The Golden State, known for its stunning sunshine, Hollywood studios, surfing, the Golden Gate Bridge, and much more, is also home to a plethora of awesome kayaking spots.
California has 840 miles of sprawling coastline, including over 420 public beaches. The state also features thousands of lakes and countless rivers. It goes without saying that only some of these locations are suitable for kayaking. However, that still adds up to numerous potential kayaking spots. So, which are the best paddle-ready locations for an avid adventurer keen to visit California?
10 Los Angeles River
The Los Angeles River covers a 48-mile stretch of California's largest and most populous city. Kayaking of the river began in 2011 and continues to this day. While a relatively shallow water base, the Los Angeles River offers a rare kayaking experience that blends urban California with the water, as well as offering a unique way to traverse the city.
L.A. River Expeditions
L.A. River Kayak Safari offers tours at $85 per person. These tours begin and end in Oso Park. Each tour lasts for two-and-a-half hours and includes a bike ride and a history and environment talk.
L.A. River Kayak Safari
L.A. River Expeditions provide tours featuring experienced guides through the Sepulveda Basin and Elysian Valley. The Elysian Valley tour costs $75 per person.
For kayakers who would rather opt for gentler waters, the Sepulveda Basin tour costs $50 per person. It's also possible to land a private tour by directly getting in touch with the team.
Kayak Rentals in LA
Lastly, L.A. River Kayaks allows travelers to rent out kayaking equipment. This is a good option for those with sufficient experience. Kayakers can pay $37.50 for a standard trip (lasting just over a mile), whereas the experienced edition lasts about two-and-a-half miles, and is priced at $57.50.
Other top attractions of Los Angeles that tourists may want to visit include The Getty Center and the Legends of Hollywood Tours.
- Location: Various specified locations along the Los Angeles River
- Pricing: $50 to $85 per person
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to experienced
9 Gold Lake
A great spot for kayakers seeking a recreational kayaking spot with calm waters is Gold Lake, which can be found in the north of the state in Plumas National Forest. It is, in fact, 20+ small lakes connected through hiking trails. This area is surrounded by alpine forests and tall peaks such as Iron Cap Mountain and Big Snow Mountain.
On the one hand, kayakers can book in at the Gold Lake Campground, Gold Lake 4X4 Campground, or Snag Lake to find a well-suited location on the lake to kayak. A high clearance vehicle or drybags are needed to reach the former two campgrounds.
Both are accessible on a first-come-first-serve basis. Either way, travelers must bring their own kayaks as there are no kayaks to rent at Gold Lake.
- Location: Gold Lake, California
- Pricing: N/A (fees apply to book in at a campground)
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to experienced
Whenever considering kayaking unsupervised, travelers must have a clear idea of where exactly they can kayak and how to do so safely when going solo. Those who have doubts should always seek a kayaking spot where they can paddle supervised.
8 Kern River
This stunning river traverses 164 miles and enters a canyon that bears the same name as the Kern River. It is also the southernmost river of the San Joaquin Valley. The options available range widely with some more suited to certain kayakers than others depending on experience levels.
For example, the Lake Ming day use area features eddy turns on the moving water that only experienced kayakers should ever take on.
Many companies along the Kern River offer kayaking experiences and kayak rentals ranging from Sierra South Mountain Sports to Kern River Outfitters.
Here is the pricing offered by each company:
- Claggs Kayak Rentals - $10 per hour
- Sierra South Mountain Sports - $249 for a 3-4 hour 'Whitewater 101' session to $899 for a '5-day Full Immersion' comprehensive whitewater program.
- River's End Rafting & Adventure Co. - Quote needed
- Pro Rafting Tours - Quote needed
Again, kayakers must ensure they opt for a company/session suited to their experience.
- Location: Kern River, California
- Pricing: $10 per hour to $899 for five days
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to experienced
Travelers seeking kayaking experiences may also be interested in the many rafting companies set up along the Kern River (e.g. Whitewater Voyages). Other amenities and facilities along this scenic Californian river include the Kern River Golf Course and numerous campgrounds.
