Paddleboarding Paradise
SoCal’s Hidden Paddling Gems Near Santa Clarita
Forget the crowds and cookie-cutter beaches! Southern California’s paddleboarding scene is bursting with hidden lakes and beaches just a stones throw away from Santa Clarita.
1. Venice Canals
ADDRESS
End of Grand Canal, near Venice Blvd & Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291
PARKING
Paid Lots: Available at the corner of Venice Blvd & Pacific Ave ($15/day).
Street Parking: Limited free parking along Venice Blvd, Washington Blvd, or Pacific Ave.
AMENITIES
Year-round bathrooms, launch ramp for non-motorized boats (max 18 ft long), scenic walking paths and historic bridges
Why It's Great
Imagine gliding through a real-life postcard where candy-colored houses, arched bridges, and lazy ducks set the scene around you. These saltwater canals will transport you to Venice in Italy’s - minus the jet lag! Perfect for Insta-worthy snaps, SUP yoga sessions, or pretending you’re in a rom-com montage. Spot herons posing like runway models and wave to locals gardening in their waterfront yards.
Local Tip
Pack a coffee from nearby Blue Bottle and paddle at sunrise for golden-hour magic.
Perfect for:
- Romantic dates
- Urban explorers who hate crowds
Best For:
Quirky vibes & pretending you’re a Venice gondolier, fitness paddling, beginners
These boards offer the perfect stability and performance for cruising along LA's Venice Canals. Ideal for beginners, fitness paddlers, or anyone looking to explore the narrow channels in comfort and style.
2. Lake Piru
ADDRESS
4780 Piru Canyon Rd, Piru, CA 93040
PARKING
At Lake Piru, the day-use parking fee is $14 per vehicle during peak season (April 1 - September 30) and $10 during the off-season (October 1 - March 31).
Amenities
Boat rentals (SUPs, kayaks), campsites with electric hookups and fire pits, showers, restrooms, and a convenience store, disc golf, volleyball courts, and hiking trails
Why It’s Great:
This hidden reservoir is your nature escape HQ! Think sparkling water framed by pine-covered hills, bass fish judging your paddling skills, and campsites where you can roast marshmallows under starry skies. Motorized zones let you chase thrills (hello, wake jumps!), while quiet coves are ideal for exploring on paddle board and pretending you’re the last human on the Earth.
Local Tip:
Weekdays = your private paradise. Weekends = party with boaters.
Perfect For:
- Family bonding (kids and dogs welcome!)
- Campfire stories after sunset paddles
Best for:
Intermediate paddlers, familites and adventure junkies who want it all: water, woods, and wild skies
These boards are built for smooth touring and all-day exploring, perfect whether you're casting a line, or introducing a friend to paddling for the first time. They offer great balance, glide, and comfort for every skill level.
3. Seabridge, Oxnard
ADDRESS
Seabridge Marina: Oxnard, CA 93035
PARKING
Public Parking: Free/cheap lots and street meter spots along Seabridge Lane
Amenities
Venetian-style gondola rides, landscaped parks, pedestrian bridges, and a children’s playground
Why It’s Great:
Seabridge is like the Disneyland of lakes in the greater Valencia area. Cruise through the calm marina and bays where kids splash on tandem boards and spot crabs waving from docks. Post-paddle, refuel with tacos at Tradewinds Cafe while sailboats bob in the harbor. Pro move: Head out at sunset and watch the sky turn cotton-candy pink!
Local Tip:
Bring a speaker + your playlist + ocean sounds = instant bliss.
Perfect For:
- First-time paddlers
- Pup parents wanting to paddle with their pets
Best for:
Beginners, dog parents, low-key vibes & making memories without breaking a sweat.
These beginner-friendly boards offer maximum stability and ease—perfect for learning the basics, paddling with kids, or soaking in a relaxed sunset session on Bridgeport’s calm waters.
4. Echo Park Lake
(40-Minute Drive)
ADDRESS
Echo Park, Los Angeles
PARKING
Street Parking: Available around the lake but limited; recommended for early arrivals.
Amenities
Picnic tables, pedal boat rentals, walking paths
Why It’s Great:
Paddle under palm trees with the LA skyline as your backdrop! This iconic spot mixes city energy with zen vibes—glide past lotus flowers (in bloom spring-summer), wave to pedal boat crews, and pretend you’re in a TikTok montage. The lake’s tiny but mighty, with views so good you’ll forget you’re in the middle of a metropolis.
Local Tip:
Visit during the Lotus Festival (July) for live music, food trucks, and a confetti of pink blooms.
Perfect For:
- Quick escapes from the city chaos
- Showing out-of-towners LA's quirky charm
- Iconic slefies & proving nature does exsist in LA
Best for:
Beginners, short paddles, quick city escapes
These boards are ideal for the calm water of Echo Lake and can be transported easily through the city in the trunk of a car.
Find More places to paddle in Santa Clarita