Best Places to Paddle Board in California

California is packed with beautiful spots for just about any activity.  Paddle sports and paddle boarding in general are hugely popular in California because it boasts so many awesome places to go explore.  From the coastline to the river and the lakes California has got a lot to offer in term so of liquid entertainment. Here’s our list of the best places to paddle board in California.

 

Best Places to Paddle Board in California

#1 – Cowells Beach, Santa Cruz

The super mellow waves are forgiving and easy and match the soft sand beach.  Cowells is known for long easy rides and is the perfect spot for rookie paddlers to get their first few digs in.  Cowells is easy to access  from the beach adjacent to Santa Cruz Wharf and rental equipment is available right in the sand. If you want more challenge to your paddling you can work your way out to Indicators, the break just outside Cowells.  The lineup is a bit more advanced but still easily navigable for rookies. Find Cowells located just north of the Santa Cruz Wharf and Beach Boardwalk, it’s impossible to miss from West Cliff Drive (the main drag on the west side of Santa Cruz). After a day in the surf and sun the wharf has got great dining and drinking options to help keep the good times going.

#2 – Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is one of the best places to paddle board in California.  All seven of these awesome lakes are tucked away in the Eastern Sierra Mountains and provide unparalleled paddling.  Mellow water, chill atmosphere, and huge trout are enough to draw anyone to this paddling playground.  With camping and rentals available around the lakes it’s easy to see why Mammoth Lakes made our list.

#3 – San Fransisco Bay

Boasting views of the city, wilderness and the Golden Gate Bridge this awesome paddling spot offers just about everything you could want.  Calm flat water offers a great opportunity for those looking to get out on the paddle boards and do some touring. Downwinding here is some of the best around too!

Before you go be sure to consult with the locals to assess the situation at Fort Point if you want to do some more advanced SUP’ing.  Located just under the Golden Gate Bridge this spot can be pretty weather and tide dependent but offer some great waves too.

#4 – Santa Catalina Island

Catalina Island is considered a stay-cation spot for Californians because it’s only an hour off shore by boat and offers some pretty amazing scenery.  Paddling can either be a mellow sight-seeing touring around the harbors or to get a little more advanced you can paddle around the islands and get to some pretty remote spots.  Be sure to note that the ferry doesn’t allow paddle boards on the voyage from the mainland but there are rentals on the island.

#5 – Bolsa Chica

This quite and underrated beach offers some of the best ocean paddling in North Orange County.  This family-friendly, beginner oriented beach has some really great “fun-sized” waves that you can play on all day.  With it’s approachable waves and mellow vibe you’ll be able to find some great intro waves to get the hang of on.  Morning is reportedly the best time to paddle out here and it does cost money to get in but $15 for the whole day at this amazing little gem seems well worth it to us.  Good surf, chill vibes and easy access make this a must on our Best Places to Paddle Board in California list.

#6 – Morro Bay

If you’re into a little wildlife then be sure to check out Morro Bay.  This great SUP spot is a breeding ground for Sea Lions and they can be seen all around.  Sea Lions and other marine life is strewn across all over this part of the central Californian coast.  With other great SUP spots all lined up within a short drive Morro Bay was a surefire addition to our list.  While this is a great spot for the relaxing day paddle this part of the coast offers great opportunity for longer expeditions.  Just be wary of the variable wind and tides.  Oh, and there are sharks here too though few encounters have been reported.

#7 – Klamath River

Stretching through the northern border between Cali and Oregon the Kalmath River offer some of the best paddling in northern California.  Cutting through the Cascade Mountains the Kalmath offers views that are unrivaled and camping for the more adventurous paddlers.  Water speed could be a factor for new paddlers but also provide some really great fun for those who are little more confident on their boards.

#8 – Scott’s Flat Lake

This quite and relatively unknown spot is home to crystal clear water and surrounded by raw natural beauty.  This little resort doesn’t offer paddling equipment rental so be sure to bring yours along and a camera too, you’ll be floored with how gorgeous it is.

#9 – Scripps Beach

Sand bottom and easy breaks are the name of the game at Scripps.  This awesome shore break offers a long beach and long waves making it the perfect spot for long days soaking up the sun.  There are a number of nice breaks all along this stretch of California and the wildlife can be spectacular too.

#10 – Lake Tahoe

If you haven’t seen Lake Tahoe doing so from a paddle board might just be the best way to do so.  It’s crystal clear water is vividly blue and can be pretty chilly too depending on what time year you get there.  The flat days on Lake Tahoe offer some of the best water for beginners to hone their craft.  You’ll see the whole range of SUP’ers here from yogis to downwinders there all on the lake.  Keep in mind that Lake Tahoe can get crazy windy and that might not make for the best paddling if you’re just getting started.

#11 – Coronado Island

Interested in getting some SUP surfing in?  Coronado Island might just be the best place to do so with it’s long breaks and a-frames that are perfect for paddle boarding.  Just 5 minutes from San Diego in the middle of military bases lies miles of sand bar breaks just waiting to be ridden.  This is a popular break and can get crowded so show up early and wait your turn.  Tidelands Park is one of the gems of this particular area and you can get some great flatwater in there too.

#12 – Mission Bay

This amazing SUP spot is known as the largest man made water park.  Made up of bays and parks this awesome spot is located just minutes from San Diego airport and offers some of the best SUP conditions around.  On any given day you’ll see fishing, yoga and maybe even whale watchers all out in the bay taking in all it has to offer.

#13 – La Jolla Cove Marine Sanctuary

In order to get on the list for the Best Places to Paddle Board in California places needed to picturesque and there aren’t many better then La Jolla Cove Marie Sanctuary.  This awesome spot comes complete with huge views of the surrounding cliffs and encounters with bat rays, leopard sharks, jellyfish, sea turtles and even real sharks while paddle boarding in the cove are common.  Named the 6th Best Beach in America La Jolla Cove was a must on our list.

#14 – Del Mar – Dog Beach

This place is great combination of both surf and flatwater.  Since 1959 Del Mar has maintained it’s status as a dog-friendly beach.  This is ideal place to introduce your pooch to paddling and you’ll definitely see some out there catching waves too.  Located north of 29th street this 1/2 mile stretch of sun and sand is the perfect spot for you and Fido.  Dog Beach is known to see quite a wide range of waves from head-high sets to little ankle-high rollers so check the surf forecast before you get there.

#15 – Santa Barbara Harbor

Known for quite, calm water Santa Barbara Harbor is the perfect spot for those just learning how to SUP.  With a paddle board launch pad this awesome little place is just right for a leisurely paddle to take in the sights.

 

So now you’re armed with some insider information the next time you head west and find yourself looking for some paddling options in Cali.  Our list of the Best Places to Paddle Board in California is broad selection and by no means represents all of the options in California, there’s tons of water to enjoy.  No two of these places are identical so head out and paddle around a couple different locales and you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your paddling style.