Fresno and Clovis are full of sunshine, charm, and backyard BBQs, but let’s be honest: beachfront views aren’t exactly part of the package. Just because we’re landlocked doesn’t mean we’re out of reach from the waves, the sand, or that refreshing lake breeze. Some of California’s most stunning coastal spots and hidden lake getaways are just a short drive away. Enjoy a weekend of paddleboarding, surfing, or simply soaking up the sun; there’s plenty of water adventure within reach. Here’s your guide to the best lakes and beaches near Fresno because life’s better when there’s a little splash in it.
Lovely Lakes Near Fresno
Courtright Reservoir
If you travel about 85 miles northwest of Fresno you’ll discover one of the most superb geological areas of California where bare granite domes rise from the shores of Courtright Reservoir and above the deep canyon cut by Helms Creek located at the north end of the lake. Off to the east Mt. Goddard rises to a majestic 13,568 feet in elevation. Of course, you can do more than just admire the great views. Your recreational options include camping, fishing, hiking, equestrian trails, and OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) trails.
Florence Lake
90 miles Northeast of Fresno, you’ll find Florence Lake, one of the jewels of the Sierra, amidst of the John Muir Wilderness. It’s a great place to get away and enjoy peace and solitude. Florence Lake offers facilities and services that include campgrounds, picnic areas, a store, boat rentals, horseback riding, and passenger ferry service to places around the lake. You'll also have a connection to the mid-point of the John Muir Trail, which just happens to be the most popular hiking trail in the United States! And when you see it, you’ll understand why. You’ll also be close enough to check out nearby Mono Hot Springs and Edison Lake.
Lost Lake
If you’re looking for the closest beach to Fresno, Lost Lake is only 19 miles north of Fresno, below Friant Dam. Here, you can enjoy a 70-acre nature/study area and the waters of Lost Lake. During the day, you can access the river and fish. There are also picnic facilities, playgrounds, and a beach volleyball facility.
Millerton Lake
Another close option is Millerton Lake, located about 20 miles northeast via Highway 41. Known for boating, fishing, eagle watching, and more, this spot is one of the top-rated Fresno lakes for weekend recreation. Seasonal tours and vernal pool walks add extra appeal.
Shaver Lake
Just 56 miles from town, Shaver Lake is a year-round mountain lake destination. Whether you're kayaking in the summer or playing in the snow come winter, there are plenty of things to do in Shaver Lake. Head here for hiking and fishing, or explore nearby local shops and dining spots in the quaint village.
Huntington Lake
Tucked deep in the Sierra National Forest, Huntington Lake, California is a bit more remote but beloved for its sailing regattas, hiking, and scenic beauty. Summer brings a peaceful pace, perfect for unplugging and reconnecting with nature.
Bass Lake
Bass Lake is only about 1.5 hours from Fresno and offers the perfect mix of water recreation, hiking, dining, and mountain town charm. Make a weekend of it, and don’t miss the things to do in Bass Lake, like paddleboarding and enjoying a sunset meal at Ducey’s on the Lake.
The Big Beach is Within Reach
With a location that’s 100 miles inland from the California Coast, no one is going to mistake Fresno for a beach community! However, one of the biggest benefits of living in California is that if the ocean calls you, it’s not out of reach. You can access two main groupings of great beaches from Fresno: One in the north (around Monterey Bay) and the second to the south, in San Luis Obispo County. Whether you go north or south (and west, of course!), you’re looking at a trip of about two and a half hours. That means you’ll want to do a little advanced planning.
Beaches in the Monterey Bay Area (North of Fresno)
Santa Cruz Beach
Santa Cruz Beach is perhaps the most visited beach in Northern California. That’s not surprising given all that this beach has to offer. It draws large summer crowds along its broad mile of oceanfront. Beyond the main beach, don’t miss nearby gems.
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Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park for towering trees and peaceful trails
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West Cliff Drive Santa Cruz, a scenic oceanfront walk perfect for a morning coffee stroll
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Steamers Lane Santa Cruz, a top surfing spot where you can catch both waves and some serious talent
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Natural Bridges State Park, known for its stunning rock formations and monarch butterfly grove
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Capitola State Beach, a colorful beachfront town with charm for days
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East Cliff Santa Cruz, where surf culture meets laid-back living
Monterey State Beach
This beautiful beach shares the waterfront with several municipal beaches, forming a long stretch of public access sand from the Monterey Municipal Wharf to Seaside. Several local parks and preserves adjacent to the beach expand the public areas. You can enjoy swimming, kayaking, fishing, surfing, tidepools, and scuba diving. You can also access the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, a paved 18-mile path that stretches from Castroville to Pacific Grove, connecting all the beaches in between. While in the area, visit Cannery Row in Monterey for seafood, shopping, and ocean views.
Carmel Beach
If you enjoy picnicking on the sand, strolling along the shore, and playing in the surf, Carmel Beach is a great choice. And if you enjoy doing those things with the family dog, you’re in luck as this is one of the few beaches in the area that permits dogs to romp freely with their families—although dogs must be under voice control of their owners. Explore the scenic 17-Mile Drive, visit the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and stroll into the business district to grab a meal or pick up whatever you need for fun on the beach. You can even have (regulation) beach fires using city-supplied wood-burning fire pits or self-supplied propane fire devices, which are allowed 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. daily.
Southern Beaches: San Luis Obispo County
If you head down to San Luis Obispo County from Fresno, you have a whole different set of choices. Hearst San Simeon State Park offers 10 different beaches spread out along 22 miles of coastline, where you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and walking. And you can even take a side trip up to the famous Hearst Castle.
San Simeon Beach (William Randalph Hearst Memorial Beach)
Located just below the famous Hearst Castle, San Simeon Beach is a peaceful spot ideal for picnicking, beachcombing, and watching elephant seals lounge along the shore. Head to Leffingwell Landing for panoramic views of the Pacific, picnic tables nestled under cypress trees, and access to tide pools.
Moonstone Beach
Located in Cambria, Moonstone Beach gets its name from the smooth, colorful stones scattered along the shore. The Moonstone Beach Boardwalk offers a gentle, oceanfront stroll above dramatic bluffs—ideal for spotting whales, sea otters, and unforgettable sunsets.
Pismo Beach
Popular for everything from surfing and clamming to off-roading at Oceano Dunes, Pismo Beach has something for everyone. Nature trails, a butterfly grove, and plenty of restaurants make this a top pick. This 6-mile-long beach is popular for swimming, surfing, sea kayaking, kiteboarding, fishing, and clamming. It also features two campgrounds, a coastal access trail, a lagoon and nature trail, a butterfly grove, and a nature center. Just to the south of Pismo Beach, Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area offers 5½ miles of beach open for vehicle use and includes acres of sand dunes allowing 4-wheel vehicles.
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