Best Places to Kayak Near San Rafael, CA

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

30 nearby24 Bays3 Rivers2 Lakes
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near San Rafael

a man riding a paddle board on top of a body of water1

Clipper Yacht Harbor

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 background2

Turney Street Boat

Standout kayak fishing on Richardson Bay

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

Boat Ramp Street

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

BayBeginner8 mi away
a man riding a paddle board on top of a body of water

Safe Harbor Loch Lomond Marina

California · 1.5 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
man holding surfboard on body of water

Buck's Landing

California · 3.2 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A couple of ducks floating on top of a lake

San Pedro Boat Storage

California · 3.2 mi

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

Clipper Yacht Harbor

California · 7.0 mi

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

Turney Street Boat

California · 7.7 mi

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

Boat Ramp Street

California · 7.9 mi

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

Richmond Yacht Harbor Ltd.

California · 7.9 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a person in a boat

Angel Island State Park (Ayala Cove Marina)

California · 8.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a person in a boat

Angel Island State Park - Ayala Cove

California · 8.1 mi

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

Marina Bay Yacht Harbor - Richmond Marina

California · 9.3 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A view of a body of water through a cave

Travis Marina

California · 9.5 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Petaluma River Public Fishing Access (Black Point)

California · 10.0 mi

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

Berkeley Marina

California · 12.6 mi

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

UC Aquatic Center Berkeley

California · 12.6 mi

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

Berkeley Marine Center

California · 12.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Berkeley Public

California · 12.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A couple of ducks floating on top of a lake

Treaure Island Sailing Center

California · 13.1 mi

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

Rodeo Marina

California · 13.7 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Emery Cove Yacht Harbor

California · 14.1 mi

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

Emeryville

California · 14.1 mi

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

Emeryville Marina

California · 14.1 mi

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

Pier 54 & Pier 52

California · 15.3 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a person in a boat

Gilardi's Lakeview Marina

California · 15.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Vallejo Launch

California · 16.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lake Merritt Boating Center

California · 17.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Hudeman Slough Fishing Access

California · 18.0 mi

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

Barnhill Marina

California · 18.0 mi

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

Fifth Avenue Marina

California · 18.0 mi

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

Fortman Marina

California · 18.0 mi

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

Grand Marina

California · 18.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

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

Greenbrae, CA2 miSan Quentin, CA2 miRoss, CA2 miLarkspur, CA3 miKentfield, CA3 miCorte Madera, CA3 miSan Anselmo, CA3 miFairfax, CA5 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near San Rafael include Clipper Yacht Harbor, Turney Street Boat, Boat Ramp Street. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on bays, rivers, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near San Rafael?

Near San Rafael 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 Rafael?

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