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The Best Stand Up Paddle in Santa Barbara

Looking for the best stand up paddle in Santa Barbara? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Santa Barbara. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top stand up paddle spots in and near Santa Barbara

  • Carpinteria, California

    Camp and Explore in Santa Cruz Campground

    5.0
    / 4 ft gain
    Santa Cruz Campground is nestled in Carpinteria State Beach, an easy drive from Santa Barbara, Ventura, or the greater LA area. Over a mile of beach front access allows for swimming, surfing, fishing, tide pool exploration, and picnicking.  There is an abundance of wildlife to see: seals, sea lio...
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  • Goleta, California

    Camp at Refugio Campground

    4.0
    / 3 ft gain
    Refugio State Beach is a great location for fishing, hiking, and picnicking. Lucky beach-goers will spot sea otters, dolphins, seals, and whales. Both sides of the lagoon are perfect for exploring. Heading north will take you to a nice viewpoint with a picnic table above a surfing location. The R...
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  • Ventura, California

    Kayak Santa Cruz Island

    4.5
    As the largest of the Channel Islands, Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Island National Park is an ecological treasure, and to kayak it is to get to experience it in a manner unlike any other. Getting to the island is easiest through Island Packers where you can also reserve a kayak (so pack effi...
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  • Ventura, California

    Stand Up Paddleboard the Ventura Harbor

    The Ventura Harbor provides a protected entry/exit to the Pacific Ocean and is a great place to start a paddleboarding adventure.  Marina Park, at the end of Pierpont Boulevard, has a ton of parking, a free public launch, and there are boards to rent along the harbor. From the launch you can head...
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  • Malibu, California

    Camp at Thornhill Broome State Beach

    5.0
    Take PCH through Malibu towards Oxnard and the campground will be on your left. There is no day use here and you can drive right to your campsite.During the summer, make reservations or arrive really early to nab a site. Spaces can fill up quickly.There is access to a hiking trail across PCH.
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