Top 10 Places to Paddleboard in Los Angeles
Top 10 Places to Paddleboard in Los Angeles
1- Marina Del Rey
Marina Del Rey is an ideal spot for paddleboarding, especially for beginners. The calm, flat waters provide a safe environment to learn and practice. The marina is bustling with activity, making it a lively place to paddle while enjoying views of luxury yachts and marine life.
Location: Marina Del Rey, CA
Starting Point: Pro SUP Shop
How to Get There: Easily accessible via Lincoln Blvd or the Marina Freeway (CA-90). Parking is available at various lots around the marina.
Amenities:
- Board rentals and group tours at Pro SUP Shop
- A man-made beach with picnic areas
- Nearby cafes and restaurants for post-paddle refreshments
Features:
- Calm, sheltered waters perfect for beginners
- Scenic views of yachts and occasional dolphin sightings
- Frequent sea lion appearances
2- Cabrillo Beach
Cabrillo Beach offers both calm, protected harbour waters and more challenging open sea conditions, making it suitable for paddlers of all levels. The beach is also a popular spot for families and marine life enthusiasts.
Location: San Pedro, CA
Starting Point: Cabrillo Beach Launch Ramp
How to Get There: Accessible via the I-110 and CA-47 freeways. Ample parking is available near the beach.
Amenities:
- Large beach area ideal for family picnics
- Cabrillo Marine Aquarium nearby
- Restrooms and picnic facilities
Features:
- Calm, protected harbour for beginners
- More challenging open sea conditions outside the break wall
- Opportunities to view Southern California marine life
3- Los Alamitos Bay
Known for its calm waters and scenic surroundings, Los Alamitos Bay is perfect for beginners and those looking for a relaxed paddleboarding experience. The bay's channels are lined with picturesque houses, providing a unique paddling backdrop.
Location: Long Beach, CA
Starting Point: Alamitos Bay Marina
How to Get There: Accessible via Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1). Parking is available at the marina.
Amenities:
- Board rentals and lessons available
- Nearby restaurants and cafes
- Restrooms and picnic areas
Features:
- Protected harbour with calm waters
- Scenic views of waterfront homes and wetlands
- Annual boat parade and bird-watching opportunities
3- Topanga
Topanga is a favourite among both surfers and paddleboarders. The beach offers a mix of gentle waves and calmer waters further out, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
Location: Topanga, CA
Starting Point: Topanga State Beach
How to Get There: Accessible via Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1). Parking is available at the state beach lot.
Amenities:
- Nearby restaurants offering fresh seafood
- Restrooms and showers
- Picnic areas
Features:
- Gentle waves near the shore for a fun challenge
- Calmer waters further out for a peaceful paddle
- Beautiful coastal views and easy access to the beach
5- Surfrider Beach
Famous for its surfing history, Surfrider Beach is also becoming a popular spot for paddleboarding. The small shorebreak makes it an excellent place for novice paddlers to practice their skills.
Location: Malibu, CA
Starting Point: Surfrider Beach Access
How to Get There: Accessible via Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1). Parking is available at the Malibu Pier.
Amenities:
- Board rentals and surf shops nearby
- Restaurants and cafes at the pier
- Restrooms and showers
Features:
- Historic surfing location with a small shorebreak
- Great spot for beginners to test their balance
- Scenic pier with potential celebrity sightings
6- King Harbor
Located in Redondo Beach, King Harbor is a popular launch spot for paddleboarders and kayak fishermen. The harbour offers a blend of sheltered waters and more open areas, catering to all skill levels.
Location: Redondo Beach, CA
Starting Point: King Harbor Marina
How to Get There: Accessible via Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1). Parking is available at the marina.
Amenities:
- Board rentals available
- Nearby restaurants and shops
- Restrooms and picnic areas
Features:
- Sheltered harbour with clean water
- Scenic views of yachts and marine life
- Best paddling conditions before 11 A.M.
7- Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake, located in the Angeles National Forest, offers a peaceful paddleboarding experience with beautiful coves and scenic mountain views. It’s a great spot for both fishing and paddling.
Location: Castaic, CA
Starting Point: Pyramid Lake Marina
How to Get There: Accessible via Interstate 5. Parking is available at the marina.
Amenities:
- Board rentals and fishing gear are available
- Camping sites at Los Alamos Campground
- Restrooms and picnic areas
Features:
- Quiet and peaceful environment
- Beautiful coves and mountain scenery
- Limited to 200 watercraft at a time; arrive early
8- South Bay Beaches
The South Bay Beaches, including Redondo, Hermosa, and Manhattan, offer fantastic paddling conditions with plenty of rental shops and lessons available. These beaches are popular spots for both surfing and paddleboarding.
Location: South Bay, CA
Starting Point: Various beach access points
How to Get There: Accessible via Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1). Parking is available at various lots along the beach.
Amenities:
- Board rentals and lessons available
- Numerous restaurants and cafes nearby
- Restrooms and showers
Features:
- Great for both surfing and paddleboarding
- Plenty of places to rent equipment and take lessons
- Scenic ocean views and lively beach atmosphere
9- Venice
Venice Beach and the Venice Canals offer a unique paddleboarding experience. Paddle through the historic canals or along the iconic Venice Beach for a diverse and picturesque outing.
Location: Venice, CA
Starting Point: Venice Beach or Venice Canals Access
How to Get There: Accessible via Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1) or Venice Blvd. Parking is available at various lots.
Amenities:
- Board rentals available at Venice Beach
- Nearby cafes, restaurants, and shops
- Restrooms and showers
Features:
- Iconic Venice Beach with a vibrant atmosphere
- Historic Venice Canals for a peaceful paddle
- Unique views of quirky homes and beautiful waterways
10- Latigo Beach
Latigo Beach in Malibu offers a serene paddleboarding experience with stunning views of Malibu’s coastline. The beach is less crowded, providing a tranquil environment for paddling.
Location: Malibu, CA
Starting Point: Latigo Beach Access
How to Get There: Accessible via Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1). Parking is available along the highway.
Amenities:
- Limited amenities; bring your board and supplies
- Scenic shoreline and tide pools
- No board rentals are available
Features:
- Quiet and less crowded beach
- Beautiful views of Malibu’s coastline and luxury homes
- Opportunities to see seals and marine life
Los Angeles offers a variety of paddleboarding locations, each with its unique charm and features. Whether you’re looking for calm waters to practice your skills or a scenic adventure, these top 10 places provide the perfect settings for an unforgettable paddleboarding experience.
