Southern California offers a seemingly endless list of opportunities for outdoor recreation; most notably, that of the water variety. From SoCal’s stunning beaches to its pristine lakes, the state has an abundance of beautiful bodies of water. But when temperatures climb in this part of the state, there really is nothing more refreshing and rejuvenating than a swim in one of SoCal’s splendid swimming holes. We searched far and wide to compile the following list of what we believe to be the best swimming holes in Southern California. Take a look, and plan your next adventure in The Golden State!

1. Three Sisters Falls - Pine Valley
Three Sisters Falls Trail, California, USA
Seaira Peel/AllTrails
To reach one of the best swimming holes in California, you'll need to navigate your way along a very intense hike. If you're up for the challenge and you're seeking an adventure, then this destination in San Diego County will be one to remember. It gets very hot out here, especially in the summer, so make sure to plan ahead and pack plenty of water for the trail to Three Sisters Waterfall.
2. Eaton Canyon Falls - Pasadena
Eaton Canyon Falls, 1750 N Altadena Dr, Altadena, CA 91001, USA
Scott Medling/Wikimedia Commons
A 3.5-mile roundtrip hike will take you to the breathtaking Eaton Canyon Falls, located in the Eaton Canyon Natural Area in Pasadena. After this brisk hike, there's no question you'll want to jump in the water to cool off on a hot summer day.

Check out this video by @lopezexplora:
3. Cedar Creek Falls - Ramona
Cedar Creek Falls, Ramona, CA 92065, USA
John Lemieux/Flickr
Located in the Cleveland National Forest, you'll find an 80-foot waterfall that splashes into a perfect pool of water that makes for one of the most delightful swimming holes in Southern California. To reach the waterfall and swimming hole, you'll need to put on your hiking shoes first as there is a three-mile trail that you'll need to hike to reach the falls. It's totally worth it, however. This waterfall swimming hole is expansive, deep, and cold -- and if you visit during the week, you might even have it all to yourself!

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4. Deep Creek - Green Valley
Deep Creek, Pacific Crest Nat'l Scenic Trl, Green Valley Lake, CA 92341, USA
Blanca Santos/AllTrails
Upstream from Aztec Falls, you'll find a peaceful little swimming hole called Deep Creek. If you need to rest and unwind, the Deep Creek Hot Springs in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains is the perfect spot to relax. At the end of a moderately difficult hike, you will be rewarded with something truly spectacular: an emerald-green oasis right here in SoCal. This spring-fed pool is soothing and rejuvenating, and you can find both hot and cold areas in these gorgeous natural springs, too!
5. Malibu Creek Rock Pool - Calabasas
Malibu Creek Rock Pools, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, USA
Anselmo Mejia/Google Local
Malibu Creek Rock Pool is a little slice of SoCal paradise; it's just 30 minutes from LA, but feels an entire world away. The Rock Pool within the park is a SoCal tradition. When the summer sun starts to heat up, there's no better way to cool off than by taking a refreshing swim at Malibu Creek State Park. The water is serene and still, and if you visit in the early morning, it's downright hypnotic.

Check out this video by @Hikingguy:
6. Punch Bowl - Santa Paula Canyon in Santa Paula
Santa Paula Punch Bowls, Creek, Santa Paula, CA 93060, USA
Bobby Haynes/AllTrails
If you're up for a bit of a trek, you'll be rewarded with a fantastic swimming hole that's pretty much perfect (it's also conveniently located at the midpoint of this seven-mile loop trail, making an excellent incentive for your journey! A variety of enchanting scenery awaits you as you make your way along the trail. Even without the payoff of a swimming hole, the scenery along the trail is well worth the journey (but trust us -- the swimming hole here is absolutely spectacular, too!). This is one of the best swimming holes in Southern California.

Check out this video by @hikeronatrail:

Do you have a favorite from our list of best swimming holes in Southern California? Did we miss any of your top picks? Let us know in the comments below! And please note that water levels can fluctuate throughout the season, so although the water levels are suitable on one day, that may change from week to week.

And for more Southern California summer adventures, check out these 15 things that you’ll want to add to your SoCal bucket list!

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Swimming Holes in SoCal

Sarah | April 15, 2021

Are there any SoCal campsites on the beach?

Yes, there are SoCal campsites on the beach. These include the following:

  • Carpinteria in Santa Barbara County
  • Moro Campground at Crystal Cove in Orange County
  • Thornhill Broome Beach State Park in Malibu
  • San Onofre State Beach Campground in San Clemente.

 

No matter where you decide to camp, it's guaranteed to be absolutely memorable -- and those California beach sunrises? Definitely worth waking up early for!

What are the best places to swim in SoCal?

The best places to swim in SoCal include the following places:

  • Pirate's Cove Beach in Newport Beach is one of SoCal's most pristine beaches. Take a swim in the crystal clear ocean or stroll along the soft sand and soak up the ocean views. It's the perfect place to do a little relaxing on a hot summer day in The Golden State!
  • Check out these off-the-beaten-path beaches; they're all absolutely pristine and allow for a relaxing day of sun and sand.

What is summer in SoCal like?

SoCal truly shines in the summer; during this time you'll find some of the best locally-grown produce and spectacular outdoor dining. However, summer is also the peak vacation season all over the state. You'll find all the major attractions packed with people, and well-known hiking trails may be busier than usual. So it's the prime time to explore some off-the-beaten-path places, such as these secret beaches and hidden gems.

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