Best Places to Kayak Near San Francisco, CA

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

30 nearby28 Bays1 Lake1 Ocean
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near San Francisco

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

Turney Street Boat

Standout kayak fishing on Richardson Bay

BayBeginner7 mi away
a man riding a paddle board on top of a body of water2

Clipper Yacht Harbor

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

BayBeginner8 mi away
a couple of people in a kayak on a body of water3

Pier 54 & Pier 52

Open-water sea kayaking access on San Francisco Bay-West Bay

BayBeginner2 mi away
a couple of people in a kayak on a body of water

Pier 54 & Pier 52

California · 1.8 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

Islais Creek BTAF

California · 2.5 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A couple of ducks floating on top of a lake

Treaure Island Sailing Center

California · 4.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

Candlestick Point SRA (Boat Launch Facility - removed)

California · 4.9 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A view of a body of water through a cave

Travis Marina

California · 5.2 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

Lake Merced Boating & Fishing

California · 5.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a boat

Angel Island State Park - Ayala Cove

California · 6.6 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
a person in a boat

Angel Island State Park (Ayala Cove Marina)

California · 6.6 mi

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

Turney Street Boat

California · 6.9 mi

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

Alameda Beach

California · 7.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A couple of ducks floating on top of a lake

Alameda Encinal

California · 7.0 mi

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

Alameda Fishing Access

California · 7.0 mi

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

Ballena Isle Marina (An Almar Marina)

California · 7.0 mi

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

Crown Beach

California · 7.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Nelson's Marine, Inc.

California · 7.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

Galilee Harbor

California · 7.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Emery Cove Yacht Harbor

California · 7.2 mi

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

Emeryville

California · 7.2 mi

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

Emeryville Marina

California · 7.2 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

Alameda Fishing Access

California · 7.7 mi

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

Clipper Yacht Harbor

California · 7.8 mi

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

Barnhill Marina

California · 8.0 mi

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

Fifth Avenue Marina

California · 8.0 mi

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

Fortman Marina

California · 8.0 mi

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

Grand Marina

California · 8.0 mi

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

Jack London Aquatic Center

California · 8.0 mi

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

Jack London Square Marina

California · 8.0 mi

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

Lake Merritt Channel - Estuary Channel Park

California · 8.0 mi

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

Marina Village Yacht Harbor

California · 8.0 mi

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

Marinemax

California · 8.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

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

Daly City, CA5 miBrisbane, CA7 miSausalito, CA7 miSouth San Francisco, CA8 miBelvedere Tiburon, CA8 miEmeryville, CA9 miAlameda, CA9 miPiedmont, CA10 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near San Francisco include Turney Street Boat, Clipper Yacht Harbor, Pier 54 & Pier 52. 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 San Francisco?

Near San Francisco 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 Francisco?

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