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Best Outdoor Swimming Spots In Sacramento

Summer is here and it's time to get outdoors for some fun and sun. Fortunately for outdoor enthusiasts, Sacramento is uniquely located near multiple rivers and lakes, providing residents with opportunities to enjoy some wonderful outdoor swimming spots. Additionally, there are terrific public pools that offer fun for kids of all ages. The following list covers some of the best outdoor swimming spots including locations made by man and Mother Nature.
Clunie Pool
601 Alhambra Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 808-5301
www.cityofsacramento.org

Clunie Pool is located at this historic and beloved McKinley Park. From late June through the beginning of September, this pool provides fun for kids and adults. In addition to public swimming, the pool has programs for swim lessons, swim team, water aerobics and a junior lifeguard academy. The following amenities can be found here: deck area, shallow pool, diving boards, picnic tables and benches, bathrooms, pool slides and a large park with more amenities nearby.

Paradise Beach
5211 Carlson Dr
Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 875-5656
www.regionalparks.saccounty.net

Paradise Beach is located along the America River near California State University of Sacramento. Additionally, it's also located near Glenn Hall Park, which offers a public pool if you decide that swimming in the American River is not for you. This place does get crowded in the summer time and is also popular for fishing during the non-Summer months. This American River park is open year-round from sunset to sundown. There are no amenities here other than what nature provides.

Related: Best Public Pools In Sacramento

Sand Cove Park
2005 Garden Hwy
Sacramento, CA 95833
(916) 808-5200
www.sacramentoriver.org

Located on the Sacramento River, Sand Cove Park is a popular destination for swimming, fishing and enjoying a nice day outdoors. A trail leads visitors from the parking lot to a sandy beach along the river, where people of all ages can come and enjoy some summer fun. There's some shaded areas, fishing spots, drinking fountains, paved walkways and a few porta-potties for those needing to use the bathroom. The parking lot can fill up quickly during popular months. Additionally, no alcohol is allowed. This park is the closest thing Sacramento has to an actual beach.

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
7755 Folsom-Auburn Road
Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 988-0205
www.parks.ca.gov

Just like the Sacramento River and the American River, no Sacramento resident can go a summer season without heading out to Folsom Lake. Located roughly 20-30 minutes from downtown, depending on traffic, the massive lake provides many terrific spots for outdoor swimming. There are at least a dozen different park entrances just for beach access and swimming. Additionally, Folsom Lake is popular for boating and jet skis. Fishing holes and hiking trails can also be found in this vast recreation area. The park entrances do charge fees, but they also have amenities like bathrooms, picnic areas and campgrounds. Places like Beal's Point also offer wheelchair access. Other attractions found here include Folsom Dam and a few historic sites.

Related: Best Summer Day Camps In Sacramento

Rick Rockwell is a freelance writer in Sacramento. He has a lengthy freelance writing background covering a wide range of topics like: Sports, Fitness and Traveling. His work can be found at CalExplornia.com .

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