Best Places to Kayak Near Salinas, CA

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

24 nearby9 Reservoirs7 Bays7 Lakes
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near Salinas

a person in a boat1

Woodward Marine

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

BayBeginner12 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

BayBeginner28 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

OceanBeginner19 mi away
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Moss Landing Harbor District

California · 11.7 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a person in a boat

Woodward Marine

California · 11.8 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Kirby Park Fishing Access

California · 12.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Breakwater Cove Marina

California · 13.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Monterey Harbor and Marina

California · 13.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A view of a body of water through a cave

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - Whalers cove

California · 18.6 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Pinto Lake (City of Watsonville)

California · 20.5 mi

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

Capitola Boat and Bait Marina

California · 26.4 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Uvas Reservoir County Park

California · 27.8 mi

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

Santa Cruz Harbor (South Harbor)

California · 27.9 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Santa Cruz Harbor (North Harbor Launch Ramp)

California · 28.3 mi

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

Coyote Lake County Park

California · 30.2 mi

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

Chesbro Reservoir County Park

California · 31.2 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water near trees during daytime

Anderson Lake County Park

California · 34.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees near body of water during daytime

Calera County Park

California · 34.5 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
people swimming on sea during daytime

Loch Lomond Recreation Area

California · 37.9 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by mountains

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

California · 38.9 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by mountains

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

California · 40.4 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Vasona Lake County Park

California · 43.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown grass field near body of water during daytime

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

California · 43.9 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a boat

Medeiros Boat San Luis Reservoir, O'Neill Forebay

California · 44.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area - Los Banos Creek

California · 45.8 mi

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

Velma Million Marina

California · 46.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by mountains

Stevens Creek County Park

California · 49.3 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Salinas.

Spreckels, CA3 miMarina, CA8 miCastroville, CA9 miSeaside, CA11 miMoss Landing, CA12 miMonterey, CA13 miCarmel Valley, CA14 miChualar, CA14 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Salinas include Woodward Marine, Santa Cruz Harbor (South Harbor), Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - Whalers cove. In total there are 24 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on reservoirs, bays, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Salinas?

Near Salinas 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 Salinas?

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