12 Best Places to Paddle Board in Florida (FL)

Welcome to the Sunshine State, where sun-kissed beaches meet crystal-clear waters.

Have you ever imagined gliding over turquoise waves along Florida’s stunning coastlines?

Discover the best places to paddle board in Florida and embark on your next aquatic adventure.

Get ready to soak in the beauty of the Sunshine State as you make unforgettable memories. Let’s hit the water!

Table of Contents

1 Map
2 Where to Paddle Board in Florida
3 FAQ

Map

Where to Paddle Board in Florida

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Florida Keys

️ Location Type: Oceanfront
???? Access Point: Bahia Honda State Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Crystal clear, calm waters, possible ocean currents and wind
Popular Seasons: Year-round, especially Winter and Spring
???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, tropical fish
????️ ️ Landmarks & Views: Pristine beaches, mangroves, colorful coral reefs
Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to protected areas, respect marine life, follow local regulations

The Florida Keys offer some of the most beautiful and diverse paddle boarding experiences in the Sunshine State.

From the turquoise blue waters to the unique coral reefs, the Keys provide a scenic backdrop for exploring the crystal-clear ocean beyond the sandy shores. Paddlers have the opportunity to encounter a variety of marine life, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

#2 Tampa Bay

????️ ️ Location Type: Bay
???? Access Point: Fort De Soto Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, possible winds and tides
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Manatees, dolphins, pelicans, marine birds
????️ ️ Landmarks & Views: Skyway Bridge, historic fort, mangrove tunnels
Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect wildlife, check local conditions

Tampa Bay offers paddle boarders a diverse mix of nature and city skylines. Glide through peaceful mangrove tunnels or paddle along the shoreline of Fort De Soto Park. With its calm waters and abundance of wildlife, Tampa Bay is perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.

#3 Daytona Beach

????️ Location Type: Oceanfront
???? Access Point: Daytona Beach Boardwalk (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle waves, ocean currents, varied wind conditions
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea turtles, seabirds
????️ ️ Landmarks & Views: Daytona Beach Pier, nearby attractions
Safety, Environment and Rules: Stay aware of ocean conditions, respect local rules, watch for swimmers

At Daytona Beach, paddlers can enjoy long stretches of sandy shoreline and warm Atlantic waters year-round. The iconic pier and boardwalk serve as a backdrop for a breezy coastal paddleboarding adventure perfect for people-watching and delighting in the bustling beach scene.

#4 Naples

????️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
???? Access Point: Lowdermilk Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm gulf waters, potential afternoon winds
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea turtles, fish
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Naples Pier, luxury beachfront homes
Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of local conditions, stay within designated areas, watch for swimmers

Naples, Florida, offers paddle boarders the opportunity to glide along the pristine Gulf Coast waters.

The city’s beautiful beaches and calm waters create the perfect environment for an enjoyable paddling experience. With Naples Pier and luxurious waterfront homes in view, you’re sure to enjoy your time on the water.

#5 Everglades National Park

????️ ️Location Type: River, Channel
???? Access Point: Flamingo Visitor Center (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Slow-moving water, light currents, possible wind
Popular Seasons: Dry season (December-April)
???? Wildlife Encounters: Alligators, manatees, birds, turtles
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Mangroves, various ecosystems
Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect wildlife, follow park rules, guided tours recommended

The Everglades provide a unique and wild paddle boarding experience. Teeming with wildlife, this subtropical wilderness is best explored via its waterways.

Glide through mangroves and admire the surrounding landscapes, ever watchful for alligators, manatees, and an array of birds. It’s a truly one-of-a-kind paddle boarding adventure.

#6 Calusa Blueway, Fort Myers

????️ ️Location Type: River, Channel
???? Access Point: Sanibel Causeway Beach Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm river waters, light currents, gentle breeze
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Manatees, dolphins, birds
️Landmarks & Views: Mangroves, Fort Myers skyline, islands
Safety, Environment and Rules: Check tides, avoid shallow areas, follow marked trails

The Calusa Blueway near Fort Myers offers a natural and serene paddling experience among mangroves, rivers, and inlets. With over 190 miles of marked trails, the Blueway is perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding enthusiasts.

Keep an eye out for playful manatees and dolphins while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

#7 Clearwater Beach

????️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
???? Access Point: Pier 60 Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle waves, ocean currents, varied wind conditions
☀️Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, fish, seabirds
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Clearwater Beach Pier, nearby attractions
Safety, Environment and Rules: Stay aware of ocean conditions, respect local rules, watch for swimmers

Clearwater Beach is a popular coastal destination in Florida, known for its powdery sand and warm Gulf waters. Paddle along the shoreline and experience incredible views of the ocean and the famous Clearwater Beach Pier.

Keep an eye out for playful dolphins and enjoy the salty ocean breeze in this beautiful spot.

#8 Jupiter Inlet

????️ ️Location Type: River, Oceanfront
???? Access Point: Jupiter Outdoor Center (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm river waters, ocean swells, afternoon winds
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Manatees, dolphins, fish, birds
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, Intracoastal Waterway
Safety, Environment and Rules: Check local conditions, be mindful of currents, adhere to boating rules

Jupiter Inlet provides a unique blend of river and ocean paddling, thanks to its prime location along the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Explore the river’s smooth waters and marvel at the historic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.

Don’t forget to look for manatees and dolphins on your aquatic journey!

#9 Key Biscayne

????️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront, Bay
???? Access Point: Crandon Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, gentle ocean swells, possible winds
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, fish
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Miami skyline, mangroves, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of local conditions, respect marine life, follow park rules

Key Biscayne offers stunning views of the Miami skyline as you paddleboard along its pristine shoreline. Glide across calm bay waters and keep an eye out for friendly dolphins and manatees.

Experience nature’s beauty in this serene enclave just a short distance from the bustling city.

#10 Lake Okeechobee

????️ ️Location Type: Lake
???? Access Point: Pahokee Marina (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm lake waters, possible winds
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Bass, catfish, birds
????️ Landmarks & Views: Marshlands, largest natural freshwater lake in Florida
Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of local conditions, respect wildlife, adhere to fishing regulations

Lake Okeechobee is the largest natural freshwater lake in Florida, offering miles of quiet shoreline to explore. Discover marshlands and fish-rich waters while paddling along this unique inland destination.

Be sure to respect the local wildlife, which includes a range of fish species and birds.

#11 Cocoa Beach

????️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
???? Access Point: Lori Wilson Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle waves, ocean currents, varied wind conditions
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, fish, seabirds
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Cocoa Beach Pier, nearby attractions
Safety, Environment and Rules: Stay aware of ocean conditions, respect local rules, watch for swimmers

Cocoa Beach delivers an impressive coastal paddling experience with its warm Atlantic waters and inviting shoreline. Glide along the beautiful oceanfront and catch sight of dolphins playfully jumping in the distance.

Cocoa Beach Pier provides an iconic backdrop for a picturesque paddleboarding experience.

#12 St. Augustine

????️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront, River
???? Access Point: Anastasia State Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm river waters, gentle ocean waves, possible winds
Popular Seasons: Year-round
Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, fish
????️ Landmarks & Views: Castillo de San Marcos, historic downtown
Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of local conditions, respect wildlife, adhere to park rules

As the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine offers a unique paddleboarding experience that merges history with natural beauty. Paddle along the oceanfront or follow the river to explore this fascinating destination.

Between the historic Castillo de San Marcos and the beautiful downtown, St. Augustine is a must for paddleboard enthusiasts visiting Florida.