Best Places to Kayak Near Imperial Beach, CA

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

30 nearby14 Bays11 Lakes4 Reservoirs
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near Imperial Beach

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

Glorietta Bay

Standout kayak fishing on San Diego Bay

BayBeginner7 mi away
a man riding a paddle board on top of a body of water2

Marine Group Boat Works

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

BayBeginner4 mi away
a person in a boat3

Bayfront Park - Chula Vista

Open-water sea kayaking access on San Diego Bay

BayBeginner3 mi away
a person in a boat

Bayfront Park - Chula Vista

California · 3.0 mi

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

Chula Vista

California · 3.0 mi

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

Marine Group Boat Works

California · 3.6 mi

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

National City (Pepper Park)

California · 4.9 mi

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

Glorietta Bay

California · 7.5 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
body of water near trees during daytime

Otay Lake Recreation Area

California · 10.9 mi

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

Lower Otay Lake

California · 10.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man holding surfboard on body of water

Shelter Island

California · 11.4 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Upper Otay Reservoir BLF

California · 11.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of ducks floating on top of a lake

Mission Bay - South Shores

California · 14.2 mi

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

Mission Bay - Dana Landing

California · 14.8 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
green trees near body of water during daytime

Murray Reservoir

California · 14.9 mi

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

Mission Bay - Ski Beach

California · 15.1 mi

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

Mission Bay - De Anza Cove

California · 15.8 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A couple of ducks floating on top of a lake

Mission Bay RV Resort

California · 16.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a person in a boat

Mission Bay - Santa Clara Point

California · 16.1 mi

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

De Anza Harbor Resort

California · 16.2 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Campland on the Bay

California · 16.2 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Santee Lakes Regional Park

California · 19.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Lake Jennings

California · 23.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lake Miramar

California · 23.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A whale breaches the surface of the ocean

Torrey Pines State Beach

California · 25.5 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
green trees near body of water during daytime

Lake San Vicente

California · 25.5 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

El Capitan Reservoir

California · 27.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lake Poway Recreation Area

California · 30.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by mountains

Lake Hodges

California · 33.7 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lake Morena County Park

California · 34.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lake Morena County Park

California · 35.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Dixon Lake

California · 40.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees near body of water during daytime

Sutherland Reservoir

California · 41.2 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Imperial Beach.

San Ysidro, CA5 miChula Vista, CA5 miLincoln Acres, CA7 miNational City, CA7 miCoronado, CA8 miBonita, CA8 miSan Diego, CA10 miLemon Grove, CA12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Imperial Beach, CA?

Top picks near Imperial Beach include Glorietta Bay, Marine Group Boat Works, Bayfront Park - Chula Vista. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on bays, lakes, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Imperial Beach?

Near Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach?

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