Best Places to Kayak Near Gilroy, CA

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

30 nearby10 Reservoirs9 Lakes8 Bays
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near Gilroy

a person in a boat1

Woodward Marine

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

BayBeginner19 mi away
a man riding a paddle board on top of a body of water2

Santa Cruz Harbor (South Harbor)

Open-water sea kayaking access on Monterey Bay

BayBeginner24 mi away
A view of a body of water through a cave3

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - Whalers cove

A top-rated ocean launch on Pacific Ocean

OceanBeginner40 mi away
a group of kayaks sitting on top of a sandy beach

Coyote Lake County Park

California · 5.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Uvas Reservoir County Park

California · 7.6 mi

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

Chesbro Reservoir County Park

California · 9.5 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water near trees during daytime

Anderson Lake County Park

California · 10.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees near body of water during daytime

Calera County Park

California · 10.8 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Pinto Lake (City of Watsonville)

California · 11.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Kirby Park Fishing Access

California · 15.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a boat

Woodward Marine

California · 18.5 mi

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

Moss Landing Harbor District

California · 18.8 mi

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

Capitola Boat and Bait Marina

California · 20.9 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by mountains

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

California · 23.1 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Santa Cruz Harbor (North Harbor Launch Ramp)

California · 23.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man riding a paddle board on top of a body of water

Santa Cruz Harbor (South Harbor)

California · 23.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a group of kayaks sitting on top of a sandy beach

Velma Million Marina

California · 25.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Vasona Lake County Park

California · 26.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by mountains

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

California · 26.8 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
people swimming on sea during daytime

Loch Lomond Recreation Area

California · 27.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown grass field near body of water during daytime

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

California · 29.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a boat

Medeiros Boat San Luis Reservoir, O'Neill Forebay

California · 30.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Breakwater Cove Marina

California · 33.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Monterey Harbor and Marina

California · 33.4 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by mountains

Stevens Creek County Park

California · 33.7 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area - Los Banos Creek

California · 35.4 mi

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

Alviso Marina Couty Park

California · 36.2 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A view of a body of water through a cave

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - Whalers cove

California · 39.7 mi

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

Del Valle Lake

California · 40.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
red kayak on body of water near green mountains during daytime

Great Valley Grasslands State Park

California · 41.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a woman in a boat

Central Park/Lake Elizabeth

California · 42.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Las Palmas - San Joaquin River

California · 43.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red shirt riding white kayak on lake during daytime

Quarry Lake

California · 45.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Gilroy.

San Martin, CA5 miMorgan Hill, CA9 miAromas, CA10 miSan Juan Bautista, CA12 miWatsonville, CA12 miFreedom, CA12 miHollister, CA16 miCoyote, CA17 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Gilroy, CA?

Top picks near Gilroy include Woodward Marine, Santa Cruz Harbor (South Harbor), Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - Whalers cove. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on reservoirs, lakes, bays.

What types of paddling can I do near Gilroy?

Near Gilroy 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 Gilroy?

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