California offers some of the most scenic and varied paddleboarding experiences in the world. From the idyllic coastline of Southern California to the tranquil waters of Lake Tahoe, boarding enthusiasts have access to both saltwater and freshwater venues.
With an endless summer climate and diverse waterways, you can explore vibrant marine life, serpentine rivers, and peaceful lakes that cater to every skill level.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, understanding the best locations and essential tips can greatly enhance your paddleboarding adventures in the Golden State. Safety is paramount, and local regulations or weather conditions can affect your plans, so always be prepared before setting out on the water.
Tip: Check out the map with all the spots here: https://www.stand-up-paddling.org/en/paddle-board-in-california/
Key Takeaways
- California’s diverse paddleboarding spots cater to all levels of experience.
- Knowing the best locations and local conditions is crucial for a safe and enjoyable outing.
- Stay informed and prepared to make the most of your paddleboarding experience in California.
Where to Paddle Board in California
#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’s shimmering blue waters beckon for a paddle boarding excursion. Glide by the Emerald Bay and take in the views of Vikingsholm Castle. The clarity of this alpine lake enhances the experience, but mind the afternoon wind!
#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
Enjoy the waves and company of sea lions at Santa Cruz Harbor. Navigate the harbor, take in the view of the Walton Lighthouse, and maybe extend your adventure to the adjacent beaches.
#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
For a tranquil escape, the Russian River offers gentle currents and a path lined with vineyards and towering redwoods. It’s a peaceful retreat perfect for those looking to unwind.
#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
Indulge in the serene mornings of Tomales Bay, ideal for spotting seals and bat rays. Night paddlers can chase the unforgettable sight of bioluminescence under the stars.
#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
Set against the backdrop of Morro Rock, Morro Bay offers diverse experiences, from calm estuary waters to the more adventurous waves of the adjacent ocean. Seals and otters are frequent sights here, enhancing your paddle boarding adventure.
#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
Elkhorn Slough invites you to peaceful channels away from the ocean’s hustle. An array of wildlife, from otters to a spectrum of shorebirds, makes this spot a nature enthusiast’s playground.
#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
Visit the expanses of Lake Shasta for a freshwater journey. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil cove or the thrill of exploring under a towering bridge, Lake Shasta won’t disappoint.
#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 is a true island paradise, offering gentle swells and an enchanting marine world waiting beneath your board. Don’t miss the underwater display of vibrant Garibaldi fish.
#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 combines cityscapes with water experiences, a hub for paddle boarders of all levels. Look out for the naval ships and the Coronado Bridge as you navigate these famous waters.
#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
The mountainous region of Mammoth Lakes provides pristine lakes ideal for those seeking solitude on the water. Crystal clear lakes surrounded by forested hillsides make this a paddler’s haven.
#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
For a more urban paddling outing, Newport Beach Harbor lets you meander through luxurious yachts and offers calm waters for both novices and experts alike. Keep an eye out for the occasional marine wildlife sightings.
#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 stands out with its unique mineral formations and high alkalinity. The salty, otherworldly waters are home to millions of migratory birds, making it an intriguing paddle boarding destination.
Remember to respect the local wildlife, adhere to safety regulations, and embrace the diversity of paddle boarding opportunities that California offers.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in California?
California offers a variety of stunning locations for paddle boarding enthusiasts. Some of the top spots include:
- Lake Tahoe: Crystal-clear waters with scenic mountain views
- Santa Cruz Harbor: Ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers
- Russian River: Paddle through wine country for a unique experience
- Tomales Bay: A calm bay perfect for wildlife sightings and relaxation
Do paddle board need to get registered in California?
In California, you are not required to register your paddle board. Paddle boards are considered vessels without motors and thus exempt from the registration process.
When is the best time to paddle board in California?
To enjoy optimal conditions for paddle boarding in California, aim for:
- Late spring to early fall: Warmer temperatures make for a comfortable experience
- Mornings or late afternoons: Typically, you’ll find calmer waters during these times
