Best Places to Kayak Near San Clemente, CA

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

30 nearby15 Lakes10 Bays4 Oceans
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near San Clemente

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

Huntington Beach

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

BayBeginner32 mi away
a bridge over a body of water with mountains in the background2

Dana Point

Open-water sea kayaking access on Dana Point Harbor

BayBeginner5 mi away
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background3

Newport Dunes

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

BayBeginner21 mi away
a bridge over a body of water with mountains in the background

Dana Point

California · 5.1 mi

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

Embarcadero Marina

California · 5.2 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Paddleboarder on clear blue ocean water with coastal hills

Oceanside Small Craft Harbor

California · 19.6 mi

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

Orange County Sheriff's Harbor Patrol Division

California · 19.7 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A view of a body of water through a cave

Oceanside Harbor

California · 20.0 mi

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

Newport Dunes

California · 20.8 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Lake Elsinore West Marina & RV Park

California · 21.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lake Elsinore Recreation Area

California · 21.7 mi

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

Larson's Shipyard

California · 22.3 mi

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

California WaterSports/Carlsbad Lagoon

California · 25.3 mi

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

Huntington Beach

California · 32.5 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
white boat on sea under orange and gray sky

Sunset Aquatic Marina

California · 33.9 mi

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

Lake Skinner Boat #2

California · 34.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Lake Skinner Marina Boat #1

California · 34.5 mi

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

Alamitos Bay Marina ( Basin 1)

California · 36.3 mi

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

Long Beach Marine Bureau (Davies)

California · 36.8 mi

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

Long Beach Marine Bureau (Marine Stadium)

California · 37.3 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a man on a paddle board

Vail Lake

California · 37.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Dixon Lake

California · 37.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Paddleboarder on clear blue ocean water with coastal hills

Long Beach Marine Bureau (Claremont Ramp)

California · 37.5 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

California · 37.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Paddleboarder on clear blue ocean water with coastal hills

Long Beach Marine Bureau (Granada Ramp)

California · 37.8 mi

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

Lake Perris (Bernasconi Pass)

California · 38.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by mountains

Lake Hodges

California · 38.4 mi

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

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

California · 39.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

California · 39.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man on a paddle board

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

California · 39.2 mi

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

Lake Wohlford

California · 39.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Diamond Valley Lake

California · 39.6 mi

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

Diamond Valley Marina

California · 39.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of San Clemente.

Capistrano Beach, CA4 miDana Point, CA6 miSan Juan Capistrano, CA6 miLaguna Niguel, CA8 miLadera Ranch, CA9 miAliso Viejo, CA11 miLaguna Beach, CA12 miMission Viejo, CA12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near San Clemente, CA?

Top picks near San Clemente include Huntington Beach, Dana Point, Newport Dunes. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, bays, oceans.

What types of paddling can I do near San Clemente?

Near San Clemente 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 San Clemente?

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