Best Places to Kayak Near Palo Alto, CA

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

30 nearby21 Bays7 Lakes2 Reservoirs
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near Palo Alto

a bridge over a body of water with mountains in the background1

Pillar Point

Standout kayak fishing on Pillar Point Harbor

BayBeginner18 mi away
a man riding a paddle board on top of a body of water2

Alameda Grand Street

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

BayBeginner24 mi away
a group of surfers riding a wave3

Central Basin

Open-water sea kayaking access on Oakland Harbor

BayBeginner23 mi away
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Westpoint Harbor and Boatyard

California · 5.2 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a person in a boat

Docktown Marina

California · 5.3 mi

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

Port of Redwood City

California · 5.6 mi

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

Alviso Marina Couty Park

California · 9.3 mi

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

Boat Park (Foster City)

California · 9.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by mountains

Stevens Creek County Park

California · 10.9 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Parkside Aquatic Park

California · 11.1 mi

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

Quarry Lake

California · 12.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a woman in a boat

Central Park/Lake Elizabeth

California · 12.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Coyote Point Marina

California · 13.7 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Vasona Lake County Park

California · 17.1 mi

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

San Leandro Marina

California · 17.5 mi

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

San Leandro Shoreline Recreation Area

California · 17.5 mi

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

Pillar Point

California · 18.4 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lake Chabot Marina

California · 19.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of ducks floating on top of a lake

Oyster Point Marina

California · 19.7 mi

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

Velma Million Marina

California · 20.1 mi

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

Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline

California · 20.7 mi

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

Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area

California · 23.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Central Basin

California · 23.4 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
people swimming on sea during daytime

Loch Lomond Recreation Area

California · 23.5 mi

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

Alameda Grand Street

California · 23.7 mi

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

Alameda Marina

California · 23.7 mi

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

Alameda Beach

California · 23.8 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A couple of ducks floating on top of a lake

Alameda Encinal

California · 23.8 mi

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

Alameda Fishing Access

California · 23.8 mi

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

Ballena Isle Marina (An Almar Marina)

California · 23.8 mi

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

Crown Beach

California · 23.8 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Nelson's Marine, Inc.

California · 23.8 mi

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

Embarcadero Cove Marina

California · 23.9 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Palo Alto.

Stanford, CA2 miMenlo Park, CA2 miAtherton, CA3 miLos Altos, CA5 miRedwood City, CA5 miPortola Vally, CA6 miMountain View, CA6 miSan Carlos, CA7 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Palo Alto, CA?

Top picks near Palo Alto include Pillar Point, Alameda Grand Street, Central Basin. 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 Palo Alto?

Near Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto?

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