San Diego is well-known for its beautiful beaches, so it's no surprise that stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is becoming a popular activity in the area. Stand-up paddle boarding is a great way to enjoy the scenery and get some exercise, and there are plenty of places to do it in San Diego.

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Here are some of the best places to paddle board in San Diego:

1. LA JOLLA COVE

La Jolla Cove is one of the very wealthy neighborhoods in San Diego.

Paddleboarding at La Jolla Cove is great for beginners because it's not as crowded as some beaches and there is plenty of fish to see while you're out on your board. It is also a great way to enjoy the towering rocky cliffs, the great views of the multi-million dollar homes, and the cove’s marine life.

You can also encounter sea turtles, bat rays, leopard sharks, and harmless real sharks while paddleboarding in this area.

Parking is highly available in this area and amongst the others that you will usually see around you are kayakers, snorkelers, divers, and paddleboarders like you.

There are a few things to keep in mind when paddleboarding in La Jolla Cove, be sure to wear a wetsuit or other clothing that will keep you warm, be aware of the tides and currents, and watch out for others in the water.

Don’t have your own SUP board, you can rent one from Everyday California or get one of our affordable and reliable all-around SUPs delivered to your door.

If you're looking to enjoy some time in the water, look no further than this ecologically protected cove place.

2. MISSION BAY

Located just 10 minutes from downtown San Diego, Mission Bay is another great place to paddle board. It is a man-made saltwater bay and the largest in the nation with lots of space to paddle around.

The water is usually calm, the wind is low, and many rental shops are available there, which makes it ideal for beginners.

There are plenty of things to see such as dolphins, birds, fish, and other paddle boarders.

From this bay, you can explore the Mission Beach peninsula, Pacific Beach, Crown Point, and Fiesta Island, and the easiest access to this bay from what I know is through the Bahia hotel's giant free parking lot.

It’s a place where you can go with your family and friends and enjoy the sun, sand, and water. You can also take a break from all of that and just relax on the boardwalk while enjoying the scenery.

You should note that this place can get crowded, so it is better to start your day early.

If you don’t have your own board, you can rent one at the many available rental shops like the Mission Bay Aquatic Center or the Mission Bay Stand Up Paddle.

3. CORONADO ISLAND

Just 5 minutes over the Coronado Bridge from downtown San Diego, Coronado Island is another great place to paddle board.

It offers stunning views of the city skyline and the San Diego Bay. The water is usually calm there as well which makes it great for beginners.

Paddling on Coronado Island’s beach gives you the opportunity to glide under the iconic curved Coronado Bridge with skyline views.

The best time to paddleboard on Coronado Island is when the water conditions are calm. The best place to do it is on Silver Strand State Beach, which has plenty of space for beginners to learn how to paddleboard.

For experienced SUPers looking to try surfing on their paddle boards, this place can give them the perfect long waves that break both to the right and to the left. If you are looking for sparkling sand, resort-town atmosphere, striking beaches to paddleboard near San Diego, and an opportunity for group or family paddling outings look no further than Coronado Island.

Looking for a SUP rental shop in this place, you can check SUP Coronado or Disco’s Paddle Surf.

4. OCEANSIDE HARBOR

Oceanside Harbor is a great place to paddle board on the northernmost point of San Diego County for its beautiful views and a variety of things to do.

You can paddle around the harbor, weave through the boats, or even fish.

If you are an experienced SUP paddler looking for ocean waves and rough wind, you can paddle from the outer jetty.

From December through April, you may get the chance to spot a whale or dolphins swimming down to Baja.

This place offers many locations to launch your SUP board as well as SUP rental businesses like the UP Sports Oceanside Surf Shop or California WaterSports.

At the end of your day, you can grab some fresh seafood nearby.

5. AGUA HEDIONDA LAGOON

Agua Hedionda Lagoon (one of three lagoons in Carlsbad) is a great place to paddle board in San Diego to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

What I like about this place near the Pacific Ocean in North County San Diego is how it is easy to access and the friendly parking there.

The Agua Hedionda Lagoon's slow-moving flat waters make it perfect for beginners learning how to stay stable on their SUP board.

If you are looking for a quiet atmosphere to bring kids to or a place where you are likely to relax paddling, look no further than the Agua Hedionda Lagoon.

Don’t own your SUP board yet, check 2 Stand Up Guys, they offer lessons and paddle board rentals.

6. DEL MAR - DOG BEACH

Known as Dog Beach, this place offers a friendly atmosphere for dogs since way back in the 1950s.

What makes this place ideal for SUP paddlers of all levels is that it offers calm water (for flat water paddling) next to a fast-moving river mouth (ideal for SUP surfing).

