Outdoors
Swimming holes and lakes near Manhattan Beach
Lakes, rivers and beaches near Manhattan Beach where swimming is allowed on public land.
7places to swim
28 mito the closest
1within 30 miles
July–Septemberbest 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
45 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service
Deer Group Campground is a great place to bring an extended family or large group.
Santa Barbara Island
46 mi southwest · National Park Service
Once visitors have scaled the rugged cliffs using the steep trail from the Landing Cove, they will be rewarded with a campground perched on the bluffs with magnificent coastal views.
Map of all 7 places
Map of 7 places loads as you scroll.
Within 30 miles (1)
Angeles National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Off-highway vehicles
- Picnicking
30 to 75 miles (3)
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
Santa Barbara Island
Once visitors have scaled the rugged cliffs using the steep trail from the Landing Cove, they will be rewarded with a campground perched on the bluffs with magnificent coastal views.
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Guided Interpretive Walks
- Hiking
- Information Site
- Photography
San Bernardino National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
75 miles and farther (3)
Los Padres National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Climbing
- Hiking
- Off-highway vehicles
- Picnicking
- Swimming
- Water sports
Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources.
- Boating
- Camping
- Diving
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Paddling
- Picnicking
- Snorkeling
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
The waters that swirl around the five islands within Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary create a special place for several species of plants and animals.
- Boating
- Diving
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Paddling
- Photography
- Ranger programs
- Snorkeling
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Manhattan 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 Manhattan Beach
- Hiking near Manhattan Beach
- Camping near Manhattan Beach
- Fishing near Manhattan Beach
- Boating and kayaking near Manhattan Beach
- Biking and mountain biking near Manhattan Beach
- Picnic spots near Manhattan Beach
- Horseback riding near Manhattan Beach
- Wildlife viewing and birding near Manhattan Beach
- Off-roading and OHV areas near Manhattan Beach
- Parks in Manhattan Beach
- Day trips
- Weather by month
Questions
Where is the closest place for swimming near Manhattan Beach?
Angeles National Forest (USDA Forest Service), about 28 miles northeast of Manhattan Beach as the crow flies. Next are Deer Group Camp (45 mi) and Santa Barbara Island (46 mi).
When is the best time for swimming near Manhattan Beach?
Based on Manhattan Beach’s average highs, July–September. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.