Contra Loma, Antioch. The lake's swim lagoon has a sandy beach with changing rooms and a refreshment stand. Shady picnic areas on a green lawn are accessible to the disabled. Swimming is permitted in the lagoon only, in the summer when lifeguards are on duty. Swim fee: $3 age 16-61; $2 age 1-15, seniors (62+yrs) and disabled; under 1 year free http://www.ebparks.org/parks/conloma.htm

Crown Memorial Beach Alameda. The water is warm and shallow at Crown Beach. At the west end of the beach is a bathhouse with changing rooms. Swimming is permitted during park hours year round. No lifeguards are on duty. http://activities.wildernet.com/pages/area.cfm?areaid=CAEBCB&cu_id=157

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Cull Canyon, Castro Valley. This popular Castro Valley swimming spot is only a short drive north from Interstate 580 on Cull Canyon Road in Castro Valley.The swim complex is open from Easter till after Labor Day, with lifeguard service. It includes a bathhouse, snack bar, and the 1.5-acre swim lagoon. Swim fee: $3.50 age 16-61; $2.50 age 1-15, seniors (62+yrs) and disabled; under 1 year free http://www.ebparks.org/parks/cullcan.htm

De Anza Cupertino Aquatics De Anza Community College, Stevens Creek Blvd & Stelling and West Valley College (Saratoga). Contact Pete Raykovich (408)253-7946. Lap swimming M-Th 7:00AM - 8:30AM and 7:00PM - 8:30PM http://www.daca.org

Del Valle, Livermore Del Valle offers two swimming beaches with lifeguards on duty during posted periods. Year-round swimming is allowed in much of the lake, at the swimmer's own risk.  http://www.ebparks.org/parks/delval.htm

Don Castro Regional, Hayward  Swimming in the lagoon is the park's main attraction from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Swim hours are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and only when lifeguards are on duty. There is a bathhouse, a vending machine, a sandy beach and large lawn areas. Fees: Swim fee: $3 age 16-61; $2 age 1-15, seniors (62+yrs) and disabled; under 1 year free http://www.ebparks.org/parks/doncas.htm

Henry Coe SP Numerous ponds, springs, creeks, and swimming holes throughout the park provide fishing opportunities and the chance to cool off on a hot day. China Hole, Coe's most popular swimming hole, is the halfway point on a 10-mile loop on Madrone Springs and China Hole Trails. http://www.bahiker.com/southbayhikes/coehh.html

Lake Anza, Tilden Park Just over the hill from Berkeley, Tilden Park's Lake Anza is a favorite getaway. Its sandy beach is open to the sun and sheltered from the wind, with lifeguards posted during the swim season. http://www.ebparks.org/parks/tilden.htm

Pine Ridge Trail in Big Sur. Take the Pine Ridge Trail and spend the night at Sykes Camp, on the east bank of the Big Sur river. In addition to the empyrean hot springs, there's an ideal swimming hole and plenty of shady camping spots.  http://gorp.away.com/gorp/location/ca/nocal_top109.htm

Quarry Lakes, Fremont. The swim complex, including the white sandy beach, a bathhouse, vending machines and lifeguard service, is open from April through October. There is a fee for entry into the swimming complex.  http://www.ebparks.org/parks/quarry.htm

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Shadow Cliffs, Pleasanton  The swimming beach has a bathhouse and refreshment stand, open on weekends in spring and fall, and daily during summer months. Lifeguards are on duty only during the summer months, but swimming is allowed throughout the year in the designated area, at the swimmer's own risk. http://www.ebparks.org/parks/shadow.htm

 

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