This summer I plan on traveling around the United States (literally most of it) just running, biking, and swimming. Finding roads to run and bike on is easy, but open water is tough to find online. I am looking for places where it is easily accessible to "just swim" two miles or so ("laps" if needed). I live near Chicago and Ohio Street Beach on the lake is a great place to just show up and swim. I am looking for ideas and any additional information that will lead to some places to swim during my trek. Additional information: price, parking, water temperature, hours of operation, sharks (just kidding), etc. Thank you.
There are hundreds if not thousands of places to open water swim while trekking around the US. I’d suggest that you contact the LMSC chair or club offices in the places where you will be going and ask. Or look at the open water calendar and contact the race directors.
Your request is a little broad, but I'm happy to chime in with some broad responses.
In Boston, people swim at Walden pond for an open water workout.
In San Diego, there are regularly folks at the La Jolla cove.
In Orange County, try Corona del Mar Beach.
In LA, try the Manhattan Beach Pier.
In Santa Barbara, try Wed nights at Nite Moves at Ledbetter Beach.
In San Francisco, try Aquatic Park and the South End or Dolphin Clubs.
In Boulder, try the Boulder Reservoir. In Denver, there is a lake on the southside of town where they have regular swim groups.
Hope this helps.
Former Member
if you are planning to be in ny send me a pm, and i will be happy to share some great swimming areas.
Former Member
If in So Cal, swim Manhattan Beach to hermosa beach. It's about 1.8 miles - I believe. A very good swim. Start by 8:00 am in August and it's a pond (correct me, others, if you disagree). No floatsom and clean.
I'll be in So Cal in July and first week of August and I'm looking for swim associates. Email me.
