SUP Explorer | Top 10 Spots for Paddleboarding in California, USA

California packs more paddling variety than almost anywhere: alpine lakes, sheltered coves, warm southern bays, and cool northern rivers. Here are ten of the best spots to get your board on the water.

1. Lake Tahoe
   
2. La Jolla Cove
3. Mission Bay
4. Monterey Bay
5. Big Bear Lake
6. Paradise Cove
7. Russian River
8. Marina del Ray
9. Sausalito / Richardson Bay
10. Donner Lake

1. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is the ultimate hotshot for paddle boarding with crystal clear waters, epic scenary and iconic views.

Morning paddles are the best with less wind and smoother waters

2. La Jolla Cove

Paddle through the crystal clear waters and kelp forests. If you're lucky, you can meet some sea lions and leopard sharks (harmless)!

There's also some caves and cliffs for extra exploration

3. Mission Bay

If you want to do some SUP yoga, family paddle boarding, wildlife spotting, or simply some leisurely paddles, Mission Bay has the perfect calm and flat waters.

There are paddle board rentals everywhere nearby if you don't own one

4. Monterey Bay

View some stunning marine sanctuary with kelp forests and whales offshore. Ocean paddling is great for intermediate to advanced paddlers.

Bonus: Paddle near the Monterey Bay Aquarium

5. Big Bear Lake

View the beautiful mountains from Big Bear Lake located just 2 hours away from LA. This mountain lake is perfect for summer SUP sessions and family trips.

Winter paddle boarding is possible with the right equipment

6. Paradise Cove

What's better than paddle boarding in Malibu? Achieve classic beach vibes with clear water and occasional dolphin sightings.

TIP: Early mornings are best before wind picks up

7. Russian River

Go through a scenic paddle through redwoods and wine country in a calm, slow-flowing river.

Healdsburg to Guerneville is a popular stretch

8. Marina del Ray

Marina del Ray is a protected harbor with calm waters and great city/ocean mix. Perfect for urban paddlers and first-timers.

Be on the lookout for sea lions, seals and yachts

9. Sausalito / Richardson Bay

Paddle with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge and a San Fran skyline. Calm bay paddling with occasional sea lion sightings

Paddle easier and shallow routes where less boats will travel to

10. Donner Lake

If you want to see mountain backdrops, clear water and pine forests then Donner Lake would be a smaller and more relaxed alternative to Tahoe.

Donner Lake is a perfect spot for paddle boarders of all skill levels

Found a favourite in California? There's plenty more where that came from. Browse the SUP Explorer map for your next paddle, and gear up with a Thurso board built for exploring.