We were recently asked: What are the best places to paddleboard near Los Angeles? The truth is that Southern California is filled with incredible paddleboarding destinations, from calm marinas and protected harbors to scenic bays and stunning coastal waterways.
There are plenty of amazing spots to explore on a paddleboard!
To help you plan your next outing, we’ve put together a list of our favorite places to go paddleboarding near Los Angeles. Many of these locations offer calm water, beautiful scenery, convenient rentals, and family-friendly conditions that make getting on the water easy and enjoyable.
You can practice your yoga pose, and even bring your dog along. We hope you love them all!
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1 – Mother’s Beach
Description:
The undisputed number one spot to paddleboard for the majority of Westside locals is Mother’s Beach Marina del Rey. Of course we won’t argue with our audience, this destination has been put at the top for several reasons.
Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey is one of the best places for paddleboarding near Los Angeles, especially for beginners and families. The calm, flat water creates ideal conditions for first-time paddlers, kids, and anyone looking for a relaxing day on the water.
Families can launch directly from the sandy beach and spend hours exploring the marina while enjoying views of sailboats, wildlife, and the waterfront.
One of the biggest advantages of paddling here is the easy access to rentals and lessons. Local outfitters such as Pro SUP Shop operate directly from Mother’s Beach and offer paddleboard rentals, beginner lessons, guided tours, and sunset paddles.
The calm harbor also makes Mother’s Beach a fantastic place to try paddleboard yoga. Stable water conditions make balance poses much easier than they would be in the open ocean.
Beginners can start with simple poses such as Child’s Pose, Seated Twist, or Cat-Cow, while more experienced paddlers may enjoy practicing Warrior I, Warrior II, and Tree Pose while floating among the boats.
Early mornings are especially peaceful, with glass-like water and fewer boaters. Bring your family and have a wonderful paddle boarding experience.
Location: mother’s beach – marina del rey
2 – King Harbor – Redondo Beach
Description:
Another fantastic place to paddleboard near Los Angeles is King Harbor in Redondo Beach. This local favorite is entirely enclosed by massive breakwaters, creating acres of calm, glassy water that remain protected from ocean swells and strong waves.
The peaceful conditions make King Harbor an excellent destination for beginners, families, and anyone looking for a relaxing paddle.
One of the highlights of paddling here is the incredible wildlife. As you glide through the harbor’s distinct basins, you’ll often spot sea lions stretched out on floating docks enjoying the sunshine.
Harbor seals are frequently seen swimming nearby, and seabirds gather around the marina throughout the day. The harbor is also home to an impressive collection of sailboats, fishing vessels, and luxury yachts, giving every paddle a scenic waterfront backdrop.
Need a board? No problem. Paddle House is a highly-rated local favorite offering paddleboard rentals, lessons, and direct launch access right from the marina.
After your paddle, visitors can enjoy the nearby waterfront restaurants, walking paths, and marina atmosphere, making King Harbor one of the most enjoyable and beginner-friendly paddleboarding destinations near LA.
Location: 208 Yacht Club Way, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
3 – Alamitos Bay
Description:
Alamitos Bay in Long Beach is a gem for paddleboarding in Southern California. Protected by the Alamitos Peninsula and the Long Beach Breakwater, the bay enjoys calm, sheltered waters year-round, making it an excellent destination for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
One of the most popular activities here is stand-up paddleboarding with your dog. On any sunny weekend, you’ll spot plenty of paddlers cruising through with their pups comfortably riding on the front of the board.
Families also love the area thanks to the nearby beaches, playgrounds, picnic areas, and waterfront paths.
If you need equipment, local rental companies such as Stand Up Rentals and Kayak Rentals at Alamitos Bay offer paddleboard rentals, lessons, and guided tours.
Beginners can take advantage of introductory instruction before heading onto the water, while more experienced paddlers often enjoy early-morning fitness paddles.
The bay is also a fantastic place for paddleboard yoga. Come to Alamitos Bay for a day of exercise, sunshine and paddleboarding fun.
Location: 205 N Marina Dr, Long Beach, CA 90803
4 – Sunset Beach – Huntington
Description:
Sunset Beach in Huntington Beach is one of the locals best-kept secrets for family paddleboarding.
Located just south of Seal Beach, this sheltered harbor offers calm, protected waterways that feel worlds away from the nearby surf breaks.
Paddlers can leisurely explore quiet channels lined with beautiful waterfront homes, private docks, sailboats, and colorful coastal gardens. The peaceful setting makes it an ideal destination for beginners, children, and anyone looking for a relaxing day on the water.
Families especially love the harbor’s easygoing atmosphere. The flat water allows kids to gain confidence on a paddleboard without dealing with ocean currents or breaking waves. Along the way, you’ll pass luxury waterfront homes, boats of every size, and plenty of local wildlife.
Keep your eyes open for pelicans gliding overhead, egrets wading along the shoreline, and the occasional seal making an appearance.
Many families enjoy turning their paddle into a sightseeing adventure, exploring the harbor’s winding waterways and hidden corners while soaking in the beautiful coastal scenery.
There are several nearby rental outfitters serving the harbor area. Local companies offer paddleboard rentals, lessons, and family-friendly equipment, making it easy for visitors to spend a few hours exploring without bringing their own gear.
Early mornings are particularly magical when the water is at its calmest. With its protected conditions, scenic views, and welcoming environment for all ages, Sunset Beach Harbor is one of the most enjoyable and beginner-friendly paddleboarding destinations near Los Angeles.
Location: sunset beach – huntington beach
5 – Dana Point
Description:
Venture a little farther for a day trip from Los Angeles, to Baby Beach in Dana Point. Located inside Dana Point Harbor, this sheltered beach is famous for its calm, protected waters and stunning coastal scenery.
Dana Point is widely considered one of the premier paddleboarding destinations in Southern California, attracting everyone from first-time paddlers to seasoned athletes.
The harbor setting provides a safe and welcoming environment for families, while the surrounding cliffs, sailboats, and ocean views create a beautiful backdrop for a day on the water.
Baby Beach is especially popular with beginners and families because the gentle conditions make learning to paddleboard much less intimidating than at an open-ocean beach.
Kids can practice balancing and paddling close to shore while parents enjoy a relaxing cruise through the harbor.
Several outfitters in Dana Point Harbor offer convenient paddleboard rentals, lessons, and guided tours, making it easy for visitors to get out on the water.
More experienced paddlers can continue their journey past the harbor jetty towards the open water. From there, breathtaking views of Dana Point’s rugged coastline unfold in every direction.
Everyone will enjoy this beautiful place, birds, seals and all the wild life that is found here. This is one of Southern California’s most memorable paddleboarding experiences.
Location: 34451 Ensenada Pl, Dana Point, CA 92629
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