Best Places to Kayak Near San Mateo, CA

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

30 nearby26 Bays3 Lakes1 Canal
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near San Mateo

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

Pillar Point

Standout kayak fishing on Pillar Point Harbor

BayBeginner10 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

BayBeginner15 mi away
a group of surfers riding a wave3

Central Basin

Open-water sea kayaking access on Oakland Harbor

BayBeginner15 mi away

Seal Point Park BTAF

California · 1.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Coyote Point Marina

California · 1.3 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Parkside Aquatic Park

California · 1.8 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

Leo J Ryan Memorial Park (Foster City)

California · 2.9 mi

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

Boat Park (Foster City)

California · 3.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of ducks floating on top of a lake

Oyster Point Marina

California · 7.0 mi

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

Port of Redwood City

California · 7.4 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

Redwood City Municipal Marina

California · 7.5 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a boat

Docktown Marina

California · 7.6 mi

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

Westpoint Harbor and Boatyard

California · 8.2 mi

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

Pillar Point

California · 9.9 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

Candlestick Point SRA (Boat Launch Facility - removed)

California · 10.1 mi

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

San Leandro Marina

California · 11.2 mi

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

San Leandro Shoreline Recreation Area

California · 11.2 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

Islais Creek BTAF

California · 12.6 mi

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

Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline

California · 12.9 mi

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

Alameda Beach

California · 13.7 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A couple of ducks floating on top of a lake

Alameda Encinal

California · 13.7 mi

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

Alameda Fishing Access

California · 13.7 mi

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

Ballena Isle Marina (An Almar Marina)

California · 13.7 mi

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

Crown Beach

California · 13.7 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Nelson's Marine, Inc.

California · 13.7 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

Alameda Fishing Access

California · 13.7 mi

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

Pier 54 & Pier 52

California · 14.2 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

Lake Merced Boating & Fishing

California · 14.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Central Basin

California · 14.6 mi

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

Alameda Grand Street

California · 14.7 mi

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

Alameda Marina

California · 14.7 mi

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

Embarcadero Cove Marina

California · 15.1 mi

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

Barnhill Marina

California · 15.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

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

Burlingame, CA2 miBelmont, CA4 miMillbrae, CA5 miSan Carlos, CA6 miSan Bruno, CA7 miSouth San Francisco, CA8 miBrisbane, CA9 miRedwood City, CA9 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near San Mateo include Pillar Point, Alameda Grand Street, Central Basin. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on bays, lakes, canals.

What types of paddling can I do near San Mateo?

Near San Mateo 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 Mateo?

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