The Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area has just reopened its popular Swim Beach for the summer, and you can now visit on weekends to enjoy the sandy shores with views of the San Gabriel foothills. This 70-acre lake is located within a larger 836-acre recreation area, which offers numerous outdoor activities to enjoy, including fishing, boating, picnicking, and camping. Keep reading for a simple guide to help make the most of this underrated lake beach in L.A. County.
Santa Fe Swim Beach
Swimming in the Santa Fe Lake is only permitted at the 5-acre, chlorinated Swim Beach, which you’ll find on the south side of the lake in front of the parking lot. The sandy beach and swim area are roped off for safety with lifeguards on duty.
If you’re hoping to go for a swim, just be advised that the permitted area has shallow water that is popular among kids and families and can get quite busy. A separate Splash Pad play area for kids will open on June 15th.
šļø Opening hours and dates: The beach is now open on weekends only from 10 AM to 6 PM. After Father’s Day weekend on June 15th, the beach will open 7 days a week through September 4th, 2025.
More activities in the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area
While the beach is Santa Fe Lake’s most popular destination during the summer, the recreation area offers 836 acres to explore. Non-motorized watercraft like kayaks and paddle boats are available to rent, or you can go for a relaxing hike, bike ride, or horseback ride along the local trails.
Some visitors also come here for year-round fishing and overnight camping, and the “Moonlight Fishing” experience is especially popularāit’s a unique event with campfires and night fishing, but is available only on select days.
š Location: 15501 E. Arrow Highway, Baldwin Park/Irwindale, CA 91706.
š Parking Fee: $12 per vehicle per day
š Learn more: L.A. County Parks – Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area