12 Best Places to Paddle Board in California (CA)

California: where dreams meet waves.

Ever thought of paddling alongside dolphins or beneath towering cliffs?

Some of the best places to paddleboard in California await you.

Dive in, and let’s explore Cali’s pristine waters together. Ready to ride?

Map

Where to Paddle Board in California

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 Tahoe

• Location Type: Lake
• Access Point: Kings Beach State Recreation Area (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, Clear Alpine Lake Water, Can be Windy in Afternoon
• Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• Wildlife Encounters: Trout, mountain whitefish, ducks, geese, ospreys
• Landmarks & Views: Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm Castle, Cave Rock, Rubicon Trail
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, cold water can be a risk

Lake Tahoe is a freshwater jewel nestled between California and Nevada. Its azure blue waters and surrounding alpine vistas make it an absolute favorite for paddle boarding.

Whether you’re cruising along the lake’s edges or venturing deeper into its crystalline depths, Lake Tahoe promises an unforgettable experience. Remember to explore the nearby Emerald Bay for a scenic paddle adventure.

#2 Santa Cruz Harbor

• Location Type: Oceanfront
• Access Point: Santa Cruz Harbor Launch Ramp (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, ocean currents
• Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
• Wildlife Encounters: Sea lions, otters, dolphins
• Landmarks & Views: Walton Lighthouse, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, harbor rules apply

Santa Cruz Harbor offers a unique oceanfront paddleboarding experience. The picturesque Walton Lighthouse guards the entrance, and playful sea lions often accompany paddlers.

Adjacent to popular beaches, it’s an ideal spot for beginners and experienced boarders alike.

#3 Russian River

• Location Type: River
• Access Point: Steelhead Beach Regional Park (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, protected from strong winds
• Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
• Wildlife Encounters: Salmon, steelhead, herons, osprey
• Landmarks & Views: Redwood forests, vineyards
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid during high water, respect private properties

The Russian River flows through wine country and is framed by majestic redwoods. Paddlers can enjoy serene stretches dotted with vineyards.

The slow-moving river offers a peaceful, scenic journey — a perfect getaway from the daily hustle.

#4 Tomales Bay

• Location Type: Bay
• Access Point: Miller Boat Launch (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Calm mornings, afternoon winds
• Popular Seasons: Year-round
• Wildlife Encounters: Seals, bat rays, seabirds
• Landmarks & Views: Point Reyes National Seashore, bioluminescence on certain nights
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Check tide conditions, night paddling requires lights

Tomales Bay offers a mix of marine life and pristine waters. By day, it boasts views of Point Reyes National Seashore.

By night, certain conditions allow paddlers to experience the magical bioluminescence, where waters shimmer with a blue glow.

#5 Morro Bay

• Location Type: Oceanfront
• Access Point: Coleman Park (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Variable conditions, tidal influence
• Popular Seasons: Year-round
• Wildlife Encounters: Otters, pelicans, seals
• Landmarks & Views: Morro Rock, sand dunes
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boats, understand tide changes

Morro Bay’s centerpiece is the impressive Morro Rock. Paddling here provides a blend of estuary and ocean experiences, with otters floating beside you and the rock as a constant backdrop.

The bay’s calm waters contrast with the ocean’s waves, offering varied adventures.

#6 Elkhorn Slough

• Location Type: Oceanfront
• Access Point: Moss Landing Harbor District (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Calm channels, tidal currents
• Popular Seasons: Spring and Fall
• Wildlife Encounters: Sea otters, harbor seals, shorebirds
• Landmarks & Views: Marshes, tidal creeks
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect wildlife, avoid sensitive areas

Located near Monterey, Elkhorn Slough is an ecological treasure. Its meandering channels are home to an abundance of wildlife.

As you glide through the waters, watch playful sea otters frolic and birds soar overhead, making it a nature lover’s dream.

#7 Lake Shasta

• Location Type: Lake
• Access Point: Packers Bay Boat Launch (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
• Popular Seasons: Summer
• Wildlife Encounters: Bass, trout, deer on the shores
• Landmarks & Views: Shasta Caverns, towering bridges
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Be wary of boat traffic, adhere to designated zones

Lake Shasta, Northern California’s reservoir gem, offers miles of shoreline to explore. Paddle beneath soaring bridges or visit the intriguing Shasta Caverns.

The lake’s vastness ensures every trip feels like a new adventure, with coves and inlets awaiting discovery.

#8 Avalon Harbor, Catalina Island

• Location Type: Island
• Access Point: Descanso Beach Club (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Mild ocean swells, protected bay
• Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
• Wildlife Encounters: Garibaldi fish, dolphins, sea lions
• Landmarks & Views: Catalina Casino, rugged coastline
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Limited boat zones, respect marine reserves

Avalon Harbor on Catalina Island offers a unique island paddleboarding experience. The historic Catalina Casino dominates the view, but the real beauty is underwater.

Crystal clear waters and marine life, especially the bright orange Garibaldi fish, make every paddle memorable.

#9 San Diego Bay

• Location Type: Bay
• Access Point: Coronado Ferry Landing Beach (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, mild ocean swell
• Popular Seasons: Year-round
• Wildlife Encounters: Seals, dolphins, pelicans
• Landmarks & Views: Downtown skyline, USS Midway Museum
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, adhere to bay regulations

San Diego Bay provides a scenic urban paddleboarding experience.

With the downtown skyline as your backdrop, you can navigate past historic ships and under iconic bridges. The bay’s calm waters are suitable for all skill levels, making it a must-visit.

#10 Mammoth Lakes

• Location Type: Mountain Lake
• Access Point: Twin Lakes Boat Ramp (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, chilly waters
• Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
• Wildlife Encounters: Trout, ducks, occasional deer
• Landmarks & Views: Sierra Nevada mountains, pine forests
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local rules, be prepared for altitude

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Mammoth Lakes offers paddleboarders serene alpine waters.

Surrounded by towering pines and mountain views, it’s a tranquil escape. Each lake in the basin offers its unique charm, ensuring endless exploration opportunities.

#11 Newport Beach Harbor

• Location Type: Bay
• Access Point: Marina Park (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Calm harbor waters, mild ocean swell
• Popular Seasons: Year-round
• Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea lions, pelicans
• Landmarks & Views: Balboa Island, Lido Isle, iconic piers
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect no-wake zones

Newport Beach Harbor provides a relaxed yet vibrant paddleboarding scene. Gliding past yachts and under bridges, you get to experience Southern California’s coastal luxury.

The iconic Balboa Island serves as a perfect backdrop, promising a mix of natural beauty and seaside charm.

#12 Mono Lake

• Location Type: Mountain Lake
• Access Point: Mono Lake County Park (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, unique buoyancy due to salinity
• Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
• Wildlife Encounters: Brine shrimp, migratory birds like eared grebes and phalaropes
• Landmarks & Views: Tufa towers, Sierra Nevada backdrop
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect protected areas, aware of bird nesting sites

Mono Lake is like no other, characterized by its limestone tufa towers. This ancient salt lake, located near the Sierra Nevada, has an eerie beauty and offers paddlers a unique experience due to its alkaline waters.

With the dramatic mountain scenery and its unusual ecology, it’s a surreal and unforgettable paddleboarding spot.

FAQ