Historic Murphy Avenue in downtown Sunnyvale

Outdoors

Swimming holes and lakes near Sunnyvale

Lakes, rivers and beaches near Sunnyvale where swimming is allowed on public land.

10places to swim
37 mito the closest
June–Septemberbest months

Good to know: Most natural swimming areas have no lifeguard; check water-quality advisories and current conditions before swimming.

Closest picks

1

Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels only (auxiliary engine OK)

37 mi northwest · National Park Service

Aquatic Park Cove is a vibrantly urban harbor that mimics a natural anchorage and is located on the Pacific shores of one of America's great West Coast cities.

2

Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary

38 mi northwest · National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

An area of 3,295 square miles off the northern and central California coast, Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary protects the wildlife and habitats of one of the most diverse and bountiful marine environments in the world.

3

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

54 mi south · National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is one of the most spectacular marine protected areas. This sanctuary also has one of the largest underwater canyons and closest-to-shore deep ocean environments.

Map of all 10 places

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30 to 75 miles (4)

37 mi northwest · National Park Service · Campground

Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels only (auxiliary engine OK)

Aquatic Park Cove is a vibrantly urban harbor that mimics a natural anchorage and is located on the Pacific shores of one of America's great West Coast cities.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Climbing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Horseback riding

38 mi northwest · National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary

An area of 3,295 square miles off the northern and central California coast, Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary protects the wildlife and habitats of one of the most diverse and bountiful marine environments in the world.

  • Boating
  • Diving
  • Fishing
  • Paddling
  • Photography
  • Ranger programs
  • Snorkeling
  • Swimming

54 mi south · National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is one of the most spectacular marine protected areas. This sanctuary also has one of the largest underwater canyons and closest-to-shore deep ocean environments.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Diving
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Paddling

62 mi northwest · National Park Service · Campground

Point Reyes National Seashore Campground

Point Reyes National Seashore offers four backcountry hike in campgrounds and thirteen boat in campsites along Tomales Bay. Note: For reservation purposes, our campgrounds are organized under the "loop" column of the reservation grid.

  • Backpacking
  • Biking
  • Birding
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Horse Camping

75 miles and farther (6)

78 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

Coyote Point

Coyote Point sits along New Hogan Lake in the brush-covered foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Swimming
  • Water Access

83 mi north · Bureau of Reclamation · Campground

Oak Shores Day Use Area (Ca)

Nestled between Blue Ridge and Cedar Roughs east of Napa Valley, Lake Berryessa provides ample public recreation opportunities.

  • Birding
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Guided Interpretive Walks
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking
  • Nature education

86 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

Deer Flat Boat In Campground

New Hogan Dam and Lake is located in the oak- and brush-covered foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The 4,400 acre lake was created in 1964 with the completion of New Hogan Dam.

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Swimming
  • Water Access
  • Wildlife viewing

86 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

Observation Point Picnic Shelter (Ca)

New Hogan Dam and Lake is located in the oak- and brush-covered foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The 4,400 acre lake was created in 1964 with the completion of New Hogan Dam.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Swimming

88 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

Acorn Campground

Acorn Campground is a sunny campground in the brush-covered hills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The area is generally characterized by a warm, dry climate with summer temperatures regularly soaring above 90 degrees.

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Swimming

88 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

Oak Knoll Campground

Oak Knoll Campground sits along New Hogan Lake in the brush-covered foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Recreation Boating is a popular pastime, with boat ramps conveniently located around the lake.

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Swimming

Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Sunnyvale. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.

Get outside around Sunnyvale

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More outdoors near Sunnyvale

Questions

Where is the closest place for swimming near Sunnyvale?

Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels only (auxiliary engine OK) (National Park Service), about 37 miles northwest of Sunnyvale as the crow flies. Next are Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (38 mi) and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (54 mi).

When is the best time for swimming near Sunnyvale?

Based on Sunnyvale’s average highs, June–September. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.

Who manages these places?

Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.

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