Best Places to Kayak Near Costa Mesa, CA

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

30 nearby12 Bays12 Lakes5 Oceans
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near Costa Mesa

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

Huntington Beach

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

BayBeginner9 mi away
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background2

Long Beach Marine Bureau (South Shore)

Open-water sea kayaking access on Queensway Bay

BayBeginner18 mi away
a bridge over a body of water with mountains in the background3

Dana Point

A top-rated bay launch on Dana Point Harbor

BayBeginner20 mi away
man in red and black suit riding on orange kayak on sea during daytime

Larson's Shipyard

California · 4.1 mi

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

Newport Dunes

California · 4.2 mi

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

Orange County Sheriff's Harbor Patrol Division

California · 5.4 mi

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

Huntington Beach

California · 9.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
white boat on sea under orange and gray sky

Sunset Aquatic Marina

California · 10.2 mi

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

Alamitos Bay Marina ( Basin 1)

California · 12.7 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a couple of people in a kayak on a body of water

Long Beach Marine Bureau (Davies)

California · 13.1 mi

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

Long Beach Marine Bureau (Marine Stadium)

California · 13.5 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Paddleboarder on clear blue ocean water with coastal hills

Long Beach Marine Bureau (Claremont Ramp)

California · 13.9 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
Paddleboarder on clear blue ocean water with coastal hills

Long Beach Marine Bureau (Granada Ramp)

California · 14.2 mi

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

Long Beach Marine Bureau (South Shore)

California · 17.7 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
man in red and black suit riding on orange kayak on sea during daytime

Embarcadero Marina

California · 19.5 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a bridge over a body of water with mountains in the background

Dana Point

California · 19.5 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Cerritos Yacht Anchorage

California · 20.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lighthouse Yacht Landing

California · 20.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Al Larson Marina

California · 21.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Fish Harbor

California · 21.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a couple of people in a kayak on a body of water

Los Angeles Harbor

California · 21.7 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Puddingstone Lake (Frank G Bonelli Regional Park)

California · 28.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown grass field near body of water during daytime

Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area

California · 30.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Lake Elsinore West Marina & RV Park

California · 30.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lake Elsinore Recreation Area

California · 31.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water

Fisherman's Cove

California · 36.8 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
person in black shirt and black shorts riding on white and red kayak on blue sea

Dolphin Marina

California · 36.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Marina Del Rey

California · 36.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A view of a body of water through a cave

Catalina Harbor

California · 38.0 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

California · 42.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Paddleboarder on clear blue ocean water with coastal hills

Oceanside Small Craft Harbor

California · 43.8 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
a group of kayaks sitting on top of a sandy beach

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

California · 43.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

California · 44.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Costa Mesa.

Fountain Valley, CA3 miNewport Beach, CA4 miCorona Del Mar, CA6 miSanta Ana, CA6 miHuntington Beach, CA6 miMidway City, CA6 miNewport Coast, CA6 miTustin, CA7 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Costa Mesa, CA?

Top picks near Costa Mesa include Huntington Beach, Long Beach Marine Bureau (South Shore), Dana Point. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on bays, lakes, oceans.

What types of paddling can I do near Costa Mesa?

Near Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa?

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