Earth Bound
The ULTIMATE guide to swimming in California
The ULTIMATE guide to swimming in California
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Swim California is your ultimate guide to the best swimming spots across the Sunshine State, with over 60 locations including alpine lakes, hidden creeks, ocean pools, and rooftop escapes.
Skip crowded beaches and tourist traps this summer—this travel guide takes you to places with character, local favorites, and swimming spots that feel worth the trip.
Each spot comes with detailed maps, seasonal tips, and local insights to help you plan the perfect swim. Grab the guide, pick a spot, and get out into nature!
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Recommended by Swimmer Lexie Kelly
We're proud to have Swim California supported by Lexie Kelly, a renowned open water swimmer and coach based in Newport Beach. With a career spanning over 40 countries, Lexie brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to California's aquatic landscapes. Her passion for exploring and sharing hidden swimming spots aligns perfectly with our mission to help you discover the state's most refreshing and unique swim locations.
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Format & Quality
Pocket Guide
A compact, travel-friendly edition printed on trade paper with a perfect-bound spine and a matte finish. Lightweight and easy to pack, it’s made for people on the move.
Photo Book
A premium hardcover edition printed on high-quality photo paper for rich color and sharp detail. Designed to last, this version is perfect for the coffee table, gifting, or those who appreciate a beautifully made book.
E-Guide
A digital PDF version delivered straight to your inbox. Ideal for reading on your phone or tablet while you travel, or for those who prefer to go paperless.
Printing & Fulfilment
All guides are proudly printed in the USA through our trusted partner, Lulu. Lulu’s US-based facilities are located across the country, with major printing and distribution centres in North Carolina, Indiana, and Nevada, helping ensure fast and reliable shipping nationwide.
By printing locally, we’re able to support American workers and reduce excess shipping emissions — so your guide arrives with a lighter footprint.
About Earth Bound
Earth Bound started over ten years ago as a small creative project — a way to document unique places through illustration, photography, and storytelling. It’s grown into a series of beautifully crafted travel guides made for people who want to slow down, explore deeper, and find meaning in the landscapes around them.
Each guide is independently written, designed, and published by me, Jack Hammon, from my home base in Australia. I research every spot myself and create these guides with care — not to sell you a fantasy, but to help you find the real places worth swimming in, walking through, and remembering.
Thanks for supporting something small, thoughtful, and made with purpose.
In Collaboration With Lake Tahoe Photographer
We’re honoured to have Swim California creatively supported by Maria, known as Lake Tahoe Photographer on Instagram (@tahoelover11611). Her breathtaking visual work captures the stillness and magic of one of California’s most iconic alpine lakes. Her creative eye has helped shape how we celebrate Tahoe, and her deep connection to wild water aligns perfectly with our mission to uncover California’s most refreshing and hidden swim spots.