding near Laguna Beach
- Parks in Laguna Beach
- Day trips
- Weather by month
Questions
Where is the closest place for swimming near Laguna Beach?
Angeles National Forest (USDA Forest Service), about 45 miles north of Laguna Beach as the crow flies. Next are San Bernardino National Forest (48 mi) and Deer Group Camp (56 mi).
When is the best time for swimming near Laguna Beach?
Based on Laguna Beach’s average highs, June–October. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.