Best Places to Kayak Near San Diego, CA

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

30 nearby15 Bays11 Lakes3 Reservoirs
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near San Diego

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

Glorietta Bay

Standout kayak fishing on San Diego Bay

BayBeginner3 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

BayBeginner7 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

BayBeginner6 mi away
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Glorietta Bay

California · 3.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
man holding surfboard on body of water

Shelter Island

California · 3.7 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A couple of ducks floating on top of a lake

Mission Bay - South Shores

California · 4.6 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

Pier 32 Marina

California · 5.5 mi

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

National City (Pepper Park)

California · 5.5 mi

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

Mission Bay - Ski Beach

California · 5.7 mi

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

Mission Bay - De Anza Cove

California · 5.9 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A couple of ducks floating on top of a lake

Mission Bay RV Resort

California · 6.2 mi

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

De Anza Harbor Resort

California · 6.3 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Campland on the Bay

California · 6.4 mi

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

Marine Group Boat Works

California · 6.8 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a person in a boat

Mission Bay - Santa Clara Point

California · 6.9 mi

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

Chula Vista

California · 7.5 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a person in a boat

Bayfront Park - Chula Vista

California · 7.5 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
green trees near body of water during daytime

Murray Reservoir

California · 8.3 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Santee Lakes Regional Park

California · 12.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Upper Otay Reservoir BLF

California · 13.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lake Miramar

California · 13.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water near trees during daytime

Otay Lake Recreation Area

California · 14.9 mi

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

Lower Otay Lake

California · 14.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A whale breaches the surface of the ocean

Torrey Pines State Beach

California · 15.5 mi

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

Lake Jennings

California · 18.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees near body of water during daytime

Lake San Vicente

California · 18.9 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lake Poway Recreation Area

California · 21.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

El Capitan Reservoir

California · 23.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by mountains

Lake Hodges

California · 24.2 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Dixon Lake

California · 31.2 mi

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

California WaterSports/Carlsbad Lagoon

California · 31.3 mi

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

Lake Wohlford

California · 32.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

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

Coronado, CA3 miNational City, CA5 miLincoln Acres, CA6 miChula Vista, CA7 miLemon Grove, CA7 miBonita, CA9 miLa Mesa, CA9 miSpring Valley, CA10 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near San Diego 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, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near San Diego?

Near San Diego 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 Diego?

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