7 Carlsbad Lagoon
Also found in southern California, the Carlsbad Lagoon (a.k.a., Agua Hedionda Lagoon) features calm waters with a whole host of experiences for travelers. Paddleboarders, WaveRunner users, and kayakers alike will find activities to enjoy at this lagoon, pinpointed just north of San Diego.
California Watersports offers kayaking trips ranging from a one-hour single kayak rental (priced at $25) to a full-day tandem kayak rental (costing $115).
When kayakers have had their fill, this is a wonderful area of California in general, with many awesome things to do in southern California and the state's most populous city, Los Angeles.
- Location: 4215 Harrison St, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States
- Pricing: $25 to $115
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to experienced
Accessing the Carlsbad Lagoon can be challenging. Some areas can be accessed by vehicles but only when they are not closed to pedestrians. More than likely, tourists will need to find nearby parking and walk to the Carlsbad Lagoon Recreation Area. Contact California Watersports for more details.
6 Monterey Bay
Based along the Californian coast, Monterey Bay is another kayaking hotspot of the Golden State. Wedged between Santa Cruz and Monterey, with the city of San Jose to the north, Monterey Bay is a nearly 150 square mile body of water with two Monterey Bay Kayaks' locations.
Monterey Bay Kayaks offers kayaking experiences on Del Monte Avenue and Elkhorn Slough. The company provides sea kayaking classes and kayak fishing tours. Travelers can book two-hour-long private classes at a cost of $165 per person. Monterey Bay Kayaks' Guided Kayak Fishing Tour and the new Halibut Kayak Fishing also cost $165 per person each.
Alternatively, kayakers can simply rent out kayaks at either location if they'd like and have the necessary experience. At the Del Monte Avenue location, kayakers can rent sit-on-top double kayaks at $38 per person, sit-on-top single kayaks for $48 per person, single standup paddbleboarders for $48 per person, or a fishing kayak for $65 per person.
Each of these rentals lasts four hours. Alternatively, there is a fitness paddling pass, priced at $150 per person per month.
The Elkhorn Slough setup features all of the above prices as well as closed-deck single kayaks, costing $65 per person, and closed-deck double kayaks priced at $55 a person.
Groups of 17+ people can also enjoy 10% off at Elkhorn Slough. Unsurprisingly, kayaking is just one of many things travelers can do while visiting the stunning Monetery area of California.
- Location: 2390 CA-1, Moss Landing, CA 95039, United States, and 693 Del Monte Ave, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
- Pricing: $38 to $150
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to experienced
Those using closed-deck kayaks at Elkhorn Slough must have wet exit and re-entry experience.
5 Lake Hodges Reservoir
Approximately a 31-mile drive north of San Diego, Lake Hodges Reservoir is a 1.927 square mile body of water that also attracts plenty of kayakers seeking an outdoor adventure in California.
The reservoir, created in the early 20th century, features three forks and gorgeous scenery all-round for kayakers to appreciate as they may their way through the lake. There are a few kayaking services along the reservoir.
For instance, the Lake Hodges Visitor Center found at Lake Hodges Way rents out kayaks, paddleboards, and more. Then there is the Lake Hodges Water Recreation Area, which offers similar experiences.
Beyond that, there are other locations where visitors can safely kayak once they have sufficient experience in unsupervised kayaking.
- Location: Lake Hodges Way, San Diego, CA 92127, United States and Lake Dr, Escondido, CA 92033, United States
- Pricing: Unknown
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to experienced
4 The Russian River
At 115 miles in length, California's Russian River found about 73 miles north of Santa Rosa, is another gorgeous location for paddlers seeking a great kayaking experience with deep immersion in nature. Among the animals kayakers are likely to come across on their journey include otters, bald eagles, turtles, and many more breathtaking birds.
As with many kayaking areas of California, paddling season of the Russian River generally lasts from May to September. There are several national parks and kayaking services based along the Russian River.
As with most examples on this list, the Russian River features areas with gentle currents, well-suited to beginners, as well as fast rapids that only experienced kayakers can take on.
