This beach in the Tomales Bay State Park has been described as the most pleasant place to swim in Northern California. Iverness Ridge shields the beach from cold winds so the water is especially warm. On sunny weekends it can get really crowded, but a short hike in either direction can take you to similar but less crowded beaches, like Pebble Beach or Indian Beach. Heart's Beach has a picnic area with barbecues, dressing rooms and toilets. Swimming is free and so is parking.

No dogs permitted on the beach or on the trails. Alas.

Veterans Memorial Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the Russian River in Healdsburg. It's open through summer, and swimmers are urged to only swim when lifeguards are on duty. There's no cost to use the beach, but there is a $7 parking fee. We recommend you arrive early, as the quaint parking lot fills up pretty quickly. Make a day of it, as there are shady picnic areas and restrooms.

The water in the center of the river is deep because of a dam downstream, so be careful.

A favorite amongst nudists and hipsters. It takes about an hour to hike to the lake (if you can resist stopping every minute to snap a pic of the views), and you can read the National Park Service's trail guide and suggested hikes for Point Reyes (Bass Lake is towards the middle of the page). There's also more detailed directions here.

The main attraction of Bass Lake is a rope swing that continuously gets cut down by a park ranger and promptly put back by a guy named Frank, who's a legend around those parts. It's free to visit.

There are two waterslides at this pool. What more motivation could you need to get over to the Hamilton Recreation Center for recreational swimming time? Recreation swimming happens every day (except Sunday when the pool's closed) in the afternoon.

Rates: $6 for adults and $1 for kids.

The 4,565-square-foot Mission Community Pool, constructed in 1926, was remodeled in 2013 and is a neighborhood favorite for Mission folk. It’s the only city-operated outdoor pool in San Francisco, offering a large pool for novices, recreational and lap swim programs during the summer months, and more. The murals outside are not to be missed.

Rates: $7 for adults, $1 for children under 18 years of age.

There are diehards who swim here every morning, rain or shine. You might not have that kind of ambition, but on that rare warm day this is a nice spot to dip your toes in. It's free and open 24 hours. Feeling more adventurous? SwimArt offers expedition swims under the Golden Gate Bridge.

This is a bright and airy indoor pool in the heart of North Beach. There's one warm pool and one cold pool. The pool's schedule is packed with activities, so seek it out before you decide to drop in.

Rates: $7 for adults, $1 for children under 18 years of age.

If you drive this is definitely a good choice since there's an abundance of parking. The location has a 25-yard by 25-meter pool and a separate wading pool for tots.

Rates: $7 for adults, $1 for children under 18 years of age.

This sandy beach is open to the sun and sheltered from the wind, making it a favorite for East Bay locals. Lifeguards are posted during swim season, but you can swim any time at your own risk.

When the swim area was constructed, a secondary dam was built to provide an inner swimming area complete with sandy beach. The swimming complex is open during warm months and has a lifeguard on duty. There's a bathhouse, vending machines, and a 1.5-acre swim lagoon on site.

Rates are $3.50 for adults and $2.50 for kids under 16.

Most visitors say it's not the prettiest of beaches (it's an old quarry), but the water is pretty warm since it's so far east. There's a bathhouse and a "snack shack" that has snacks, water, and toys for the kiddies. It costs $6 to park.

Dogs: $2 per dog. Guide/service dogs free.

The lake's swim lagoon has a sandy beach with access to restrooms, a concession stand, and a lift into the pool. Swimming is allowed only when lifeguards are on duty. From June to August the lagoon's open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There's a $5 parking fee. Also, dogs will run $2 per pup.