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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.
Castaic Lake Dr, Castaic, CA 91384
Lots of parking at the main launch ramp.
$12 per day.
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 and sunrise over the mountains. Paddleboards can be rented from Castaic Lake Lagoon boat ramp for $25 per hour.
Perfect for:
Best For:
Family outings, fitness paddling, beginners
These boards offer the perfect mix of stability and performance for Castaic’s varied conditions. Ideal for beginners, fitness paddlers, or anyone looking to explore the lake in comfort and style.
Smokey Bear Rd, Lebec, CA 93243 (25 mins from Santa Clarita)
Free at Vista del Lago Visitor Center.
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:
Best for:
Photography, touring, intermediate paddlers
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.
Newhall Ranch Rd, Valencia, CA 91354
Free for residents; $3/hour for visitors.
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:
Best for:
Social outings, fitness paddling, beginners
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.
Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001
Free parking at Marina Park during park hours.
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:
Best for:
Coastal experience, wildlife viewing
These versatile boards handle the harbor’s calm waters and light chop with ease - perfect for cruising past sea lions, exploring the marina, or venturing toward open water when conditions allow. Great for paddlers who want a smooth, stable ride with a bit of adventure.
Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
$2-5 per hour up to $15 for the day.
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:
Best for:
Coastal experience, wildlife viewing
These boards are ideal for navigating the marina’s mix of calm channels and occasional wakes - stable enough for sightseeing and wildlife spotting, but sleek enough for longer paddles through the Venice Canals or out toward the estuary.
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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