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7 Awesome Natural Places To Swim Near LA

'Cause we've got more than the beach here.

Maddi Salmon

Jun 04, 2019

University of Southern California

7 Awesome Natural Places To Swim Near LA

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Los Angeles is an amazing place to live for a number of reasons. We've got the beach, we've got diverse and beautiful lawns, we've got professional sports teams, we've got great universities (go Trojans!), we've got a multitude of concert venues... the list goes on. There are some amenities of our area, though, and some forget about, or just don't know about them at all. One of them is the variety of swimming holes and lakes around the city that are easy to access, while also being perfect for summer. While everyone else is rushing off to the beach, why not try something new instead? It might end up being a lot more enjoyable and a lot less crowded.

Imagine this: You take a short hike up a shaded mountain. The sun is out but it's not beaming directly on you like it would be at the beach. You reach a semi-secluded swimming hole that doesn't seem like it could be located in Southern California, but it is. You get to cool off and relax in the natural water that isn't full of salt and screaming kids.

Read on for 7 swimming spots and waterfalls you need to check out.

1. Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area

Santa Fe Dam is operated by the County of Los Angeles Parks, and it's located in Baldwin Hills, CA. There's a small beach for swimming and LOTS more to do. Check out the county's page for more information.

2. Cooper Canyon Falls

You can hike AND swim here. What's not to love? It's in the San Gabriel mountains so it's incredibly close to LA. Learn more about what it has to offer here.

3. Aztec Falls

The Aztec Falls are located within the San Bernardino National Forest, so it's not too far of a trek beyond the LA County limits. You can take a (very) short hike then relax in the amazing, cool water. Learn more about how to get here.

4. Eaton Canyon Falls

This is another great spot to check out a waterfall, and it's very close to most of Los Angeles. It's located in Altadena, just beyond Pasadena. It's a wonderful place for a simple trail walk and will bring you to a cool waterfall. Get the details here.

5. Hansen Dam

This is a man made "lake" that is truly a pool, but hey. This Irwindale swimming spot features an artificial beach as well as a couple water slides. Learn more here.

6. Malibu Creek Rock Pool

This recently reopened after the fires, and it's a wonderful place to relax. It's a nice place to take a short hike, but be warned that the water has an icy chill (which is great if you like that sort of thing). Get all the information here.

7. Solstice Canyon

Also in the Malibu area, this canyon features a few small watering holes along the trails. You'll also find a waterfall at the end of the short hike, which is a great reward for the moderate workout. Learn more about it here.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

7 Awesome Natural Places To Swim Near LA

'Cause we've got more than the beach here.

1. Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area

2. Cooper Canyon Falls

3. Aztec Falls

4. Eaton Canyon Falls

5. Hansen Dam

6. Malibu Creek Rock Pool

7. Solstice Canyon

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

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8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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