Living in San Diego and thinking about trying kayaking? Why not—kayaking is not only a great sport, but also a relaxing way to explore the city from a whole new perspective.
So, where are the best places to kayak in San Diego?
With nearly 70 miles of stunning coastline, San Diego truly is a kayaker’s paradise. From calm bays to dramatic ocean cliffs, there’s something here for every skill level and adventure style.
But with so many incredible options, you might be wondering…
Where should you start?
Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into some of the best kayaking spots in San Diego, so you can find the perfect place to begin your next adventure. 
If you already have some kayaking experience, San Diego offers plenty of ways to turn up the excitement. You can take on adrenaline-pumping ocean waters, paddle along dramatic coastlines, or even explore mysterious sea caves carved into the cliffs.
Prefer something more relaxed? There are also several calm, protected bays perfect for a მშვიდ and scenic paddle. These areas are ideal for beginners or families—especially if you’re introducing kids to their very first kayaking adventure. You can even explore lush coastal habitats where local wildlife thrives, adding a whole new dimension to your trip.
One of the biggest perks of kayaking here is the incredible year-round climate. With sunshine, blue skies, and sparkling waters almost any time of the year, there’s rarely a bad day to get out on the water.
To help you find your perfect spot, here’s a look at the most popular kayaking destinations in San Diego—each with its own unique features and experiences.
Kayaking Mission Bay
Mission Bay is part of Mission Bay Park**,** the biggest aquatic park in the country. This vast man-made bay has 19 miles of sandy beaches. It offers endless fun for those who want a relaxed kayaking trip in calm, protected waters.
This bay is a great place to bring the kids to learn to paddle. When they get tired, you can deposit them on one of the spectacular beaches. They all have lifeguards, bathrooms and other important facilities such as ice cream vendors.
The west part of Mission Bay Park is incredibly scenic. You can explore a chain of tiny islands and channels from your kayak. If you are lucky, you might spot the Least Turn and Great Blue Heron. These lovely birds live in this area and you might be able to spot their nests from the water.
If you have your own boat, you can put it in the water at Ski Beach, a perfect starting point to loop around Vacation Isle. You can also launch from the beach on Fiesta Island.
Mission Bay kayak rental is available from Aqua Adventures and Action Sports Rentals, from one of their several locations.
If you haven’t tried night kayaking yet, you sure should! Just picture calm waters, the sky full of stars, it’s definitely worth it! See Bottom Kayaking offers nighttime kayaking. This is a fun adventure you should not attempt without an experienced guide who knows these waters and the busy shipping lanes that should be avoided.
Access: To get to Mission Bay, take I-5 N in the direction of Los Angeles and Fiesta Island Rd. to the park.
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San Elijo Lagoon Kayaking
Update March 30, 2022: We’ve recently become aware that San Elijo lagoon may now be prohibiting kayaking, please make your own inquiries if you’re planning to kayak here. Please check the up-to-date park brochure on this page
Located in Cardiff, about 25 miles from the San Diego center, San Elijo Lagoon is a part of the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center. It is a popular kayaking destination for its interesting saltwater tides and diverse ecosystems.
San Elijo Lagoon is one of San Diego’s biggest wetlands, created where the Escondido and La Orilla Creeks meet the Pacific Ocean. Kayaking in San Elijo Lagoon is an opportunity to learn more about California’s diverse ecosystems and fascinating wildlife.
This fascinating spot is also great if you are looking for some solitude and want to spend a few hours peacefully paddling crystal clear waters. Many kayakers enjoy fishing from their boats – you even might catch your dinner there.
You can rent kayaks from San Diego Surf Rental.
Access: To get to San Elijo Lagoon, take I-5 N toward Los Angeles, take exit 39 toward Manchester Avenue all the way to the park.
Kayaking La Jolla
If you are interested in kayaking in the San Diego Caves, you have to go to La Jolla.
La Jolla, about 25-minute drive from San Diego downtown, is called ‘San Diego jewel.” It is by far the most popular kayaking destination in the area for a good reason.
Surrounded by massive sea cliffs, La Jolla has sea caves, dolphins, sea lion colonies, fishing, kelp beds and wonderful sandy beaches. Kayaking through the protected waters, you can explore the famous Seven Caves and La Jolla’s Underwater Park with leopard sharks, sea lions and seals.
Paddling through the caves can be challenging, so book a guided tour or hire an experienced guide.
If you ever get tired of kayaking, leave your boat on the beach and go hiking or biking around Mt. Soledad and Windansea Beach.
You can rent kayak gear and/or book a tour through Everyday California**,** Bike and Kayak Tours, La Jolla Kayak, or La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks.
Access: To get to La Jolla Cove, take I-5 N toward Los Angeles and take exit 26A for W La Jolla Pkwy.
Lower Otay Lake
Located in Chula Vista, less than a ten-mile drive from the San Diego downtown, Lower Otay Lake is surrounded by Otay County Open Space Preserve. It offers 25 miles of shoreline with numerous fine sandy beaches.
Lower Otay Lake is a favorite with the beginner kayakers and the families introducing their kids to paddling. Its calm waters, rolling hills and the imposing mountains in the background create a wonderful environment for a day on the water. You can have a family picnic combined with some relaxed paddling, or just about any other type of outdoor activity.
To take a break from paddling, leave your kayak on the beach and explore the park. You can go hiking, biking, and horseback riding. There are many well-maintained trails and plenty of birds for the birdwatchers.
Several campsites are available around the lake if you decide that you are just not done having fun in this serene spot.
You can rent a kayak, rowboat, or motorboat from Rocky Mountain Recreation Company.
