California

A quiet little beach front, with a raised boardwalk and beautiful views all around. A great place to walk the dog or take small children. Amazing sunsets and A+ for bird watching. Excellent spot to launch a kayak, canoe, or SUP. But watch the tides before you do. The water is usually glassy when ...

Lover's Point is great place to SUP or kayak. There are tons of jellyfish in the water (so be careful). This beach is also popular for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are rocks surround a small sandy beach and a place to rent kayaks and sups on the beach. There is a small parking lot as well a...

Crane Cove is a beautiful waterfront park with access for paddle boards and kayaks.  This area is protected from the wind (it will be less choppy here than in the middle of the bay). If you decide to paddle up to mission bay or down towards Islais Creek you'll most likely face more currents and w...

Steelhead Beach offers two great spots to access the river. There's a small beach on the right-hand side of the beach (south end) and a launch site on the left (north end) of the beach. The launch point makes for a great spot to start your float down the river. Make sure you have a shuttle car or...

Lower Sardine Lake is a short drive from Sardine Lakes Campground.  It has crystal clear water and is a very smooth place to paddle. This is also a popular fishing and kayaking spot. There are many fallen trees in the lake and a couple rocks that come up almost to the surface. The water in genera...

Sea kayaking from the Oceanside Harbor public kayak launch is one of the best ways to experience the Oceanside coast and the Pacific Ocean. There is ample parking along North Harbor Drive with the public kayak launch well-marked on the street. You can paddle around the harbor or you can go out pa...

This tranquil 20.6 acre park is open year round from 8am to sunset. It’s the gateway to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. It is filled with boardwalks, trails, and all kinds of wildlife. I went here with the sole intent of catching a pretty sunset after a long week.  I g...

Coast to Crest Trail at the San Dieguito Lagoon is an out-and-back trail that begins at its western end on Jimmy Durante Boulevard, where it links up with the River Path Del Mar. Heading east, the trail extends a short distance to the Birdwing Open Air Classroom and passes by the Surf Sports Park...

Commons Beach is a small beach and park on the northwest side of the lake. It is located very close to the CA-89 exit, so is ideal for road trip stops. There is a park for kids, and a grassy area near the beach. The beach itself is on the smaller side, but is relatively uncrowded. This area of th...

Castle Lake in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest is a glacial lake with picturesque views of Mt. Shasta. In the middle of the lake, researchers float a platform in the middle of the lake to study the lake's environment. This is a great destination to swim to.  Nearby Hike:Heart Lake is a great ...

Del Rio Woods is a day-use park along the Russian River near Healdsburg, California. The best months to visit the park if you're planning to swim are April to July. During the summer months, the water level in the river lowers, making the speed of the river slower -- typically Class 1. This make...

Shoreline Lake features a big lake, many hiking and biking trails, and lot of picnic areas in Mountain View, CA. Kayaks, SUP, and various boats can be rented from the boat house. This is a great place to enjoy the water no matter what season it is. There are large grassy areas for kids to run and...

A perfect adventure spot off Highway 80, Lake Valley Reservoir offers paddlers prime parking and a paved boat launch to push off on a mountain lake with an island for picnicking. Lake speed is 10 mph so fishing boats with outboards are allowed but they have to take it slow.  Post launch, head le...

Mother's Beach, known locally as Mom's Beach, is located in Forestville, California. This beach is a hidden gem situated on the scenic Russian River, between Steelhead Beach and Sunset Beach.  Dog Friendly: Mom's Beach is a great spot to bring your pup on a leash.  Times of Operation: The bea...

The Lake George Loop is perfect for exploring the shoreline and fishing near the top of the Mammoth Lakes wilderness. The lake can get quite cold due to the elevation and surrounding mountains not allowing the sun to hit it for an extended time, but if you go during mid-day you should have a refr...

Monte Rio Community Beach is located in the Sonoma County town of Monte Rio. The beach nestles up to the Russian River offering a great chance for families to kick back and relax by the water or bring your kayak or stand-up paddle board for fun on the water. Dog-Friendly: Monte Rio Community Be...