Best Places to Kayak Near Santa Maria, CA

9 public launch points within 50 miles of Santa Maria, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

9 nearby6 Lakes2 Bays1 Ocean
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near Santa Maria

A view of a body of water through a cave1

Morro Bay Public Launch Facility

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

BayBeginner37 mi away
person in black shirt and black shorts riding on white and red kayak on blue sea2

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

Standout kayak fishing on Lake Cachuma

LakeBeginner38 mi away
a group of kayaks sitting on top of a sandy beach3

Lopez Lake Regional Park

A top-rated lake launch on Lopez Lake

LakeBeginner17 mi away
red kayak on body of water near green mountains during daytime

Lopez Lake Marina and Store

California · 16.5 mi

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

Lopez Lake Regional Park

California · 16.5 mi

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

Port San Luis Harbor Mooring Field

California · 23.4 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Laguna Lake Park

California · 25.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person swimming in a lake

Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park

California · 25.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person swimming in a lake

Santa Margarita Lake Marina & Store

California · 26.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Paddleboarder on clear blue ocean water with coastal hills

Gaviota State Park

California · 35.4 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
A view of a body of water through a cave

Morro Bay Public Launch Facility

California · 36.5 mi

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

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

California · 37.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Santa Maria.

Nipomo, CA6 miGuadalupe, CA8 miCasmalia, CA10 miArroyo Grande, CA14 miOceano, CA14 miGrover Beach, CA16 miLos Alamos, CA17 miPismo Beach, CA18 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Santa Maria, CA?

Top picks near Santa Maria include Morro Bay Public Launch Facility, Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, Lopez Lake Regional Park. In total there are 9 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, bays, oceans.

What types of paddling can I do near Santa Maria?

Near Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria?

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