Looking to bring your furry friend along on your adventure on the water or to just let it run free chasing birds, I highly recommend you this place located north of 29th street and runs approximately a half mile from the Solana Beach border.

Where to rent a SUP board? Check out SUP California.

7. SHELTER ISLAND

Located in a neighborhood in Point Loma, another wealthy seaside community within the city of San Diego, this place gives you breathtaking diverse views between the city and the ocean, and from the same spot, you get a cityscape and endless ocean horizon.

Close to downtown San Diego, Shelter Island is ideal for beginners seeking flat water for a relaxed paddling session.

If you are in the San Diego area with a paddle board and looking for a scenic park that offers smooth waters and is perfect for catching sunrises and sunsets, look no further than Shelter Island Shoreline Park.

Don’t have your own paddle board, you can rent one from ​​Disco’s Paddle Surf.

8. LAKE SAN MARCOS

Lake San Marcos is a serene little city inland surrounded by rolling green hills that are often not crowded with people.

Other activities that you can do on the same day include a hike called Double Peak.

If you are in San Diego looking to relax and enjoy warmer weather, you must give this place a visit.

Just note that this private lake charges $15 for a day pass and you are not allowed to bring your own SUP board, but no problem, LSM Marina got your back with its premium-looking SUP rental website.

9. TOURMALINE SURF PARK

In Northern Pacific Beach, the Tourmaline Surf Park offers uncrowded gentle waves.

I recommend this place to any paddler looking for a SUP surfing spot near San Diego.

Another thing that I like about Tourmaline Surf Park is that the people there are friendly

Shops that offer SUP rentals near this place (“Tourmo” as the locals call it) include SUP California or the San Diego Surf School which offers paddle boarding lessons and rental services.

10. LAKE HODGES

Located 31 miles north of downtown San Diego, Lake Hodges offers a relaxed SUP paddling experience on its calm flat water.

The first time paddle boarding in this lake/reservoir was legally allowed around the beginning of 2019.

This place is also a great fishing spot for bass and crappie, which makes a lot of fishers come to visit on the weekends.

The reservoir shoreline has barbecues and picnic tables, making it a great place for picnics.

If you are looking for a calm water body where you can paddle board while enjoying mountain views, then give this lake a visit.

Check this page for more information on park hours, entry fees, and paddle board rentals in Lake Hodges.

11. LAKE MIRAMAR

Located 16 miles north of San Diego's downtown, Lake Miramar is a reservoir that the City of San Diego owns, operates, and maintains.

This place offers 4 miles of shoreline, breathtaking scenery, and a good opportunity to fish for sunfish, catfish, bass, channel, trout, and bluegill.

There are a few things you should know before paddleboarding in Lake Miramar.

First, the water level can fluctuate significantly, so be aware of your surroundings and cautious when paddling near the shoreline.

Second, because the lake can be relatively shallow in some areas, the bottom can be uneven and full of obstacles like rocks and roots. Be careful when paddling to avoid hitting your board or yourself on these hidden hazards.

Lastly, keep an eye out for wildlife while paddleboarding; Lake Miramar is home to various birds and other animals that may surprise you while you're enjoying the scenery!

If you are looking for a recreation site with barbecues and picnic tables where you can also paddleboard near San Diego, you should give Lake Mirama a visit.

To my knowledge, this park does not allow camping and no SUP rental service is available nearby, so you have to come with your own paddle board.

For more information related to opening hours, entry fees, and available services, check this web resource.

12. NORTHERN BAJA

In less than an hour from San Diego, Northern Baja offers you flatwater and touring options for paddleboarders.

What I like about this place is that even if it is located in another country (Mexico), it remains a lot more accessible than what you might expect.

If you're thinking of SUP paddling/surfing in Northern Baja, there are a few things you should know. The first is that the water can be quite cold, so you'll need a wetsuit.

The second is that the waves can be huge, so you'll need to be a strong swimmer.

And finally, the sun can be extremely intense, so you'll need to wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water. With that said, Northern Baja is an absolutely beautiful place to paddleboard, and if you're prepared for the challenges, you're sure to have an amazing time.

From what I know, there are no SUP rental shops available there, so you have to get there with your own paddle board. Also, check that your passport is up to date and plan wisely.

FAQ

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Also, check Outdoor Master if free shipping or a deal on their best-seller electric pump (Shark II) or affordable and reliable SUPs.

That’s all for this article, I hope you enjoyed reading it! No matter where you paddle board in San Diego, you're sure to have a great time. So get out there and enjoy the water!

See y’all.