Where to Kayak in Los Angeles: 10 Best Places Including Santa Monica Bay
Los Angeles is known for its bustling city life, celebrities, and sunny weather. However, it also offers plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors, including kayaking. Therefore, if you are looking for where to kayak in Los Angeles, then this post will share some unique and exciting places. Here are some of the best places to go kayaking in Los Angeles.
What Are the Best Places to Kayak in Los Angeles?
If you are looking for where to kayak in Los Angeles, then here are the best places:
Santa Monica Bay
Marina del Rey
Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Catalina Island
Ballona Creek
Los Angeles River
Long Beach Harbor
Redondo Beach
Zuma Beach
Cabrillo BeachNow let’s have a look at them in detail.
Santa Monica Bay
Santa Monica Bay is a beautiful coastal area located in Southern California.
With its stunning beaches and vibrant atmosphere, it attracts both locals and tourists.
The bay stretches for about 30 miles along the Pacific Ocean, offering breathtaking views of the coastline.
The bay is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its diverse marine life.
It serves as a habitat for numerous species, including dolphins, seals, and sea lions.
Here, you can enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding to explore the rich biodiversity that Santa Monica Bay has to offer.
Marina del Rey
Marina del Rey is a charming coastal community located in Los Angeles County, California.
Known for its amazing marina and beautiful waterfront views, this vibrant neighbourhood is one of the best places to kayak in Los Angeles.
With its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean and stunning beaches, Marina del Rey is a popular destination for kayakers, beachgoers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
One of the main attractions in Marina del Rey is its expansive marina, which happens to be the largest man-made small craft harbor in North America.
Boasting over 4,600 boat slips and numerous yacht clubs, it’s no wonder that kayaking is such a prominent activity here.
Aside from kayaking, Marina del Rey also features several parks e.g., the Burton W. Chace Park, and green spaces where you can relax or engage in various outdoor pursuits.
Additionally, Mother’s Beach offers calm waters perfect for swimming or paddleboarding.
Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Malibu Lagoon State Beach is a beautiful destination in Malibu, California that offers a variety of activities, including kayaking.
The beach is located 13 miles west of Santa Monica on the Pacific Coast Highway and has open day lots for parking.
You can rent kayaks from nearby rental shops such as Zuma Jay, Marina Del Rey Boat Rentals, and Radfish Malibu.
Kayaking at Malibu Lagoon State Beach is a great way to explore the area’s stunning shorelines and wildlife.
In addition to kayaking, you can also enjoy surfing, tide pools, museums, sunbathing, diving, fishing, hiking nature trails, and more.
Catalina Island
Catalina Island is an island oasis located less than 50 miles from Los Angeles, and it offers a great opportunity for kayaking enthusiasts to explore its beautiful coastline.
Kayaking to Catalina Island requires careful planning, preparation, and experience in open-water kayaking.
It is important to check the weather forecast and sea conditions before embarking on a kayaking trip to the island.
There are several kayaking routes to explore on Catalina Island. One popular route is the Trans Catalina Trail, which offers backpackers the opportunity to hike and experience the untouched wilderness of the island.
On your kayak adventure tour, another option is to kayak the coastline and see close-up wildlife like sea lions and pelicans.
It is important to have the right equipment for kayaking to Catalina Island. Specific models of kayaks are recommended for this type of journey, and it is important to choose the right kayak for your trip.
It is also important to have the necessary safety equipment, such as life jackets and a first aid kit.
There are several ways to get to Catalina Island, including catching a ferry from Marina del Rey or San Pedro or taking a helicopter, aeroplane, or seaplane.
Once on the island, there are several kayak rental companies that offer kayaks and equipment for rent.
Ballona Creek
Ballona Creek, located in Los Angeles County, is a significant waterway that plays a crucial role in the region’s ecosystem.
Kayaking on Ballona Creek is a unique experience that offers a chance to explore the waterway and its surroundings.
Kayaking on Ballona Creek involves paddling upstream for about 2.75 miles with the rising tide from the old boat launch next to the Pacific Avenue bridge. The route offers scenic views of the surrounding area and wildlife.
Ballona Creek is located near several attractions, including Marina del Rey and Venice Beach.
You can therefore explore nearby parks and trails, such as the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve.
Los Angeles River
The Los Angeles River is located near several attractions, including Elysian Park and Griffith Park.
Kayaking on the Los Angeles River involves paddling upstream for about 2.5 miles with the rising tide from the launch points in Elysian Valley or Sepulveda Basin.
