TOP 10 "MUST" PADDLE BOARDING SPOTS in Southern California

We got you. If you’re like any of us at NIXY, you must be constantly searching for new places to explore with your stand-up paddle board, and with the warm weather and abundance of sunshine, Southern California is definitely a paradise to SUP.

Whether you are a local or visiting Southern California, we’ve compiled a list of “MUST” paddle boarding locations for you to cross off form your bucket list. These beautiful beaches, bays, and harbors will not disappoint. Good times are guaranteed! You will see once you visit one, you’ll have to visit the second and in no time, you will cross all of the locations off your list.

Take yourself on a journey with these Top 10 “MUST” Paddle Boarding spots in Southern California throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego.

 1. Newport Back Bay

Newport-Bay-Bay-iSUP

Why not start in NIXY’s own backyard? With Newport Back Bay being about a 25 minute drive from NIXY’s office, this location is quite frequently visited by our team. The calm water is good for all levels of paddlers, perfect for beginners, and anyone else interested in other water activities. The bay is so big, that you will have to come several times to explore it all!

 

2. Catalina Island

Catalina-Island-iSUP

Most of us know of Catalina Island, but for those who don’t, it is a must-see destination with its gorgeous views, local shops, and amazing restaurants. Besides the fact that the idea of NIXY was first conceived here, this place is perfect for all level of paddlers. Want a challenge? You can paddle from Avalon to Two Harbors. Want to enjoy a shorter experience? Explore Avalon’s main bay and paddle to Descanso Beach. There is something for everyone!

 

 3. Doheny Beach

Doheny-Beach-iSUP

Located in Dana Point, Doheny Beach with its vivid colors, mellow waves, and the serenity waters, makes this spot one of our tops. Seals are great paddling companions at this beach and around the adjacent Dana Point Harbor. For a SUP paddler who is looking for more, you can paddle from the north end near the harbor along the beach heading south for a long challenging paddle. A great pace for padding boarding in Southern California!

 

4. Huntington Beach Harbor

Huntington-Beach-Harbor-iSUP

Also known as Huntington Harbor, this waterway is 15-20 feet deep and is an ideal location for paddle boarding. This harbor was built in the 1960’s and serves as the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors. It is home to five man-made islands and is located on the northwest corner of Huntington Beach, bordering Seal Beach and Sunset Beach. There is lots of wildlife, beautiful canals to explore as well as beaches to picnic and have ultimate relaxation.

 


5. La Jolla Cove

La-Jolla-Cove-iSUP

An absolute must see for outdoor lovers! With miles of shoreline and cliffs to explore San Diego is known for its beautiful coastline and is perfect for padding boarding in Southern California and wildlife alike. This Cove is a great spot for paddlers to get in and out of the water with ease. You may even get lucky and paddle along side of some colorful fish or sea lions! La Jolla Cove is known as one of the most scenic paddle board spots in San Diego.

 

 6. Mission Bay

Mission-Bay-iSUP

Known as one of the world’s largest man-made salt water bays, Mission Bay is an amazing spot to paddle, sit back, relax, and even SUP fish! Whether you are a beginner or advanced, this spot is a great flatwater paddle for all types of skill levels. Stand-up paddleboarders may ply the calm waters off Fiesta Island.

 

7. Coronado Island

Coronado-Island-iSUP

No rocks or reefs, the Coronado Island is perfect for paddlers as it is all sand bar breaks. Its the ideal spot to ride some waves on your stand up paddle board. The coastal scenery offers miles of white sand beaches, soif you ever pass through downtown San Diego, Coronado Island is a must see! Padding boarding in Southern California never looked better. tay for the sunset. You can thank us later.

 


8. Marina Del Rey

Marina-Del-Rey-iSUP

Known as one of the best places to live in California, Marina Del Ray includes three miles of beach and 245 aces of sand. Due to the calm surfaces and gentle waters, the Marina is the perfect location to SUP especially, for beginners and paddlers of all skill levels. As you are paddling, you may enjoy the views of the amusement pier and friendly marine life surrounding the area.

 

9. Redondo Beach

Redondo-Beach-iSUP

Located in the South Bay region of the Greater Los Angeles area, Redondo Beach is famously known for its beach town atmosphere. The vibrant harbor, lively horseshoe-shaped pier, and miles of sand is a reason why this is one of the best places to utilize your stand up paddle board. The marina rock jetty creates a calm body of water therefore, beginners have a safe area to learn to paddle.

 


10. Venice Canal Historic District

Venice-Canal-Historic-District-iSUP

Built in 1905, the four east-west canals : Carroll Canal, Linnie Canal, Howland Canal, and Sherman Canal and two north-south canals : Eastern Canal and Grand Canals, are ideal surroundings to relax.  Ride your stand-up paddle board and feel like you're exploring in Italy. Even though you are paddle boarding in Southern California! The best way to see these views is from an inflatable SUP or Kayak. This is a must... you will find yourself in awe constantly. It is breathtaking for sure!

 

Have questions? Do not hesitate to ask! We are happy to help and to share any useful tips that will ensure that you, our NIXY family, will always have the best time and enjoy amazing paddle boarding adventures!

Tag us @Nixysports on Instagram and TikTok with your Paddle Boarding Adventures!

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