When you think of taking a swim in Southern California, the first thing that comes to mind is heading to the ocean. Instead of spending a day at the beach like everyone else, how about heading out on a scenic hike that will lead you to some unexpected and spectacular swimming holes in SoCal? Here are 10 epic spots in Southern California where you will find the perfect place to refresh yourself in the water on a hot summer day. There’s no other place like the summer in SoCal, and you’re bound to fall in love with one of these incredible swimming holes. They’re perfectly stunning and refreshing!
- Aztec Falls
flickr/brenrub Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, you will enjoy a short hike along the Pacific Crest Trail before you reach this splendid swimming holes in SoCal to take a swim.
- Switzer Falls
flickr/Neon Tommy Downstream from Switzer Falls Picnic area in the San Gabriel Mountains you will find a small swimming hole that’s perfect for a dip in the water.
- Take a swim under the Bridge to Nowhere
Yelp/Robert R. Tucked inside the San Gabriel Mountains along the East fork of the San Gabriel River you will find this popular swimming hole under the Bridge to Nowhere. It may not be large enough to do laps, but it’s the perfect spot for a quick jump in the water to help you cool off.
- Cedar Creek Falls
flickr/John Lemieux This spectacular spot outside of San Diego in Ramona is a hidden gem. A pleasant 2.5 mile trail will lead you down to Cedar Creek Falls where you will be greeted by this heavenly pool of water. It’s truly one of the most underrated outdoor adventures in SoCal.
- Malibu Creek Rock Pool
flickr/James O Brien II This is a spot the whole family can enjoy as it’s an easy 1.5 mile hike to reach the swimming hole. Once you get there, you’ll be in awe of the volcanic rock formations that surround you. When it comes to swimming holes in SoCal, the Malibu Creek Rock Pool is one of the most stunning.
- Cooper Canyon Falls
flickr/Jessica Watkins Located in the Angeles National Forest, you can take the scenic Burkhart Trail to reach this refreshing swimming hole in the middle of your summer in SoCal hike.
- Solstice Canyon
Yelp/Jeff I. Reward yourself with a dip in the cool water at Solstice Canyon in Malibu at this small swimming hole along one of the trail routes. Weekends can get pretty crowded, but you may have this swimming hole in SoCal to yourself during a weekday afternoon.
- Tenaja Falls
flickr/William McCamment At the top of Tenaja Falls in the Cleveland National Forest you will find this pleasant spot along the Tenaja Falls trail.
- Red Rock Pool
flickr/Colin Take a short half-mile hike on the Red Rock trail in the Los Padres National Forest to reach this popular swimming spot surrounded by stunning scenery.
- Hermit Falls
flickr/Daniel Pouliot This is a popular destination in the San Gabriel Mountains for hiking and taking a swim at the base of Hermit Falls. Get here early on the weekend to to avoid the crowds or plan on a weekday trip to get this spot to yourself. Although cliff diving is a popular activity here, stick to hiking down to the swimming hole as that’s a much safer plan.
Wow – what a perfect way to spend the day! Where are your favorite spots to take a swim in Southern California?
flickr/brenrub
Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, you will enjoy a short hike along the Pacific Crest Trail before you reach this splendid swimming holes in SoCal to take a swim.
flickr/Neon Tommy
Downstream from Switzer Falls Picnic area in the San Gabriel Mountains you will find a small swimming hole that’s perfect for a dip in the water.
Yelp/Robert R.
Tucked inside the San Gabriel Mountains along the East fork of the San Gabriel River you will find this popular swimming hole under the Bridge to Nowhere. It may not be large enough to do laps, but it’s the perfect spot for a quick jump in the water to help you cool off.
flickr/John Lemieux
This spectacular spot outside of San Diego in Ramona is a hidden gem. A pleasant 2.5 mile trail will lead you down to Cedar Creek Falls where you will be greeted by this heavenly pool of water. It’s truly one of the most underrated outdoor adventures in SoCal.
flickr/James O Brien II
This is a spot the whole family can enjoy as it’s an easy 1.5 mile hike to reach the swimming hole. Once you get there, you’ll be in awe of the volcanic rock formations that surround you. When it comes to swimming holes in SoCal, the Malibu Creek Rock Pool is one of the most stunning.
flickr/Jessica Watkins
Located in the Angeles National Forest, you can take the scenic Burkhart Trail to reach this refreshing swimming hole in the middle of your summer in SoCal hike.
Yelp/Jeff I.
Reward yourself with a dip in the cool water at Solstice Canyon in Malibu at this small swimming hole along one of the trail routes. Weekends can get pretty crowded, but you may have this swimming hole in SoCal to yourself during a weekday afternoon.
flickr/William McCamment
At the top of Tenaja Falls in the Cleveland National Forest you will find this pleasant spot along the Tenaja Falls trail.
flickr/Colin
Take a short half-mile hike on the Red Rock trail in the Los Padres National Forest to reach this popular swimming spot surrounded by stunning scenery.
flickr/Daniel Pouliot
This is a popular destination in the San Gabriel Mountains for hiking and taking a swim at the base of Hermit Falls. Get here early on the weekend to to avoid the crowds or plan on a weekday trip to get this spot to yourself. Although cliff diving is a popular activity here, stick to hiking down to the swimming hole as that’s a much safer plan.