The route offers scenic views of the surrounding area and wildlife.
Kayaks, paddles, and life jackets can be rented from nearby rental companies.
You can also explore nearby parks and trails, such as the Glendale Narrows Riverwalk.
Long Beach Harbor
Long Beach Harbor is a major port in the United States, located in the city of Long Beach, California.
If you are looking for where to kayak in Los Angeles, then this is one of the best options for you.
It is located less than two miles southwest of Downtown Long Beach and approximately 25 miles south of Downtown Los Angeles.
It occupies 3,200 acres of land with 25 miles of waterfront in the city of Long Beach.
Long Beach Harbor is a container port that acts as a major gateway for US-Asian trade. It is one of the busiest ports in the world and handles a variety of cargo, including automobiles, electronics, and petroleum products.
The Long Beach Harbor is also known for several recreational opportunities, including kayaking in the Long Beach Shoreline Marina and the Harbor Breeze Cruises harbour tour.
Redondo Beach
Redondo Beach is a picturesque coastal city in Los Angeles County, California. Known for its stunning beaches and vibrant atmosphere.
Redondo Beach offers a wide sandy shore that is great for sunbathing, swimming, and beach volleyball.
The beach also features a beautiful pier that stretches into the Pacific Ocean, offering breathtaking views of the coastline.
Here, you can enjoy fishing off the pier or take part in water sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking.
If you are seeking a more relaxed experience, strolling along the Esplanade provides stunning ocean views while enjoying a leisurely walk or bike ride.
Redondo Beach boasts a lively downtown area filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Redondo Beach is located near several attractions, including the Aquarium of the Pacific and Hermosa Beach.
Zuma Beach
Zuma Beach is a popular destination located in Malibu, California and one of the best places to kayak in Los Angeles.
The beach is also known for its picturesque beauty and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Zuma Beach offers convenient amenities including numerous parking lots available along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), making access easy even during peak seasons.
Restrooms and outdoor showers are conveniently located near the main entrance points to provide comfort to beachgoers.
Moreover, various food stands offer delicious snacks like ice cream or hot dogs that can be enjoyed while kayaking or strolling along the shore.
It is located near several attractions, including the Malibu Pier the Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon Museum.
You can also explore nearby parks and trails, such as the Point Dume State Beach and Preserve.
Cabrillo Beach
Cabrillo Beach is a historic public beach located in San Pedro, Los Angeles, California.
It is named after Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, a Portuguese explorer who was the first to sail up the California coast.
Cabrillo has two separate beach areas. The beach offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing or taking leisurely walks along the shoreline.
Cabrillo Beach is well known for swimming, thanks to its relatively calm water compared to other nearby beaches.
Apart from swimming, Cabrillo Beach offers various recreational activities.
So if you are looking for where to kayak in Los A Angeles, you can visit Cabrillo Beach.
Cabrillo Beach offers convenient amenities e.g. parking, restrooms and outdoor showers that will enhance your experience.
Moreover, various food stands offer delicious snacks like ice cream or hot dogs that can be enjoyed while strolling along the shore.
Cabrillo Beach is located near several attractions, including the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and the outdoor playground.
You can also explore nearby parks and trails, such as Point Fermin Park and the White Point Nature Preserve.
What Safety Precautions Should You Take While Kayaking in Los Angeles?
Here are some tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable kayaking experience in Los Angeles:
- Always check for local dangers and the weather.
- Share your float plan with someone not joining the trip.
- Bring necessary safety gear like a personal flotation device (PFD), whistle or horn, and proper lighting during low visibility.
- Dress appropriately for the weather and potential immersion.
- Never kayak while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Distribute gear and paddlers evenly to make the kayak stable and easier to paddle.
- Kids under 12 must wear a Coast Guard-approved PFD, and all kayaks may be inspected for Quagga/Zebra Mussels.
Where to Kayak in Los Angeles in a Nutshell
If you are on the lookout for where to kayak in Los Angeles, then here are some of the best places.
Start with Santa Monica Bay, known for its beautiful beaches and marine life. Then head to Marina del Rey, a huge harbour with kayaking for all levels.
Malibu Lagoon State Beach is a great mix of wildlife and beach fun. You can also try the LA River for restoration and recreation.
The Long Beach Harbor is a bustling port with historic sights like the Queen Mary. Redondo Beach has sunny shores and a lively downtown. Zuma Beach offers clear waters and safety.
Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro is calm for swimming and fishing. And don’t miss Catalina Island’s stunning coastline for adventures.
