Best Places to Kayak Near Boston, MA

30 public launch points within 50 miles of Boston, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby15 Rivers8 Lakes5 Bays
← All paddling in Massachusetts

Top Picks Near Boston

Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background1

Little Mystic Access Area

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

BayBeginner2 mi away
a small boat in a large body of water2

Lynn Shore and Nahant Beach Reservations

Standout kayak fishing on Lynn Harbor

BayBeginner9 mi away
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background3

Fisherman's Beach

Open-water sea kayaking access on Nahant Bay

BayBeginner11 mi away
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Little Mystic Access Area

Massachusetts · 1.8 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
White foam churns in the blue ocean water.

Winthrop

Massachusetts · 5.0 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
a group of colorful kayaks lined up next to each other

Charles River

Massachusetts · 5.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Neponset Park

Massachusetts · 5.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat floating on top of a lake

Town of Milton Landing

Massachusetts · 6.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
boats on ground with dried leaves

Mystic Lake (Upper)

Massachusetts · 6.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Pines River at the Wharf Boat Ramp

Massachusetts · 6.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

David C. Penny Memorial Landing

Massachusetts · 7.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Charles River

Massachusetts · 8.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock on body of water during daytime

Bayswater Boatyard

Massachusetts · 8.3 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a small boat in a large body of water

Houghs Neck Maritime Center

Massachusetts · 8.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Horn Pond

Massachusetts · 8.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
two white and blue jon boat docked on boardwalk

Crystal Beach (Town Wharf)

Massachusetts · 8.9 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
a bridge over a river

Charles River

Massachusetts · 9.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Fore River

Massachusetts · 9.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Charles River

Massachusetts · 9.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in a large body of water

Lynn Shore and Nahant Beach Reservations

Massachusetts · 9.4 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Boat Ramp Adjacent to Mariner's Park

Massachusetts · 9.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat floating on top of a lake

Joseph F. Carven Sr. State

Massachusetts · 9.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of colorful kayaks lined up next to each other

Fore River

Massachusetts · 10.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Fisherman's Beach

Massachusetts · 11.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

8th Street Boat Ramp

Massachusetts · 11.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

6th Street Boat Ramp

Massachusetts · 11.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Ponkapog Pond

Massachusetts · 11.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Charles River

Massachusetts · 12.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small sailboat with an american flag on it

Town of Hingham Bathing Beach and Landing

Massachusetts · 12.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by a forest

Whitman Pond

Massachusetts · 12.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

North Truro Street Boat Ramp

Massachusetts · 12.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of people standing next to a body of water

George Washington Boulevard

Massachusetts · 12.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Charles River (Elm Bank)

Massachusetts · 13.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Boston.

Charlestown, MA1 miEast Boston, MA2 miSomerville, MA2 miBrookline Village, MA3 miNew Town, MA3 miCambridge, MA3 miChelsea, MA3 miAllston, MA3 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Boston, MA?

Top picks near Boston include Little Mystic Access Area, Lynn Shore and Nahant Beach Reservations, Fisherman's Beach. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, bays.

What types of paddling can I do near Boston?

Near Boston you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Boston?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Boston are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.