Top 10 Places to Paddleboard in California

1- Lake Tahoe

Water Type: Freshwater Alpine Lake

Starting Point: Sand Harbor, Carnelian Bay, Emerald Bay

How to Get There:

• Sand Harbor: From Reno, take US-395 S to NV-431 W, then follow signs to Sand Harbor. From Sacramento, take I-80 E, then US-395 N to NV-431 W.
• Carnelian Bay: Take US-395 N from Reno or I-80 E from Sacramento, then follow signs to CA-267 N.
• Emerald Bay: From either direction, take US-395 N or I-80 E, then CA-89 S to Emerald Bay.

Amenities: Paddleboard rentals, parking, restrooms

Lake Tahoe's crystal-clear waters and breathtaking mountainous backdrop make it a paddleboarder's dream. With 191 square miles of serene, glass-like water to explore, there's always something new to discover. Sand Harbor is perfect for families, Carnelian Bay offers fantastic photo opportunities, and Emerald Bay provides a tranquil escape for those seeking solitude.

 

2- Golden Gate Bridge

Water Type: Saltwater Bay

Starting Point: Crissy Field, Kirby Cove

How to Get There:

• Crissy Field: Located directly off US-101, follow signs for the Golden Gate Bridge and exit at Crissy Field. Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the field.
• Kirby Cove: Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, and take the exit for Conzelman Road. Follow signs to Kirby Cove. Note that parking is limited, so it’s best to arrive early.

Amenities: Paddleboard rentals, parking, restrooms

Paddleboarding around the iconic Golden Gate Bridge offers a unique perspective of this engineering marvel. Explore the waters surrounding Kirby Cove and Crissy Field, and venture out towards the Farallon Islands for a thrilling experience. With paddleboard rentals available nearby, it's a must-visit for any SUP enthusiast.

 

3- Mission Bay

Water Type: Saltwater Man-made Bay

Starting Point: Mission Bay Park

How to Get There: Take I-5 S to the Mission Bay Drive exit. Follow Mission Bay Drive to the park entrance. There is ample parking available in and around Mission Bay Park.

Amenities: Paddleboard rentals, parking, restrooms, picnic areas

As the nation’s largest man-made water park, Mission Bay in San Diego is ideal for beginners and families. Its warm, flat waters are perfect for learning to paddleboard, while experienced paddlers can enjoy fishing, surfing, and exploring the vast 4,200+ acre bay.

 

4- La Jolla Cove

Water Type: Saltwater Ocean Cove

Starting Point: La Jolla Shores Beach

How to Get There: Take I-5 S to the La Jolla Village Drive exit. Follow signs to the beach parking lot at La Jolla Shores. Public parking is available, though it can fill up quickly on weekends.

Amenities: Parking, restrooms, nearby paddleboard rentals

La Jolla Cove offers stunning natural beauty and diverse marine life. Paddle through scenic crevices and beneath stone arches, fish for Garibaldi and Yellowtail, or enjoy the more challenging waves. It's a fantastic spot for adventurous paddleboarders looking for more excitement.

 

5- Coronado Island/Glorietta Bay

Water Type: Saltwater Bay

Starting Point: Glorietta Bay Park

How to Get There: From San Diego, take I-5 S to the Coronado Bridge exit. Cross the bridge and follow the signs to Glorietta Bay Park. Parking is available near the park entrance.

Amenities: Paddleboard rentals, parking, restrooms, guided tours.

Coronado Island is perfect for those looking to relax and soak up the sun. With calm waters and soft sandy beaches, it's great for beginners, guided tours, and group yoga sessions. Explore the Coronado Bridge and local docks for a diverse and enjoyable paddleboarding experience.

 

6- Catalina Island

Water Type: Saltwater Ocean

Starting Point: Avalon

How to Get There: Take a ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro to Avalon. The ferry ride is about 1 hour. Once in Avalon, head to the waterfront for paddleboard rentals and guided tours.

Amenities: Guided tours, nearby paddleboard rentals, restrooms

Catalina Island offers a unique paddleboarding experience with its clear, warm ocean waters. Accessible by ferry, the island provides opportunities for guided tours, historical exploration, and surfing. It’s a picturesque and memorable destination for paddleboarders.

 

7- Huntington Beach State Park

Water Type: Saltwater Ocean

Starting Point: Huntington Beach

How to Get There: Take I-405 S to the Beach Boulevard exit. Follow Beach Boulevard to Pacific Coast Highway, then head south to the State Park entrance. Parking is available in the lots near the park.

Amenities: Paddleboard rentals, parking, restrooms, volleyball and basketball courts

Known for its moderate to good surf, Huntington Beach State Park is a hub for SUP enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to surf, fish, or take a paddleboarding lesson, this two-mile-long beach offers a wide range of activities both on and off the water.

 

8- Doheny Beach

Water Type: Saltwater Ocean

Starting Point: Doheny State Beach

How to Get There: Take I-5 S to the Dana Point exit. Follow signs to Doheny State Beach. Parking is available in the park’s lot and nearby areas.

Amenities: Paddleboard rentals, parking, restrooms, guided tours 

Famous for its surfing history and diverse marine life, Doheny Beach attracts over 850,000 visitors annually. While not ideal for swimming, it’s perfect for those looking to catch waves, observe marine wildlife, and learn about local history through guided tours.

 

9- Pelican Cove/Rancho Palos Verdes

Water Type: Saltwater Ocean

Starting Point: Pelican Cove

How to Get There: From Los Angeles, take I-110 S to the Pacific Coast Highway. Follow signs to Pelican Cove. Note that access requires a bit of a hike from the parking area.

Amenities: Parking, restrooms

For a more secluded paddleboarding experience, Pelican Cove in Rancho Palos Verdes is a hidden gem. With its 'no-take' fishing restrictions, the area is rich in marine life. It’s ideal for advanced paddlers looking to explore off-the-beaten paths, enjoy yoga sessions, or go whale watching.

 

10- Laguna Beach State Marine Reserve

Water Type: Saltwater Ocean

Starting Point: Laguna Beach

How to Get There: Take I-5 S to the Laguna Beach exit. Follow signs to Laguna Beach and park in the designated areas near the marine reserve.

Amenities: Paddleboard rentals, parking, restrooms, nearby shops and restaurants 

Laguna Beach State Marine Reserve is a haven for marine life enthusiasts. Paddle alongside dolphins, sea lions, and even whales. Explore nearby beaches like Main Beach and Aliso Beach Park for a varied experience. It’s an excellent spot for both cruising and surfing.

 

California’s diverse landscapes and water bodies offer endless opportunities for paddleboarding. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, there's a perfect spot waiting for you. Plan your next paddleboarding adventure and discover the beauty and excitement that California has to offer!

 

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