Big open water areas are usually most appropriate for water-skiing, wind surfing
and jet bikes. They are also desired for long-distance swimming and deep diving.
By far the biggest open water swim area is the Pacific Ocean coastline and there are
those serious athletes that regularly use it for a good long-distance workout. But
you should be forewarned that the waves and riptides can get quite rough. Also the
water in and around harbor areas can be get quite foul and polluted.
Tour Pacific Coast Highway
One writer described it as 'The country's most
picturesque stretch of asphalt.' For many long stretches, the highway
separates rolling green hills from high ocean-cliffs overlooking the blue
pacific. And various towns along the way provide even more atmosphere for
adventure and flavor.
Area Beach Guides
For info about specific beach areas - check the following links.
San Diego North County Beaches
La Jolla Area Beaches
San Diego Metro Area Beaches
Orange County Area Beaches
Los Angeles Area Beaches
Santa Monica Mountains N.R.A.
Ventura County Beaches & Lakes
Santa Barbara County Beaches & Lakes
San Luis Obispo County Beaches & Lakes
Inland Empire Lakes / State Parks
Tour Mission Bay
Miles of shoreline and small boat marina. Home to Sea World
and Belmont Park.
Tour Lower Colorado River
The lower stretch of this great river of the American Southwest meanders slow and easy past a number
of recreation and wilderness areas.
Tour Salton Sea
The Salton Sea is California's largest lake.
Yes, the water has a high salt level, but it is Southern California's largest inland open
body of water. During winter months it is home to over four million birds (representing over 400 species).
Tour Big Bear Lake
High altitude fresh water lake with several open swim beach areas.
Recommended for summer time only - don't ask how cold it can get in the winter.
Tour Lake Arrowhead
High altitude fresh water lake with several open swim beach areas.
There are other smaller fresh water lakes with open swimming closeby.
Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race - [AUG]
32-mile race from Catalina Island to Manhattan Beach Pier
The Catalina Classic dates back to 1955 and is recognized as the king of long distance paddleboard races.
The race begins at the west end of the island, at Two Harbors on the Isthmus, and stretches toward the shore at Palos Verdes,
making a left turn off the coast there and ending at the Manhattan Beach Pier.
San Diego Youth Aquatic Center
Youth watersports and marine biology camp facility owned by City of San Diego located
on the eastern shore of Fiesta Island. It is home to Camp Fiesta Island (a boy scout summer camp),
SeaCamp oceanography youth club and San Diego's Kayak Team. It is adjacent to
Enchanted Cove which is a popular for non-motor based watersports such as Kite Surfing, Small
Sailboats, Boardsailing and Kayaking.
Tour Laughlin - Nevada
Enjoy casinos and watersports on Lake Mohave.
Tour Lake Mead National Recreation Area - Nevada
Boating, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, watersports center.
Tour Lake Havasu Recreation Area - Arizona
Another major section of the Colorado River popular for many watersport activities
Silver Strand State Beach
Following along the isthmus connecting Coronado Island to Imperial Beach with extensive beachfront facilities
on both the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. Combined with the area’s mild climate, the beaches make Silver Strand
one of the area’s finest recreation destinations. Camping, fishing, swimming, surfing, boating, water-skiing, volleyball, and
picnicking are popular activities.
So. Calif. Wilderness Adventures
Order Free Travel Guides Here!
Discover California's natural wonders when you explore to a scenic backdrop of amazing desert, mountain, islands and coastal terrain.
Southern California features many exciting high wilderness adventures opportunities for
rock climbing, mountaineering, ocean sailing, camping, hiking and more.
Lanterman Developmental Center - Pomona CA
Special Olympics of Southern California
Special Olympics training and competition facilities for athletic events including
Aquatics, Athletics, Basketball, Bocce, Bowling, Equestrian, Gymnastics, and Powerlifting.
Features both individual and team sports.
