Turney Street Boat

Richardson Bay offers some of the most beginner-friendly paddling in the entire San Francisco Bay Area, and Turney Street provides excellent access to this sheltered waterway. This narrow inlet stretches between Sausalito and Mill Valley, creating a protected environment that's largely shielded from the bay's notorious winds and swells. The bay's shallow waters and numerous coves make it perfect for new paddlers to build confidence while still offering interesting exploration opportunities. You'll paddle in the shadow of Mount Tamalpais with stunning views of the Marin Headlands, and the proximity to downtown Sausalito means you can easily combine paddling with other activities.

The water conditions here are about as mellow as you'll find in the bay system. Richardson Bay is well protected from ocean swells, and while it's tidal, the currents are generally gentle compared to the main bay channels. Winds are typically light, especially in the morning hours, though afternoon breezes can pick up during summer months. The bay is quite shallow in many areas, particularly at lower tides, so you'll want to stay in the main channels if you're in a longer kayak. Water clarity is decent for the bay, and you'll often spot rays, harbor seals, and various shorebirds during your paddle.

This location works well for all the listed activities, but each has its considerations. Kayakers will find the protected waters ideal for practicing strokes and maneuvers without fighting wind or waves. The numerous small coves along the shoreline provide great spots to land and take breaks. SUP paddlers particularly appreciate Richardson Bay because the calm conditions make it easy to stay upright while learning, and the scenery provides plenty of photo opportunities. Sea kayakers often use this as a launching point for longer trips out into the main bay, though beginners should stick to Richardson Bay itself. The shallow areas and structure make this a productive spot for kayak fishing, particularly for halibut and striped bass.

Richardson Bay is genuinely paddleable year-round, which is unusual for many Northern California locations. Spring brings the calmest conditions and wildflowers on the surrounding hills, making it ideal for photography from the water. Summer mornings are typically glassy, but afternoon winds can make things choppy, especially in the wider sections near the Highway 101 bridge. Fall often provides the most consistent weather with warm, stable conditions. Winter paddling is definitely feasible, though you'll want to dress for cooler temperatures and occasional rain. Fog can roll in during summer months, but it usually burns off by midday. Always check tide charts, as extreme low tides can make some areas too shallow to navigate comfortably.

The Turney Street launch is straightforward and well-maintained, located just off Bridgeway in Sausalito. There's a proper boat ramp that works well for kayaks and SUPs, plus adequate parking in the adjacent lot, though it can fill up on busy weekends. The launch fee is typically modest and collected via an honor system dropbox. Getting here from Highway 101, take the Sausalito exit and follow Bridgeway north for about half a mile. The ramp is clearly marked and has decent facilities including restrooms nearby. Launch timing isn't critical due to the gentle conditions, but starting earlier in the day generally means calmer winds and better parking availability. The location puts you immediately into good paddling water, so there's no need to fight currents just to reach the fun stuff.