Best Places to Kayak Near La Jolla, CA

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

30 nearby14 Bays10 Lakes3 Oceans
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near La Jolla

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

Glorietta Bay

Standout kayak fishing on San Diego Bay

BayBeginner13 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

BayBeginner17 mi away
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background3

National City (Pepper Park)

Open-water sea kayaking access on San Diego Bay

BayBeginner16 mi away
a group of surfers riding a wave

Campland on the Bay

California · 3.9 mi

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

De Anza Harbor Resort

California · 4.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A couple of ducks floating on top of a lake

Mission Bay RV Resort

California · 4.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a person in a boat

Mission Bay - Santa Clara Point

California · 4.4 mi

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

Mission Bay - De Anza Cove

California · 4.4 mi

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

Mission Bay - Ski Beach

California · 5.1 mi

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

Mission Bay - Dana Landing

California · 5.5 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A whale breaches the surface of the ocean

Torrey Pines State Beach

California · 5.6 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
A couple of ducks floating on top of a lake

Mission Bay - South Shores

California · 6.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
man holding surfboard on body of water

Shelter Island

California · 9.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lake Miramar

California · 10.0 mi

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

Glorietta Bay

California · 12.7 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
green trees near body of water during daytime

Murray Reservoir

California · 12.9 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Santee Lakes Regional Park

California · 14.4 mi

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

National City (Pepper Park)

California · 15.8 mi

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

Marine Group Boat Works

California · 17.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by mountains

Lake Hodges

California · 17.3 mi

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

Chula Vista

California · 17.7 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a person in a boat

Bayfront Park - Chula Vista

California · 17.7 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lake Poway Recreation Area

California · 17.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees near body of water during daytime

Lake San Vicente

California · 19.1 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Lake Jennings

California · 21.2 mi

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

California WaterSports/Carlsbad Lagoon

California · 21.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Upper Otay Reservoir BLF

California · 22.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water near trees during daytime

Otay Lake Recreation Area

California · 24.4 mi

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

Lower Otay Lake

California · 24.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Dixon Lake

California · 24.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A view of a body of water through a cave

Oceanside Harbor

California · 26.2 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

El Capitan Reservoir

California · 26.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Paddleboarder on clear blue ocean water with coastal hills

Oceanside Small Craft Harbor

California · 26.6 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of La Jolla.

Del Mar, CA9 miSolana Beach, CA10 miSan Diego, CA10 miCoronado, CA12 miCardiff By The Sea, CA12 miRancho Santa Fe, CA13 miEncinitas, CA13 miLemon Grove, CA15 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near La Jolla, CA?

Top picks near La Jolla include Glorietta Bay, Marine Group Boat Works, National City (Pepper Park). 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 La Jolla?

Near La Jolla 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 La Jolla?

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