A Complete Guide to the Best Places to Paddle Board In Los Angeles

With a Mediterranean climate and year-round sunshine, there are endless opportunities to get out on the water in L.A. This guide highlights some of the best places to paddle board in Los Angeles County, including both freshwater and ocean adventures.  

To help with planning, we’ve organized this guide in geographic order, from south to north.

Jump to:

• Alamitos Bay and the Naples Canals
• Rainbow Harbor and Shoreline Village (Long Beach Harbor)
• Palos Verdes Bluff Cove
• Redondo Beach King Harbor
• Marina del Rey
• Venice Canals
• Malibu Lagoon State Beach
• Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
• Pyramid Lake

Alamitos Bay and the Naples Canals

Rentals: either Kayaks on the Water or Paddle Board Rentals Long Beach
Where to Launch: numerous shore launch options including either Bayshore Beach and Mother’s Beach, or boat docks near Boathouse on the Bay or Bayshore Playground

Alamitos Bay and the Naples Canals are a special treat. Although they’re just as picturesque as the Venice Canals (if not more so), Naples is still not well-known. Consequently, you can enjoy cruising these tranquil, postcard-perfect Southern California waterways with less people and easier parking. With minimal crosscurrents, the canals are also a great spot for beginners.

Rainbow Harbor and Shoreline Village (Long Beach Harbor)

Rentals: none
Where to Launch: public boat dock by Shoreline Village

Despite being the largest trade port in America, there are still protected pockets where you can enjoy paddling Long Beach Harbor, the best being Rainbow Harbor and Shoreline Village. This small marina is separate from the commercial waterways, thus making it well-suited for paddleboards and kayaks. You should still just always stay aware of your surroundings, and share the water with other boaters.

Enjoy cruising the shoreline, which also has plenty of amenities to extend your time after you’re done paddling. And as an added bonus, the official “photo op” spot for the iconic Queen Mary (across the harbor) is at the mouth of the marina.  

Palos Verdes Bluff Cove

Rentals: none
Where to Launch: shore launch through the surf. Options include either Flat Rock Beach or around the point at Rat Beach.

Palos Verdes is our favorite ocean paddle in L.A. County. Its vast kelp forests create an aquarium-like experience that goes well beyond the standard paddle you’d experience at other beaches. The natural cleaning properties of kelp create clear waters, letting you see the bright orange garibaldi (the California state fish) and other sea life darting among the placidly-waving forests.

You’ll frequently spot seals and sea lions sunning themselves on nearby rocks, and while it is still ocean, the natural curvature of the cove feels a bit more protected. 

Redondo Beach King Harbor

Rentals: either Paddle House, Dive ‘N Surf, or Pedal Port
Where to Launch: multiple boat docks, including either the Redondo Beach Marina or Self-Launch Pier

King Harbor is a smaller marina, but still affords the same protected waters and wildlife spotting opportunities as its more famous northern neighbor, Marina del Rey. The Palos Verdes Peninsula, looming large behind Redondo Beach, creates a dramatic landscape.

Marina Del Rey

Rentals: either Pro SUP Shop or Paddle Method (both at Mothers Beach)
Where to Launch: the shore launch at Mothers Beach is best, but you can also utilize the public boat ramp or the ramps behind Fisherman’s Village

The undisputed crown jewel of Los Angeles paddle boarding, Marina Del Rey is touted as North America’s largest man-made harbor (for small craft, at least), and covers nearly 1.5 square miles.

Mothers Beach is a particularly great spot for beginners, with calm waters and minimal swells. You can choose to either stay among the marina’s various protected inlets, or take the main channel all the way out to where it meets the Pacific Ocean (about 1 mile each way).

Frequently seen marine life include the marina’s numerous resident sea lions, sea birds, and (in the warmer months near Mothers Beach) both rays and harmless leopard sharks.

Venice Canals

Rentals: none
Where to Launch: public boat ramp at the north end of the Grand Canal

For a truly L.A. experience, take your board for a spin along the famous Venice Canals. These historic waterways were developed in the early 1900s to model Venice, Italy, and in the century since have become synonymous with Los Angeles, appearing in numerous movies and TV shows.

The canals are comprised of four parallel waterways, each of which are lined with residential homes and peaceful footpaths. Paddling the Venice Canals is a serene little escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, which feels a world away. Please just be respectful of local residents, as you admire their unique neighborhood from the water!

Malibu Lagoon State Beach

Rentals: none
Where to Launch: shore launch (parking lot directions)

Next to historic Surfrider Beach (arguably one of the birthplaces of modern surf culture in California) is Malibu Lagoon State Beach. This body of water is a great spot for all ability levels, as the lagoon at the mouth of Malibu Creek offers a protected experience for beginner paddlers.

Meanwhile, more daring paddleboards can enjoy an ocean paddle in one of Southern California’s most iconic locales. Malibu Country Mart is just across PCH, offering plenty of options for an après-paddle bite to eat.  

Castaic Lake State Recreation Area

Rentals: Castaic Lake Recreation
Where to Launch: either shore launch or boat ramp

Castaic Lake is the largest state reservoir in Southern California, with 29 miles of shoreline to explore. The water is gentle, and great for beginner paddle boarders. It’s best to stay in the lower lake, which is reserved for swimmers and non-motorized watercraft — you can also catch the 425-foot Castaic Dam up close.

Pyramid Lake

Rentals: Pyramid Lake Store
Where to Launch: Boat ramp by Emigrant Landing

This rugged reservoir in the Los Padres and Angeles National Forests sits just off the 5 freeway along the Grapevine. With 21 miles of shoreline, a visitor’s center, and plenty of outdoor recreation space, it makes a great day trip from L.A.

Tucked between mountain passes, winds can whip up as the afternoon progresses, so beginners should paddle earlier in the day, and stay aware of how far they’ve strayed from their launch point.