10 Best Places to Paddle Board in Napa Valley, CA

Welcome to Napa Valley: where wine meets water.

Ever thought of discovering the best places to paddle board in Napa Valley, surrounded by picturesque vineyards?

Let’s dive in and explore the hidden gems of Napa’s serene waters together. Are you ready to embark on this adventure?

Table of Contents

1 Map
2 Where to Paddle Board in Napa Valley
3 FAQ

Map

Where to Paddle Board in Napa Valley

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 Napa River

????️ ️Location Type: River
???? Access Point: Napa Valley Yacht Club or Kennedy Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm water, gentle currents, occasional winds
Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Herons, egrets, river otters
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Napa Valley vineyards, downtown Napa
Safety, Environment and Rules: Be mindful of boat traffic, respect private property along the river

The Napa River meanders through the heart of Napa Valley, offering a unique paddle boarding experience among world-renowned vineyards.

Glide past picturesque wineries and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the river as it flows through the valley. Explore downtown Napa by water for a different perspective of this charming region.

#2 Putah Creek

????️ ️Location Type: River
???? Access Point: Winters Putah Creek Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm water, gentle currents, occasional winds
Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Bass, ducks, herons
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Oak-studded hills, vineyards, open countryside
Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid during high water, respect private property

Putah Creek is a tributary of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, located on the outskirts of Napa Valley.

This serene river offers a peaceful paddle boarding experience as it flows through the region’s oak-studded hills and lush vineyards. Enjoy a tranquil getaway from the bustling wineries and indulge in the beauty of nature.

#3 Lake Hennessey

????️ Location Type: Lake
???? Access Point: Lake Hennessey Shoreline Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, occasional afternoon winds
Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Bass, trout, osprey
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Surrounding hills, vineyards
Safety, Environment and Rules: No motorized boats, watch for fishing lines

Lake Hennessey, located east of the Napa Valley, is a serene oasis among the rolling hills and vineyards.

This peaceful reservoir is perfect for leisurely paddling or fishing. With no motorized boats allowed, the still waters of Lake Hennessey offer a calming retreat for paddle board enthusiasts.

#4 Lake Berryessa

????️ ️Location Type: Lake
???? Access Point: Capell Cove Boat Launch (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm with occasional winds
Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Bass, trout, bluegill, herons
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Monticello Dam, scenic surroundings
Safety, Environment and Rules: Beware of boat traffic, adhere to designated zones

Located just a short drive from Napa Valley, Lake Berryessa offers an expansive body of water for paddle boarding adventures amidst scenic surroundings.

The lake’s coves and inlets provide an opportunity for exploration, while the Monticello Dam serves as a striking landmark in this picturesque setting.

#5 Sonoma Creek

????️ ️Location Type: River
???? Access Point: Maxwell Farms Regional Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm water, gentle currents, occasional winds
Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Steelhead, herons, egrets
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Sonoma Valley vineyards, lush riparian vegetation
Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid during high water, slow-moving river

Sonoma Creek, flowing through the neighboring Sonoma Valley, provides another opportunity to paddle board through wine country. The slow-moving river is bordered by lush riparian vegetation and vineyards, creating a serene setting for a leisurely paddle.

Follow the creek as it winds through the region, offering glimpses of the valley’s idyllic landscape.

#6 Petaluma River

????️ ️Location Type: River
???? Access Point: Petaluma Marina (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Tidal currents, moderate winds
Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Herons, egrets, shorebirds
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Petaluma Marsh, unique waterfront architecture
Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of tidal shifts, understand navigation rules

Located just outside Napa Valley, the Petaluma River offers a tidal paddle boarding experience through marshlands and past unique waterfront architecture.

The river’s varying currents provide an engaging backdrop for boarders looking for a more dynamic experience. Make sure to plan your trip according to the tides to ensure an enjoyable paddle.

#7 Lakes of Sonoma County

????️ ️Location Type: Lake
???? Access Point: Spring Lake Regional Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm water, occasional winds
Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, herons, bass
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Rolling hills, lush surroundings
Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to designated paddle boarding areas, respect local rules

The lakes in neighboring Sonoma County offer tranquil settings for paddleboarding with calm waters and lush surroundings.

Spring Lake Regional Park is a popular destination for recreational activities, providing a peaceful environment for paddle enthusiasts to explore the area.

#8 Suisun Bay

????️ ️Location Type: Bay
???? Access Point: Martinez Waterfront Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, tidal currents, occasional winds
Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Seals, pelicans, shorebirds
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Historic John Muir House, Mare Island
Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of boat traffic, rocky areas, and tidal shifts

Suisun Bay, a short drive from Napa Valley, offers calm waters for paddleboarding while enjoying views of the historic John Muir House and Mare Island.

Be aware of tidal currents and exercise caution around boat traffic and rocky areas.

#9 Carquinez Strait

????️ Location Type: Strait
???? Access Point: Eckley Pier, Crockett (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Tidal currents, moderate winds
Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Sea lions, seals, shorebirds
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Benicia-Martinez Bridge, historic buildings
Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of shipping traffic, understand navigation rules

Carquinez Strait, located near Napa Valley, offers experienced paddleboarders a more challenging environment with tidal currents and moderate winds.

Enjoy scenic views of the Benicia-Martinez Bridge and historic waterfront buildings while paddling through this unique waterway.

#10 American River

????️ Location Type: River
???? Access Point: Sunrise Recreation Area, Fair Oaks (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, occasional winds
Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Salmon, steelhead, osprey, herons
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Suburban setting, tree-lined banks
Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid during high water, respect private properties

The American River, a scenic waterway near Sacramento, is a popular spot for paddleboarding. While not directly in Napa Valley, this river offers a leisurely paddle experience with tree-lined banks and opportunities for wildlife encounters.

The Sunrise Recreation Area provides easy access to the river and is tucked away from urban hustle, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a nearby excursion.