The Best California Kayaking Spots

California is considered to be one of the best places to kayak in the entire world. Due to its unique geography, there is no shortage of kayaking experiences and endless variety for everyone from beginners to advanced. From whitewater trips to coastal cruises, California is a kayaking mecca. 

Let’s take a look at some of the best places to kayak in California, as well as the different types of kayaking you can experience in the Golden State. 

Types of Kayaking in California

There’s a handful of types of kayaking and in California you can participate in most of them. Depending on the type of adventure you’re after, you might want to try just one, or plan an entire California kayaking trip and get in as many water adventures as possible. 

• Sea, ocean, or coastal kayaking - Just like the names imply, these types of kayaking involve the ocean and other large bodies of water, like seas. For ocean trips, you’ll want a kayak that will keep you dry, is comfortable, highly maneuverable and tougher than a composite board. Recreational kayaks like the Nalu 11 Sup (paddle kayak) or the Malibu Pedal (pedal kayak) are easy to use, fine for beginners to advanced kayakers, and solid choices for sea kayaking. 
• Lake or reservoir kayaking - With no shortage of places to kayak in California, many opt for lake or reservoir kayaking. Lake kayaking is where many beginners start, with flat lakes and gentle rivers not offering too much in the way of difficulty like waves or strong currents. Kayaks useful in lakes, like the Malibu 11.5, are generally wide and stable, giving newbies the ability to easily maneuver around calm waters—and drink holders to stay hydrated and relaxed!
• Fishing trip kayaking - The best type of fishing kayak comes down to that particular angler. Some prefer pedal kayaks that allow for fast movement to fish hotspots, and others prefer paddle kayaks that allow for shallow fishing. Regardless of the fishing you’ll be doing, you’ll need a comfy seat, rod holders, and plenty of storage. The Trident 15 Angler fits the bill for paddle kayakers, while the Sportsman Salty PDL 120 is a favorite among those who prefer pedals. 
• River or whitewater kayaking - River kayaking can be a calm experience, but many kayakers head out to rivers to whitewater kayak and get their adrenaline pumping. This type of kayaking is reserved for skilled kayakers, as you’ll need to be familiar with the different types of paddling involved, like creaking and river running. 

Best Places to Kayak in California

Now that you know what kind of kayaking to expect, let’s dive right into some of the places deemed ‘the best kayaking in California.’ 

Northern California Kayaking

Northern California has no shortage of beautiful kayaking locations. Consider some of these spots when you’re planning your next trip. 

1. Gold Lake -  At an elevation of 6400 feet, Gold Lake provides countless amenities for kayakers, campers, and hikers alike. There are over 20 small lakes that have hiking trails connecting to most of them. Bring along a lightweight kayak and enjoy the peaceful surrounding scenery. After a long day out on the water, you can make it an overnight trip and stay at one of the campsites at Gold Lake Campground. 
2. Lake Sonoma - As one of the most scenic kayaking destinations in California, Lake Sonoma impresses even the most advanced kayakers. A quick forty-five minute jaunt north of Santa Rosa, visitors have awesome fishing opportunities, perfect for a kayaking fishing trip. Bring your gear, plenty of food and beverages, and see if you can catch a 10-pound bass that lives in the lake. 
3. Lake Almanor - Tucked away in the northeast region of California near Plumas National Park is Lake Almanor, a large man made reservoir that is ideal for lake kayaking. Evergreen trees, blue skies, and still water make for a peaceful getaway. Campsites and trails are abundant, so take in the beauty, set up your tent, and stay a while. 

Central California Kayaking

Central California is one of the hottest markets to live in the U.S., but it’s also an ultimate destination for kayaking—particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

1. Tomales Bay - Tomales Bay in Marin County is a long inlet of the Pacific Ocean, around 15 miles long. It’s a popular spot for any kind of water sport, but kayakers love it because it’s the most reliable spot to witness bioluminescent waters. This is the perfect opportunity to take a nighttime kayaking trip and witness this uncommon phenomenon. 
2. Monterey Bay - Calm waters make Monterey Bay a safe haven for sea lions, otters, and beginner kayakers. Deemed a sanctuary for many marine critters, the diverse wildlife provides visitors the chance to paddle next to animals, while not interfering with their home. 
3. McCovey Cove - McCovey Cove in the San Francisco Bay is a unique experience for kayakers, but not in the way you might think. This cove area is flooded with kayakers and canoers on the water listening to a Giants game or nearby concerts. You may not get a lot of paddling in, but this is a different kind of kayaking adventure everyone should experience in central California. 

Southern California Kayaking

1. La Jolla Beach -  Conveniently located just 15 minutes from downtown San Diego, La Jolla Underwater Park is 6,000 acres of protected ocean that boasts beautiful views of marine life. Kayaking in this northern California location offers a relaxing trip with sea caves you can paddle into and underwater critters like leopard sharks and sea lions. 
2. Channel Islands - At sea just west of Los Angeles is Channel Islands National Park.This area is considered a world-class area for kayaking and an easy day trip from Los Angeles. The water can be rough, so beginner kayakers may want to enjoy the view from an island or boat. 
3. Catalina Island - 22 miles off of the coast of Southern California is Catalina Island, a beautiful spot with coves, clear water, and an abundance of wildlife. Kayakers can take ferries from four mainland ports and spend the day looking for leopard sharks, dolphins, and golden orange garibaldis—the official fish of California. Kids and beginners are welcome, with many guided kayaking tours available throughout the day. 

California Kayak Laws

As you head to some of California’s best kayaking spots, visitors need to be aware of the California kayaking laws. As of June 2021, some of these laws include but not are limited to: 

• Every person must have a personal floatation device on them at all times (PDF) and any children under the age of 13 must wear it at all times.
• Those in kayaks are required to carry a whistle or a horn. 
• California considers kayaks to be vessels solely powered by oars, paddles, or pedals. 
• Legal lighting is required if kayaking between sunset and sunrise. 

Check with your local guides or National Parks to find more information on California’s kayaking laws. 

Adventure Awaits You in California

These are just a handful of the best California kayaking spots. Use this as a guide to plan out your trip. Many of the destinations listed here are family friendly, so you can turn your trip into a summer vacation getaway. Look into local kayaking laws, know what type of kayaking you want to do, and get out there and see all the beauty California has to offer.