June in September

Fall may be June's best season. At least, when it comes to lakeside lounging. Set beneath the spiky mountain backdrop of the Ansel Adams Wilderness and looming Carson Mountain, June Lake shines in more ways than its large expanse of aquamarine water. There's a reason this area has been dubbed the Switzerland of the Sierra. From the main parking lot, it's just steps to the beach, where you can spread a blanket or set up your picnic among the soaring peaks of the eastern Sierra Nevada. Leaf peepers will appreciate the pop of orange and yellow on fluttering aspens, and bald eagle sightings aren't uncommon. With summer crowds gone, the lake can be so quiet you'll hear only the sound of lapping water. The 3-mile shoreline here is a mixture of soft sand flanked by rockier sections. Stick to the main public beach (northeast) to relax on the sand. For those who always lounge with their four-legged furry pal, there's a trail along the shore (heading west) leading to a dog-friendly area that's no less scenic, and can be a little less crowded (you can also drive to this area). As one of four lakes along the famed June Lake Loop (the others are Gull, Silver, and Grant), this namesake oasis is the only swimming beach, so take a dip if you wish—the temperature is comfortable in summer and during a warm autumn.

June Lake is accessed via the June Lake Loop (CA-158) off of U.S. Hwy. 395. Follow the signs for North Shore Drive and June Lake Beach. No dogs on the public part of the beach. The dog-friendly beach is nearby, west of the public beach.