6 Best Places to Paddle Board in San Francisco, CA

San Francisco: where cityscapes meet the sea.

Searching for the best places to paddleboard in San Francisco?

Look no further, we’ve got you covered.

Embark on an unforgettable water adventure in the city by the bay. Are you ready?

Map

Planning Your Paddle in San Francisco

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024, rental counts come from OpenStreetMap. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

Season: average daily highs clear 59 °F from April through November. September is the warmest month, averaging 68 °F, and outside that window a wetsuit is what separates a short session from a comfortable one.
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.
Rentals nearby: OpenStreetMap lists 3 places within 16 miles that hire out boards, kayaks or canoes, among them Mike’s Paddle and California Canoe and Kayak. Call ahead, opening times outside the main season are short.

Where to Paddle Board in San Francisco

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 McCovey Cove

🏖️ ️Location Type: Bay
📍️ Access Point: Mission Creek Park (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild currents, can be windy
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Seals, sea lions, pelicans
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Oracle Park, San Francisco skyline
⚠️Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, be mindful of game days

McCovey Cove, located just outside Oracle Park, offers paddleboarders a unique experience.

Glide past the ballpark and enjoy the stunning San Francisco skyline. Just be mindful of boat traffic and game days for the best paddling experience.

#2 Crissy Field

🏖️ ️Location Type: Beach, Oceanfront
📍️ Access Point: Crissy Field East Beach (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Variable conditions, can be windy
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Seals, pelicans, sea lions
🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Marin Headlands
⚠️Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for kitesurfers, follow posted rules

Crissy Field offers paddleboarders an iconic San Francisco experience, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Marin Headlands.

The classic beach spot is suitable for various skill levels but can be windy, so stay cautious.

#3 Aquatic Park Cove

🏖️ ️Location Type: Cove, Oceanfront
📍️ Access Point: On the beach surrounding the cove (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, protected from strong currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Seals, sea lions, gulls
🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Ghirardelli Square, Hyde Street Pier, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
⚠️Safety, Environment and Rules: Check posted rules, be mindful of swimmers

Aquatic Park Cove is a protected area, making it perfect for beginners and those looking for calm paddleboarding conditions.

The cove is located near Ghirardelli Square and offers stunning views of the anchored historic ships at the Hyde Street Pier.

#4 Stow Lake

🏖️ Location Type: Lake
📍️ Access Point: Stow Lake Boathouse (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, minimal wind
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, turtles, birds
🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Golden Gate Park, Strawberry Hill, waterfalls
⚠️Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park regulations, be mindful of other users

Located in the heart of Golden Gate Park, Stow Lake offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The calm waters are perfect for beginners, surrounded by lush greenery, waterfalls, and Strawberry Hill, providing a truly tranquil paddleboarding experience.

#5 Sausalito

🏖️ ️Location Type: Bay
📍️ Access Point: Schoonmaker Beach (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild currents, can be windy
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Seals, sea lions, harbor porpoises
🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Sausalito Waterfront, San Francisco skyline
⚠️Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, check local rules

Located on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito offers a calm, picturesque paddleboarding experience.

Enjoy the stunning waterfront views and the breathtaking San Francisco skyline as you paddle in the calm bay waters.

#6 Mission Creek

🏖️ ️Location Type: Channel
📍️ Access Point: Mission Creek Park (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, minimal wind
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, gulls, birds
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Houseboats, AT&T Park, scenic city views
⚠️Safety, Environment and Rules: Be mindful of other watercraft, follow posted rules

Mission Creek, located in San Francisco’s bustling SoMa neighborhood, offers a charming paddleboarding experience.

Glide past houseboats and take in the dynamic cityscape in this calm, sheltered waterway location.

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.

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Vest

Life jacket

Check price

Typefoam, paddle cut
ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada

Rules differ from state to state and from country to country, but on open water this is the piece that gets checked, and the one that counts when the wind turns while you are still a long way out.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding

NRS Quick-Release SUP Leash

Waist leash

Check price

Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
Swivelstwo in-line

A leash keeps the board within reach after a fall, and a board that drifts off is the start of most rescues. On moving water use a quick release belt rather than an ankle cuff.

Every model we tested: The 9 Best SUP Waist Leashes

Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch

Phone case