7 Best Places to Paddle Board in La Jolla, CA

Discover the enchanting coastal town of La Jolla, California.

This picturesque destination offers some of the best places to paddle board in La Jolla, inviting you to glide along the breathtaking shoreline.

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable La Jolla paddle boarding adventure? Let’s dive in!

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Where to Paddle Board in La Jolla

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 La Jolla Cove

• Location Type: Oceanfront
• Access Point: La Jolla Cove beach (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild ocean swell, afternoon winds
• Popular Seasons: Year-round
• Wildlife Encounters: Sea lions, seals, dolphins, leopard sharks
• ????️️ Landmarks & Views: La Jolla Cliffs, sea caves, kelp forests
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow Marine Protected Area rules, respect wildlife, various restrictions in sea caves

La Jolla Cove offers a mesmerizing paddle boarding experience with its crystal-clear waters and an abundance of marine life. Nestled between striking sandstone cliffs, the cove is a favorite spot for both beginners and experienced paddle boarders.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the captivating sea caves as you navigate through the area’s rich kelp forests.

#2 La Jolla Shores

• Location Type: Oceanfront
• Access Point: La Jolla Shores beach (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild currents, afternoon winds
• Popular Seasons: Year-round
• Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, leopard sharks, rays, sea turtles
• ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Scripps Pier, oceanfront mansions, Torrey Pines State Park
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Swim zones during summer, respect wildlife, avoid pier area

La Jolla Shores is a popular beach with expansive, flat waters, perfect for paddle boarders of all levels. With its soft, sandy beach and spectacular coastal views, it remains a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike.

As you paddle along the shoreline, you’ll pass by the iconic Scripps Pier and have the chance to spot a variety of vibrant marine life.

#3 Mission Bay

• Location Type: Bay
• Access Point: Fiesta Island Park or Santa Clara Point (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, mild wind
• Popular Seasons: Year-round
• Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, fish, occasional dolphins
• ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Skyline, SeaWorld, Fiesta Island
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid boat traffic, respect designated zones

Located just south of La Jolla, Mission Bay offers a picturesque setting for paddle boarding. With its calm waters and ample space, it’s suitable for paddlers of all skill levels.

Enjoy views of the city skyline and nearby attractions like SeaWorld and Fiesta Island as you paddle along the bay’s serene waters.

#4 Pacific Beach

• Location Type: Oceanfront
• Access Point: Pacific Beach Lifeguard Station (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, ocean currents
• Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
• Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, dolphins, sea lions
• ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Crystal Pier, sandy coastline
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Swim zones during summer, respect wildlife, be cautious of surfers

Neighboring La Jolla, Pacific Beach offers a lively paddleboarding experience along its sandy coastline. Paddle out from the main beach or near the Crystal Pier, and enjoy the refreshing ocean waves.

Be mindful of surfers in the area, and remember to respect wildlife and designated zones.

#5 Tourmaline Surf Park

• Location Type: Oceanfront
• Access Point: Tourmaline Street beach access (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, ocean currents
• Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
• Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, dolphins, occasional seals
• ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Cliffs, surf community
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Aware of surfers, respect local rules

Closer to the northern end of Pacific Beach, Tourmaline Surf Park provides a more laid-back oceanfront environment for paddleboarders.

While primarily a surf spot, the park also welcomes paddleboarders, offering a mix of experiences. Enjoy the view of the surrounding cliffs and the vibrant surf culture as you glide through the waves.

#6 Windansea Beach

• Location Type: Oceanfront
• Access Point: Windansea Beach stairs (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, ocean currents
• Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
• Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, dolphins, occasional seals
• Landmarks & Views: Rocky shoreline, surf community
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of hidden rocks, aware of surfers, and respect local rules

Located south of La Jolla Cove, Windansea Beach is known for its rocky shoreline and surf community. Although primarily a surf spot, paddleboarders can enjoy the moderate waves and ocean currents, offering a more challenging experience.

Ensure you exercise caution when navigating around the hidden rocks and be aware of surfers in the area.

#7 Mission Bay – Mariner’s Basin

• Location Type: Bay
• Access Point: Mariner’s Way (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, mild wind
• Popular Seasons: Year-round
• Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, fish, occasional dolphins
• Landmarks & Views: Park area, SeaWorld in the distance
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Pay attention to boat traffic, respect designated zones

In Mission Bay, Mariner’s Basin is another excellent location for paddleboarders seeking calm waters in a scenic setting. This area is suitable for paddlers of all skill levels and often features less boat traffic than other parts of Mission Bay.

Enjoy paddling through this picturesque area while taking in views of the nearby park and distant SeaWorld attractions.

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