Glory Hole Recreation Area

Located in the city of Angels Camp, Glory Hole Recreation Area is a rarely crowded beach situated at New Melones Lake. Glory Hole Recreation Area is in front of the Foothill Oak Woodlands which are 1,100 feet high and home to abundant wildlife.

Glory Hole Recreation Area welcomes pets and offers many other amenities including restrooms, showers, barbecues, fire pits, picnic tables, a campground, and a pier.

There are several fun activities here including swimming, hiking, fishing, waterskiing, jet skiing, waterboarding, sailing, boating, and mountain biking. Getting to Glory Hole Recreation Area is easy – after you get off of Golden Chain Highway, drive down to Whittle Road to reach here. You can use the free parking spots and street parking nearby and then walk a few minutes to the beach.

If you are looking for attractions near Glory Hole Recreation Area, you can drive 20-minutes to nearby options. Spread across three-acres, Angels Camp Museum features historical movies, photographs, equipment from the California Gold Rush era, and 29 restored horse-drawn carriages. Columbia State Historic Park is a state park unit that has been the shooting spot for films and television series including High Noon and Shadow Riders. The well-renowned winery Ironstone Vineyards hosts several annual concerts that include acts by The Russian National Orchestra, Dave Koz, Robert Cray, The Doobie Brothers, and Michael McDonald. Another great attraction near Glory Hole Recreation Area is Moaning Caverns Adventure Park, a fun tourist attraction site that offers a 410-feet deep cave tour called the Expedition Tour through several narrow passageways.

If you get hungry, it is advisable to plan and carry snacks as there are limited restaurants near Glory Hole Recreation Area. The nearest option is Cascabel Restaurant, a Mexican restaurant that serves burgers, sandwiches, burritos, tacos, platters, and drinks. Mike's Pizza is a vegetarian-friendly pizza restaurant and was awarded the Travellers’ Choice 2020 Award by Tripadvisor. Another good restaurant near Glory Hole Recreation Area is Far East Chinese Restaurant that offers Asian and Chinese dishes.

If you are looking for a hotel near Glory Hole Recreation Area, there are many within a 20-minute drive. If you are looking for a luxurious hotel, the 4-Star Dunbar House Inn and Event Property is located in the town of Murphys and was awarded the Travellers’ Choice 2020 Award by Tripadvisor. The 3-Star pet-friendly hotel Best Western Cedar Inn & Suites features a pool, spa, and fitness center. If you are looking for an affordable hotel near Glory Hole Recreation Area, the 2-Star Angels Inn, Angels Camp welcomes pets.