Santa Clarita and its surrounding areas offer some of Southern California’s most diverse and wonderful paddleboarding experiences. From glassy lakes to rivers teeming with wildlife, here’s your go-to guide for exploring these local waterways.
1. Castaic Lake
Address: Castaic Lake Dr, Castaic, CA 91384
Parking: Lots of parking at the main launch ramp. $12 per day.
Difficulty: Intermediate (due to occasional boat traffic).
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas, fish cleaning stations, and a marina store for snacks.
Why It’s Great:
Castaic Lake is Santa Clarita’s crown jewel for paddleboarders craving open-water adventures. The Upper Lake’s non-motorized zones (west of the dam) provide calm, uncrowded waters perfect for on-water yoga sessions or casual paddles. Meanwhile, the Lower Lake’s motorized areas lets paddlers test their skills against gentle wakes—ideal for building balance and confidence in choppy conditions. The surrounding golden hills and blue waters make it a photogenic escape, especially at sunrise when the lake mirrors the sky.
Local Tip:
Visit on weekday mornings for solitude, or join the Castaic Lake Paddle Club (seasonal) for social group outings.
Perfect For:
- Long-distance paddling
- Sunrise/sunset photography
- Combining with a lakeside picnic or charcuterie
2. Pyramid Lake
Address: Smokey Bear Rd, Lebec, CA 93243 (25 mins from Santa Clarita)
Parking: Free at Vista del Lago Visitor Center.
Difficulty: All skill levels (rentals available onsite).
Amenities: Restrooms, shaded picnic areas, boat rentals, and a visitor center.
Why It’s Great:
Pyramid Lake combines stunning scenery with great convenience. Paddle beneath the iconic Pyramid Rock, a 400-foot volcanic formation rising from the water, and explore hidden coves along the golden shoreline. The lake’s clear waters are stocked with trout, making it a hit for anglers who like to paddle and fish. Onsite rentals mean you can bring friends who don’t own gear, and the lack of heavy boat traffic and its sheltered nature keeps the vibe relaxed.
Local Tip:
Head to the Yellowbar Picnic site for your best chance to see bears and deer.
Perfect For:
- Scenic photography
- Fishing + paddling combos
- Introducing newbies to the sport
3. Bridgeport Lake (Valencia)
Address: Newhall Ranch Rd, Valencia, CA 91354
Parking: Free for residents; $3/hour for visitors.
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly (no motorized boats allowed).
Amenities: Lakeside trails, restrooms, picnic spots, and a charming “beach” area.
Why It’s Great:
Nestled in Valencia’s Bridgeport community, this small but picturesque lake is a family favorite. The calm, flat water is perfect for first-timers learning to stand up paddle board, and the surrounding walking paths mean non-paddlers can join the fun too. The sunset paddle here is glorious—watch the sky turn pink and orange over the water while swans glide nearby and evening joggers run past.
Local Tip:
Visit the adjacent Bridgeport Marketplace post-paddle for ice cream or coffee.
Perfect For:
- Sunset paddles
- Teaching kids to SUP
- Quick after-work sessions
4. Ventura Harbor (45-Minute Drive)
Address: Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001
Parking: Free parking at Marina Park during park hours.
Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate (watch for boat traffic).
Amenities: Restaurants, shops, kayak/paddleboard rentals, and whale-watching tours.
Why It’s Great:
For a saltwater fix, Ventura Harbor delivers ocean access without the heavy surf. Paddle through the calm harbor channels, spot sea lions lounging on docks and boats, or venture into the nearby Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (for experienced paddlers). Post-paddle, grab fish tacos at Brophy Bros. or explore the historic Ventura Pier.
Local Tip:
Time your visit with low tide to explore tidal pools along the harbor’s edges.
Perfect For:
- Coastal wildlife sightings
- Combining paddling with dining/shopping
- Ocean-to-harbor transitions
5. Marina del Rey (1-Hour Drive)
Address: Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Parking: $2-5 per hour up to $15 for the day.
Difficulty: Intermediate (open water + boat traffic).
Amenities: Rentals, restrooms, waterfront dining, and kayak tours.
Why It’s Great:
Marina del Rey is Southern California’s largest man-made marina, offering a unique urban paddleboarding experience. In the marina you can explore the many basins lined with luxury yachts. Adjacent to the marina is the Venice Canals where you can paddle through quiet canals lined with waterfront homes. For adventure, paddle to the Ballona Creek Estuary to spot pelicans and leopard sharks.
Local Tip:
Weekday mornings are best to avoid weekend boat traffic.
Perfect For:
- Urban exploration
- Wildlife in an unexpected setting
- Social paddles (rent a group of boards!)
6. Seabridge (Oxnard) (1-Hour Drive)
Address: Harbor Blvd, Oxnard, CA 93035
Parking: Free in nearby lots.
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly (protected waterways).
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas, and kayak rentals.
Why It’s Great:
This Oxnard hidden gem features miles of calm, interconnected waterways perfect for a relaxed paddle. The flat water and lack of waves make it ideal for yoga or fishing. You’ll feel miles away from the city, even though it’s just off the 101 Freeway, and you can even take a Venetian style gondola ride transporting you from LA to Italy.
Local Tip:
Pack a waterproof speaker—the serene environment is perfect for a paddle-and-playlist day.
Perfect For:
- SUP yoga
- Long, meditative paddles
- Escaping the Santa Clarita heat
Local Pro Tips for Santa Clarita Paddlers
- Gear Up for Success:
- Use a touring board (like our Pau Hana Endurance) for long treks at Castaic or Ventura.
- Opt for a stable all-rounder (try the Pau Hana Malibu Classic) at Bridgeport or Santa Clara River.
- Wildlife Etiquette:
- Keep a safe distance from heron nests along the Santa Clara River (spring is nesting season!) and any other wildlife you encounter by the water.
- Beat the Crowds:
- Santa Clarita’s lakes get busy by 10 AM in summer—arrive early or try twilight paddling.
Why Explore With Pau Hana Surf Supply?
As Santa Clarita’s hometown paddleboard experts, we design boards specifically for SoCal waters—durable enough for rocky riverbeds, sleek enough for lake sessions. Every spot on this list has been tested by our team, and we’re here if you need any help or advise before hitting the water.
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