Here are the prices offered by various Russian River kayaking services:
- Russian River Adventures - Unknown
- River's Edge Kayak & Canoe - From $80 for 3-6 hours with large, outdoor organize group trips also available
- Russian River Paddle Boards - Full-day kayak rental from $85 to $95 to 4-7 day rentals priced at $285
- Burkes Canoe Trips - $60 per kayak
- Johnson's Beach - Unknown
- Watertreks EcoTours Jenner Kayaks - $50 for a single midweek kayak with 2 hours on the water to $110 per adult seat for a tour at a discounted rate
- King's Sport & Tackle - From $60 for a full-day single kayak to $190 for a two-day double kayak with various trip options also available
As the above list shows, the numerous options available add to the value of the Russian River as one of the top spots to kayak in California. The Russian River and Russian Valley have much more to offer including luxurious lodgings and spas.
- Location: The Russian River, California
- Pricing: $50 to $285
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to experienced
3 Tomales Bay
Among the very best kayaking locations in central California is Tomales Bay. This long, narrow inlet sees the Pacific Ocean enter the Golden State, just north of Point Reyes National Seashore Park.
There are four suitable locations to kayak at Tomales Bay. Firstly, the Tomales Bay Boat-In Campground can be reached by water (suited to experienced kayakers). From there, travelers can set up camp and kayak as they wish through the surrounding area.
A little further downstream, tourists will find Blue Water Kayaking. Pricing for this company ranges from $40.25 per hour for a single kayak to $212.75 in the case of renting a double kayak for 24 hours. There is an additional second Blue Water Kayaking spot by the bay.
A further three miles south, Tomales Bay Expeditions, founded just several years ago, offers a two-hour single kayak rental for $70 to a 48-hour double kayak rental, priced at $280. Pedal drive kayak rentals and kayak tours are also available.
- Location: Tomales Bay, California
- Pricing: $40.25 to $280
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to experienced
2 La Jolla
Coming in second on our list is La Jolla, a seaside location featuring plenty of rugged coastline. Also called the Jewel of San Diego, La Jolla offers a wide range of water-based trips and activities. La Jolla is known for its incredible tall sea cliffs, rocky reefs, secluded covers, stunning sea caves, and diverse wildlife (e.g., sea lions and seals).
Several locations offer kayaking in the area. Firstly, Everyday California provides a range of kayak tours starting at $64. These tours include La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour and La Jolla Whale Watching Kayak Tour. The latter runs only from December 5th to March 6th depending on the frequency of whale sightings at La Jolla.
Alternatively, the La Jolla Kayak canoe and kayak rental service offers single kayak rentals from $35 or double kayak rentals from $45. In each case, kayaking lasts 90 minutes. Further, La Jolla Kayak provides a thrilling sea coves tour from $44 for a single kayak or $69 for a double kayak. Tours last for 90-120 minutes.
Lastly, Bike and Kayak Tours, Inc. offer two-hour cave tours from $59 per kayak and from $49 per person for the two-and-a-half hours kayak and snorkel tour.
- Location: La Jolla, San Diego, California
- Pricing: $35 to $69
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to experienced
1 Channel Islands National Park
The best kayaking spot in California has to be the Channel Islands National Park. Comprising five beautiful islands by California's southern coast, the Channel Islands National Park is recognized for its breathtaking sea life, such as its array of cetaceans (kayakers may occasionally see dolphins!), harbor seals, state fish, urchin, starfish, garibaldi, and spiny lobsters.
Several services that provide kayaking at the Channel Islands National Park, namely:
- Channel Islands Adventure Company - $186 per adult or $174 per child (plus ferry fees) for a 2.5- to 3-hour tour to several thousand dollars in the case of a multi-person private tour of up to 24 guests
- Channel Islands Kayak Center - $12.50 per hour per single kayak to $55 for a double kayak full-day rental
- Santa Barbara Adventure Company - $186 per adult or $174 per child (plus ferry fees) for a 2.5- to 3-hour tour to $255 per person (plus ferry fees) for the 3-4 hour Ultimate Kayak Tour
- Channel Island Expeditions (Santa Barbara) - $219 per adult, $209 per senior, $209 per youth (aged 7 to 16), or $199 per group of 12+ people for sea cave kayaking to $5,000 for a private painted cave private trip with as many as 24 kayakers
Pricing varies widely, but that is largely due to the whole host of wide-ranging kayaking experiences offered by this stunning part of coastal California.
- Location: Channel Islands National Park, California
- Pricing: $12.50 to $5,000
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to experienced