Discover the magic of the ocean and the laid-back vibes of coastal California.
The best places to paddle board in Santa Cruz, CA offer stunning encounters with marine life and breathtaking panoramas.
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure exploring the serene waters of Santa Cruz.
Map
Planning Your Paddle in Santa Cruz
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 stay above 59 °F right through the year, so there is no closed season. September is the warmest month, averaging 78 °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.
- Rentals nearby: OpenStreetMap lists 4 places within 16 miles that hire out boards, kayaks or canoes, among them Kayak connection, Venture Quest Kayak Rentals and Kayak Connection. Call ahead, opening times outside the main season are short.
Where to Paddle Board in Santa Cruz
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 Cowell Beach
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: Cowell Beach at the end of Linden Ave (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, light currents, gentle morning wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea lions, seals, otters
- 🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Santa Cruz Wharf, Beach Boardwalk, surfing spots
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Keep a safe distance from surfers, beware of rip currents
Cowell Beach is one of the best places to paddle board in Santa Cruz, CA. Its calm waters and close proximity to the Santa Cruz Wharf and Boardwalk make it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
Get a chance to encounter marine wildlife, such as dolphins and sea otters, while enjoying the scenic coastline views.
#2 Santa Cruz Harbor
- 🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: Harbor Beach (Google Maps)
- 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, afternoon winds can pick up
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Sea otters, seals, pelicans, and cormorants
- 🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Walton Lighthouse, Boardwalk, scenic marine activity
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect marine life
Santa Cruz Harbor offers picturesque views and a laid-back surfing culture. Glide alongside marine animals like sea otters and seals while enjoying the iconic Walton Lighthouse as your backdrop. The relatively calm waters make it a great spot for paddle boarders of all skill levels.
#3 Capitola Beach
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: Capitola Beach at Capitola Village (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, mild ocean swell
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea lions, seagulls
- 🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Capitola Wharf, colorful beachside houses
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch out for swimmers, respect local beach rules
Located a few miles east of Santa Cruz, Capitola Beach is a picturesque spot for paddle boarding. The calm bay waters and beautiful beachside village provide an idyllic setting for a peaceful paddleboarding experience.
Enjoy the charming sights of colorful houses lining the beach while encountering playful sea lions and dolphins.
#4 Moran Lake Park
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Moran Lake Park (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm lake waters, light wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, herons, turtles
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Lake views, Pleasure Point surfing spot nearby
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local park rules, avoid debris
Moran Lake Park is a hidden gem in Santa Cruz County, offering easy access to a calm lake perfect for paddle boarding. The lake provides stunning views and encounters with local wildlife like ducks and herons. In addition, its proximity to the popular Pleasure Point surf break makes it an excellent spot to relax and enjoy paddleboarding.
#5 New Brighton State Beach
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: New Brighton State Beach entrance (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild currents and wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea lions, shorebirds
- 🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Monterey Bay, sandy shoreline, bluffs
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for swimmers, obey beach rules
Just a few miles south of Santa Cruz, New Brighton State Beach is another great spot for paddleboarding. The calm waters and beautiful shoreline make it perfect for a relaxing paddleboarding session, with chances to encounter dolphins, sea lions, and various shorebirds.
Enjoy the panorama of Monterey Bay and the towering bluffs lining the coast while gliding through the water.
#6 Pleasure Point
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: Pleasure Point Park (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, afternoon winds can pick up
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Sea otters, seals, pelicans, and cormorants
- 🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Iconic surf break, picturesque coastline
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Give space to surfers, respect local surf etiquette
Pleasure Point, an iconic surf break, offers a challenge for more experienced paddle boarders looking for excitement. The area features a picturesque coastline and the opportunity to glide alongside sea otters and seals.
Though primarily a surf break, paddle boarding enthusiasts can still enjoy the area during calmer swells and conditions. Remember to give space to surfers and abide by local surf etiquette while paddling in this popular spot.
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 you paddle board in Santa Cruz?
Popular paddle boarding spots in Santa Cruz include Santa Cruz Harbor, Cowell’s Beach, and Capitola Beach.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Santa Cruz?
No, paddle boards do not require registration in Santa Cruz.
When is the best time to paddle board in Santa Cruz?
Ideal paddle boarding times in Santa Cruz are from late spring to early fall, taking advantage of the area’s warmer temperatures.
Paddle Boarding Near Santa Cruz
Looking for another spot on the same trip? These guides cover the closest paddling waters we have mapped around Santa Cruz.
- Moss Landing (16 miles southeast)
- San Jose (20 miles north)
- Monterey (25 miles south)
- Lodi Lake (90 miles northeast)
