Discover the hidden gem of Southern California’s waterways.
Lake Hodges offers some of the best places to paddle board, surrounded by scenic beauty.
Embark on your next adventure and uncover the aquatic wonders of this beautiful lake. Are you up for the challenge?
Map
Planning Your Paddle in Lake Hodges
Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.
- Season: average daily highs stay above 59 °F right through the year, so there is no closed season. August is the warmest month, averaging 86 °F.
- Rules and licences: The US Coast Guard treats a paddleboard as a vessel as soon as you leave the immediate swimming or surfing area. From that point a wearable life jacket for every person on board is required, together with a sound signal, and a white light after dark. Individual states add their own rules on top, so check the state boating agency before a longer trip.
Where to Paddle Board in Lake Hodges
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 Lake Hodges Main Body
- 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Lake Hodges Boat Launch Ramp (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Mostly calm waters, occasional afternoon breeze
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bass, catfish, ducks, osprey
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Bernardo Mountain, Del Dios Highlands Preserve
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: No swimming or body contact with water, adhere to fishing regulations
The main body of Lake Hodges provides an expansive and scenic experience for paddleboarders.
Enjoy the picturesque views of Bernardo Mountain and the surrounding natural beauty while gliding on the calm waters. Make sure to follow the rules and respect the environment.
#2 Hernandez Hideaway
- 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Hernandez Hideaway Launch Area (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, protected from wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bass, catfish, herons, egret
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Secluded coves, peaceful surroundings
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to fishing regulations, avoid clogging the launch area
Hernandez Hideaway is a serene and secluded spot on Lake Hodges, perfect for a more tranquil paddleboarding experience. Explore the calm coves and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while keeping an eye out for local wildlife.
#3 Del Dios Gorge Trailhead
- 🏖️ Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Del Dios Gorge Trailhead (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, relatively calm
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Herons, ducks, riparian birds
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Riparian vegetation, rock formations
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect nature preserve, avoid disturbing wildlife
Del Dios Gorge Trailhead allows for a unique river paddling experience. Glide along the gentle currents and enjoy the diverse riparian vegetation and interesting rock formations as you make your way through this serene location.
#4 Lake Hodges Dam
- 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Sandy beach area near the dam (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, wind protection near the dam
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bass, ducks, herons
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Lake Hodges Dam, scenic lake views
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Do not approach or climb the dam structure, adhere to fishing regulations
Near the Lake Hodges Dam, paddleboarders can enjoy a unique perspective of the lake.
The calm waters by the sandy beach area make it an ideal spot for newcomers and experienced boarders alike. Be sure to respect safety guidelines and fishing regulations in the area.
#5 Del Dios Highway Bridge
- 🏖️ Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: River access near Del Dios Highway Bridge (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, calm waters
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, herons, riparian birds
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Del Dios Highway Bridge, riparian surroundings
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of traffic above, respect the environment
The area near the Del Dios Highway Bridge provides paddleboarders with river access and a unique vantage point. The river’s gentle currents and calm water offer a peaceful and scenic experience surrounded by riparian vegetation.
#6 Felicita Creek
- 🏖️ Location Type: Channel
- 📍 Access Point: Felicita County Park (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, minimal current
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Birds, native plants
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Wooded park, creek-side escape
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for low branches, adhere to park rules, and respect the environment
Felicita Creek, located within Felicita County Park, offers a tranquil channel experience for paddleboarders. Surrounded by wooded parklands, it is a perfect escape for nature lovers looking to enjoy a peaceful paddle among native plants and wildlife.
Lake Hodges is inland San Diego County, a reservoir with a permit system and very little swell. On the coast, Balboa Island and Agua Hedionda Lagoon are the calm alternatives, and Santa Catalina Island is the crossing you plan for.
What to Take With You
Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.
- Typefoam, paddle cut
- ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada
Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding
- Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
- Swivelstwo in-line
- RatingIP68 certified, 1 m for 30 minutes
- Floatsyes
- Capacity20 L, range from 10 to 55 L
- Material500D PVC tarpaulin
Every model we tested: The 9 Best Dry Bags for Paddle Boarding
- Typetall neoprene boot
- Thickness3 mm
FAQ
Where can one paddle board in Lake Hodges?
Paddle boarding can be enjoyed anywhere within Lake Hodges, though the Del Dios Community Park area is particularly popular.
Does a paddle board need to be registered in Lake Hodges?
California does not ask you to register a paddle board, but Lake Hodges is a City of San Diego reservoir: you need a city lake permit, and the lake is only open for boating on certain days. Check the current schedule before you go.
What is the optimal time to paddle board in Lake Hodges?
The best time to paddle board in Lake Hodges is from spring to early fall, when weather conditions are typically mild and favorable.
Paddle Boarding Near Lake Hodges
Looking for another spot on the same trip? These guides cover the closest paddling waters we have mapped around Lake Hodges.
- Lake San Marcos (7 miles northwest)
- Agua Hedionda Lagoon (14 miles northwest)
- Carlsbad (15 miles northwest)
- La Jolla (18 miles southwest)
