Best Places to Kayak Near Santa Monica, CA

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

30 nearby15 Lakes9 Bays4 Oceans
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near Santa Monica

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

Huntington Beach

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

BayBeginner32 mi away
a couple of people in a kayak on a body of water2

Channel Island Landing

Open-water sea kayaking access on Channel Islands Harbor

BayBeginner43 mi away
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background3

Long Beach Marine Bureau (South Shore)

A top-rated bay launch on Queensway Bay

BayBeginner24 mi away
person in black shirt and black shorts riding on white and red kayak on blue sea

Dolphin Marina

California · 3.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Marina Del Rey

California · 3.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lighthouse Yacht Landing

California · 22.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Cerritos Yacht Anchorage

California · 22.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Al Larson Marina

California · 23.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Fish Harbor

California · 23.4 mi

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

Los Angeles Harbor

California · 24.1 mi

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

Long Beach Marine Bureau (South Shore)

California · 24.4 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Paddleboarder on clear blue ocean water with coastal hills

Long Beach Marine Bureau (Granada Ramp)

California · 27.1 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
Paddleboarder on clear blue ocean water with coastal hills

Long Beach Marine Bureau (Claremont Ramp)

California · 27.4 mi

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

Long Beach Marine Bureau (Marine Stadium)

California · 27.6 mi

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

Long Beach Marine Bureau (Davies)

California · 28.0 mi

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

Alamitos Bay Marina ( Basin 1)

California · 28.5 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
white boat on sea under orange and gray sky

Sunset Aquatic Marina

California · 31.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
brown grass field near body of water during daytime

Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area

California · 31.6 mi

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

Huntington Beach

California · 32.4 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a woman in a boat

CSU Aquatic Center at Castiac Lake

California · 33.9 mi

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

Castaic Lake Overlook

California · 33.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Castaic Lake State Recreation Area (Lagoon)

California · 33.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

CSU Northridge Aquatic Center

California · 34.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lake Piru Marina (Lake Piru Concessions)

California · 35.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
red kayak on body of water near green mountains during daytime

Lake Piru Recreation Area

California · 35.1 mi

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

Castaic Lake State Recreation Area (East)

California · 35.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person swimming in a lake

Castaic Lake State Recreation Area (West)

California · 36.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water

Fisherman's Cove

California · 39.6 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Puddingstone Lake (Frank G Bonelli Regional Park)

California · 39.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A view of a body of water through a cave

Catalina Harbor

California · 40.2 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
woman in red shirt riding white kayak on lake during daytime

Little Rock Reservoir

California · 41.6 mi

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

Larson's Shipyard

California · 42.6 mi

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

Channel Island Landing

California · 43.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

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

Venice, CA2 miMarina Del Rey, CA4 miPacific Palisades, CA4 miPlaya Del Rey, CA5 miCulver City, CA5 miBeverly Hills, CA7 miEl Segundo, CA8 miWest Hollywood, CA8 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Santa Monica include Huntington Beach, Channel Island Landing, Long Beach Marine Bureau (South Shore). In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, bays, oceans.

What types of paddling can I do near Santa Monica?

Near Santa Monica 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 Monica?

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