The vehicle access to the park and the use of the park’s facilities such as toilets are allowed from 8 am to 5 pm
Access: To get to Lower Otay Lake, take CA-94 E in the direction of Chula Vista, and take exit 7 for Otay Lakes Rd. all the way to the lake.
Torrey Pines State Reserve
Torrey Pines State Reserve is one of the most beautiful and most diverse parks in California. Kayakers love it for the opportunity to explore large stretches of untouched nature.
Located within the city limits, the park is left untouched, showing how the whole area must have looked before it was settled. You can see the rare Torrey pine, the maritime chaparral, miles of unspoiled beaches, and a lagoon crucial to migrating seabirds.
Kayaking is fairly easy and relaxed near the shoreline where you can enjoy its unique wildlife and plants.
If you want to explore inland, leave your kayak on the beach and hike one of many trails through the park through dense forests, rugged cliffs and secluded beaches. The best-known trail is Guy Flemming, Razor Point and Beach Trail.
You can rent a kayak and book a tour through Everyday California.
Access: To get to Torrey Pines State Reserve, take I-5 N in the direction of Los Angeles. Take exit 29 for Genesee Ave. and N Torrey Pines Rd. to the park.
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Lake Hodges Reservoir
Located in Escondido, only about 30 miles from San Diego downtown, Hodges Reservoir is a result of building the Hodges Dam on San Dieguito Creek in 1918.
The reservoir supplies water to San Diego. No swimming and no motorized boats are allowed. It makes the tranquil lake perfect for kayaking and exploring the small islands that are poking through the surface of the lake. Fishing is very popular and the reservoir is full of all kinds of fish.
Little islands are all covered in trees and greenery and the cliffs that surround the reservoir are very picturesque, providing a spectacular view from the water.
Lake Hodges forms three distinct forks, with different scenery. Most paddlers prefer the east fork where they can kayak through dense mangrove forests and shallow marshes. Kids particularly like this lake and its fascinating nature.
The northern shoreline of the lake offers kayakers smooth paddling with clear waters and mountains in the background.
No camping is permitted.
You can rent kayaks from Rocky Mountain Recreation Area.
Access: To get to Lake Hodges Reservoir, take I-15 N and take exit 27 for Via Rancho Pkwy. It will take you to Lake Rd.
Lake Miramar
Located in Scripps Ranch, about 18 miles from the center of San Diego, Lake Miramar is an artificial lake created to provide water to San Diego. Its quality of water is monitored, so no swimming and no motorized boats are allowed. Kayakers especially enjoy its tranquil water, no crowds and spectacularly beautiful scenery.
The lake is surrounded by grassy meadows and ravines, which provide a lovely view from the water and are very pleasant picnic sites. You can even see the city skyline from some parts of the lake.
If you want to take a break from paddling, leave the kayak on the beach and take a stroll around the lake on the charming paved hiking trail. No camping is allowed.
You can rent kayaks from Rocky Mountain Recreation Company.
Access: To get to Lake Miramar, take I-15 N until exit 15 for Carroll Canyon Rd. Scripps Ranch Rd. will take you to the lake.
Point Loma
Point Loma is a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean, the San Diego Bay and San Diego Old Town. Start your adventure by putting your boat in the water at Sun Harbor Marina. The best part of kayaking at Point Loma is the view: you can enjoy the spectacular vista of the city skyline.
From the marina, paddle to America’s Cup Cove and the San Diego Bay. Enjoy the waterside view of the beautiful old Old Point Loma lighthouse. Pay attention to the birds – over 300 species of birds have been spotted in Point Loma – it lies on the annual Pacific Flyway migration route.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park that stretches along the Pacific Ocean on the western end of Point Loma is a famous spot for watching sunsets.
You can rent kayaks and/or book a tour through OEX Point Loma.
Access: To get to Point Loma, take I-5 N toward L.A. Take Cabrillo Memorial Dr. all the way to the water.
Channel Islands
For passionate kayakers, a visit to the Channel Islands National Park while exploring San Diego is an absolute must. Often referred to as the “Galápagos of North America,” this stunning destination is widely considered one of the best kayaking spots in the world.
The closest mainland access point is Ventura, located about three hours (191 miles) from San Diego via major highways. From Ventura, you’ll need to take an official park boat to reach the islands.
What makes the Channel Islands so special is their untouched natural beauty. The islands feature rugged coastlines, remote beaches, towering cliffs, and spectacular sea caves. Each island has its own unique character, giving you the freedom to choose your own adventure.
However, this experience comes with a level of preparation. There are no services on the islands—no restaurants, no shops, and no hotels. While primitive campgrounds are available, you’ll need to bring everything you need for your stay.
Despite the effort it takes to get there, the reward is unmatched. Paddling through sea caves, exploring hidden coves, and experiencing raw, unspoiled nature makes every challenge worthwhile.
You can enhance your experience by hiring a guide or renting equipment from providers like Channel Islands Adventure Company, which offers guided kayaking tours, rentals, and snorkeling gear around the Scorpion Anchorage area on Santa Cruz Island.
Best Time to Kayak in San Diego
The best time for kayaking in San Diego is during summer and fall, when conditions are generally warmer and calmer. That said, kayaking is possible year-round—just be prepared with a wetsuit during colder winter months.
If you’re planning to paddle independently:
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Always check with local lifeguards about weather and currents
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Consider going with a guided group if you’re inexperienced
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Wear a life vest at all times
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Carry a beacon or signaling device for offshore trips
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Bring plenty of water and emergency gear
Final Thoughts
Kayaking in San Diego offers something for everyone—from calm coastal paddling to thrilling open-water adventures. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or exploration, this vibrant destination delivers unforgettable experiences.
Plan ahead, stay safe, and most importantly—enjoy every moment on the water.