Where to SUP in California
Paddleboarding in California offers a diverse array of experiences, from the iconic coastlines of Malibu and Laguna Beach to the majestic waters of Lake Tahoe. Whether navigating through the sea caves of La Jolla or enjoying the calm expanse of Big Bear Lake, paddleboarders can relish stunning views and varied water conditions. California's vast and scenic waterways make it a premier destination for paddleboarding adventures.
Now let's discover where to paddle board in California!
Folsom Lake
Granite Bay
City
Folsom
Type
Lake
Best Time
May-September
Fee
Free
City
Folsom
Type
Lake
When To Go
May-September
Fees
Free
Folsom Lake, located in northern California, offers a serene paddleboarding experience with its clear waters and scenic surroundings. Granite Bay provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the lake. Paddleboarders can explore the lake's calm waters, enjoy the picturesque views, and even spot local wildlife. Folsom Lake's natural beauty and peaceful environment make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Donner Lake
West End Beach
City
Truckee
Type
Lake
Best Time
May-September
Fee
Free
City
Truckee
Type
Lake
When To Go
May-September
Fees
Free
Donner Lake, located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, offers a picturesque paddleboarding destination with its clear waters and stunning mountain views. West End Beach provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the lake. Paddleboarders can explore the lake's calm waters, enjoy the scenic surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. Donner Lake's natural beauty and serene environment make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Mission Bay
Crown Point Park
City
San Diego
Type
Bay
Best Time
May-September
Fee
Free
City
San Diego
Type
Bay
When To Go
May-September
Fees
Free
Mission Bay, located in San Diego, offers a picturesque paddleboarding destination with its calm waters and stunning coastal views. Crown Point Park provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the bay. Paddleboarders can explore the bay's numerous coves and inlets, enjoy the scenic surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. Mission Bay's natural beauty and serene environment make it a must-visit destination for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Shasta Lake
Bridge Bay
City
Redding
Type
Lake
Best Time
May-September
Fee
Free
City
Redding
Type
Lake
When To Go
May-September
Fees
Free
Shasta Lake, the largest reservoir in California, offers a spectacular paddleboarding experience with its clear waters and scenic surroundings. Bridge Bay is a popular launch point, providing easy access to the lake. Paddleboarders can explore the lake's numerous coves and inlets, enjoy the picturesque views, and even spot local wildlife. Shasta Lake's natural beauty and expansive surface make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Big Bear Lake
Boulder Bay Park
City
Big Bear Lake
Type
Lake
Best Time
May-September
Fee
Free
City
Big Bear Lake
Type
Lake
When To Go
May-September
Fees
Free
Big Bear Lake, located in the San Bernardino Mountains, offers a picturesque paddleboarding destination with its clear waters and stunning mountain views. Boulder Bay Park provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the lake. Paddleboarders can explore the lake's calm waters, enjoy the scenic surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. Big Bear Lake's natural beauty and serene environment make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Lake Nacimiento
Oak Shores
City
Paso Robles
Type
Lake
Best Time
May-September
Fee
Free
City
Paso Robles
Type
Lake
When To Go
May-September
Fees
Free
Lake Nacimiento, located in central California, offers a tranquil paddleboarding experience with its clear waters and scenic surroundings. Oak Shores is a popular launch point, providing easy access to the lake. Paddleboarders can explore the lake's numerous coves and inlets, enjoy the picturesque views, and even spot local wildlife. Lake Nacimiento's natural beauty and peaceful environment make it a top destination for paddleboarding in California.
Newport Harbor
Balboa Peninsula
City
Newport Beach
Type
Harbor
Best Time
May-September
Fee
Free
City
Newport Beach
Type
Harbor
When To Go
May-September
Fees
Free
Newport Harbor, located in Newport Beach, offers a unique paddleboarding experience with its calm waters and vibrant waterfront. Balboa Peninsula is a popular launch point, providing easy access to the harbor. Paddleboarders can navigate the harbor's calm waters, explore the scenic surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. Newport Harbor's natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Russian River
Johnson's Beach
City
Guerneville
Type
River
Best Time
May-September
Fee
Free
City
Guerneville
Type
River
When To Go
May-September
Fees
Free
The Russian River, flowing through the heart of Sonoma County, offers a serene paddleboarding experience with its calm waters and lush surroundings. Johnson's Beach is a popular launch point, providing easy access to the river. Paddleboarders can navigate the river's gentle currents, explore the scenic surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. The Russian River's natural beauty and peaceful environment make it a top destination for paddleboarding in California.
Monterey Bay
Cannery Row
City
Monterey
Type
Ocean
Best Time
April-October
Fee
Free
City
Monterey
Type
Ocean
When To Go
April-October
Fees
Free
Monterey Bay, located on the central coast of California, offers a unique paddleboarding experience with its diverse marine life and stunning coastal views. Cannery Row is a popular launch point, providing easy access to the bay. Paddleboarders can explore the bay's calm waters, enjoy the scenic coastline, and even spot sea otters, dolphins, and other marine wildlife. Monterey Bay's natural beauty and rich biodiversity make it a top destination for paddleboarding in California.
Lake Tahoe
Emerald Bay
City
South Lake Tahoe
Type
Lake
Best Time
May-September
Fee
Free
City
South Lake Tahoe
Type
Lake
When To Go
May-September
Fees
Free
Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America, offers an unparalleled paddleboarding experience with its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain views. Emerald Bay, located on the lake's southwestern shore, provides a picturesque launch point with easy access to the lake. Paddleboarders can explore the bay's tranquil waters, enjoy the scenic surroundings, and even visit Fannette Island, the only island in Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe's natural beauty and serene environment make it a must-visit destination for paddleboarding enthusiasts.