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Address: Pacific Crest Trail, California, USAAddress: Tujunga, CA 91042, USAAddress: Bridge to Nowhere, Redwood City, CA 94063, USAAddress: Cedar Creek Falls, California 92065, USAAddress: Agoura Hills, CA 91301, USAAddress: Cooper Canyon Falls, Pacific Crest Trail, Pearblossom, CA 93553, USAAddress: Solstice Canyon Road, Solstice Canyon Rd, Malibu, CA 90265, USAAddress: Tenaja Falls, Forest Rte 7S02, Murrieta, CA 92562, USAAddress: Gibraltar Trail, California, USAAddress: San Gabriel Mountains, California 91759, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
swimming holes in SoCal June 20, 2020 Meghan Kraft What’s the most beautiful swimming hole in SoCal? The region of Southern California is rife with natural beauty, but there are a few beautiful swimming holes that make for a perfect experience on a warm day. If you’re looking to ditch the public pool, then you might want to head to the slow-moving Deep Creek. The Rock Pool Swimming Hole is freezing but a true classic, and it was once used as a filming spot for Planet of the Apes. Little Harbor and Shark Harbor can be found on the southwest side of Catalina, and you just might spot a lobster when the tide goes out. What are the best waterfall hikes in SoCal? There are multiple opportunities to hike to waterfalls in Southern California, but some hikes are better than others. Head to the highly popular Eaton Canyon Falls in Altadena if you’re looking for ease of access, and if you’re hiking in Santa Barbara there’s nothing like the 150-foot Tangerine Falls. Fish Canyon Falls is in Duarte and it has all the wow factor of a natural wonder. The hike is fairly popular, but the massive, gushing waterfall is well worth the time investment. What are the most beautiful lakes in SoCal? SoCal has a myriad of opportunities if you’re looking to spend a day out on the lake. Silverwood Lake is known for being one of the most beautiful lakes in the Inland Empire, and it’s great for boating, fishing, and water skiing. Lake Gregory is in the San Bernardino National Forest and provides a tranquil getaway for locals to hide from the influx of tourists. Head to Lake Piru for camping, or maybe head out to Lake Cuyamaca if you’re looking for great trout fishing. It’s stocked with 40,000 pounds of fish per year!
The OIYS Visitor Center
swimming holes in SoCal
June 20, 2020
Meghan Kraft
What’s the most beautiful swimming hole in SoCal? The region of Southern California is rife with natural beauty, but there are a few beautiful swimming holes that make for a perfect experience on a warm day. If you’re looking to ditch the public pool, then you might want to head to the slow-moving Deep Creek. The Rock Pool Swimming Hole is freezing but a true classic, and it was once used as a filming spot for Planet of the Apes. Little Harbor and Shark Harbor can be found on the southwest side of Catalina, and you just might spot a lobster when the tide goes out. What are the best waterfall hikes in SoCal? There are multiple opportunities to hike to waterfalls in Southern California, but some hikes are better than others. Head to the highly popular Eaton Canyon Falls in Altadena if you’re looking for ease of access, and if you’re hiking in Santa Barbara there’s nothing like the 150-foot Tangerine Falls. Fish Canyon Falls is in Duarte and it has all the wow factor of a natural wonder. The hike is fairly popular, but the massive, gushing waterfall is well worth the time investment. What are the most beautiful lakes in SoCal? SoCal has a myriad of opportunities if you’re looking to spend a day out on the lake. Silverwood Lake is known for being one of the most beautiful lakes in the Inland Empire, and it’s great for boating, fishing, and water skiing. Lake Gregory is in the San Bernardino National Forest and provides a tranquil getaway for locals to hide from the influx of tourists. Head to Lake Piru for camping, or maybe head out to Lake Cuyamaca if you’re looking for great trout fishing. It’s stocked with 40,000 pounds of fish per year!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The region of Southern California is rife with natural beauty, but there are a few beautiful swimming holes that make for a perfect experience on a warm day. If you’re looking to ditch the public pool, then you might want to head to the slow-moving Deep Creek. The Rock Pool Swimming Hole is freezing but a true classic, and it was once used as a filming spot for Planet of the Apes. Little Harbor and Shark Harbor can be found on the southwest side of Catalina, and you just might spot a lobster when the tide goes out.
What are the best waterfall hikes in SoCal?
There are multiple opportunities to hike to waterfalls in Southern California, but some hikes are better than others. Head to the highly popular Eaton Canyon Falls in Altadena if you’re looking for ease of access, and if you’re hiking in Santa Barbara there’s nothing like the 150-foot Tangerine Falls. Fish Canyon Falls is in Duarte and it has all the wow factor of a natural wonder. The hike is fairly popular, but the massive, gushing waterfall is well worth the time investment.
What are the most beautiful lakes in SoCal?
SoCal has a myriad of opportunities if you’re looking to spend a day out on the lake. Silverwood Lake is known for being one of the most beautiful lakes in the Inland Empire, and it’s great for boating, fishing, and water skiing. Lake Gregory is in the San Bernardino National Forest and provides a tranquil getaway for locals to hide from the influx of tourists. Head to Lake Piru for camping, or maybe head out to Lake Cuyamaca if you’re looking for great trout fishing. It’s stocked with 40,000 pounds of fish per year!
