San Diego is a great swimming spot, thanks to stunning coastlines and peaceful bays. Tourists and residents can disengage themselves from the shoreline while enjoying a myriad of water activities. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a popular San Diego pastime. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the Southern California lifestyle and have fun in the ocean. There are plenty of rental shops offering paddle boards, all you need to bring is sunscreen and a smile.
Here are seven locations where you can paddleboard in San Diego, including SUP yoga, SUP fishing, and SUPing with your pet.
MISSION BAY
Mission Bay a 19-mile stretch of sandy beaches, waterways and inlets that runs through the region is a paradise for water. The man-made saltwater beach, the largest in the country is the most popular spot for paddle boarding. Its calm waters, low winds and a variety of water sports rentals make it ideal for beginners. Bonita Cove is a popular location with picnic tables and parking. It is a great place to practice SUP yoga, SUP fishing and even spot a SUP wedding in the distance. Aqua Adventures allows you to hire or buy the paddle board. The beach located at the Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa is perfect for families. Action Sports Rental provides a variety of equipment for families including lifejackets, and SUP equipment.
LA JOLLA SHORES
The Jewel of San Diego is where you can find La Jolla Shores which is a mile-long sand crescent that is a favourite of active beachgoers. Beautiful cliffs, stunning views and a rich ecological reserve make this one of the most picturesque San Diego beaches for SUPing. After getting past the break, expect to see seals as well as sea turtles, birds, and seals. Professionals can venture into caves that line the shore. It is a great place to go SUP fishing. So bring your rod and bait. Avenida De La Playa is an avenue that displays the SoCal style, featuring restaurants, boutiques and beach-side shops. You’ll find Surf Diva, Everyday California and tasty food options at Galaxy Tacos.
LIBERTY STATION
Liberty Station in the Point Loma neighbourhood is a former Naval Training Center with a bustling art and culinary scene. It’s a perfect place for eating out, going to art galleries, bicycling, or paddling on the San Diego Bay. Don’t be surprised when you see your dog join the excitement. The SUP Connection offers a one-hour class with dogs. The classes include human and dog vests and an excursion to the North Harbor Bridge at the Navy Dolphin Training Facility. After, enjoy a cold beer at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens or enjoy a meal in the Liberty Public Market.
CORONADO
Across from downtown San Diego, Coronado Island is a place to visit the city of San Diego. It is a tourist destination. Its resort-style atmosphere, stunning beaches and sparkling sand are a part of the appeal. “The Crown City” also features countless areas for water and outdoor activities. Tidelands Park is a great place to paddleboard. It is possible to glide across the Coronado Bridge from this small beach. For a stronger core exercise, make your way to Coronado’s Ferry Landing and book a SUP yoga class with Bike & Kayak Tours. Walk around and take into the many waterfront eateries and shops. There is also the option of making it an all-day beach day for a day at Silver Strand State Beach which is a 7-mile stretch of beach that campers love. The close-by Lowes Coronado Bay Resort has you covered with rental paddle boards.
CARLSBAD LAGOON/AGUA HEDIONDA LAGOON
If you are driving on the I-5 freeway near Carlsbad in the vicinity of Carlsbad, you’ll likely see a vast coastal wetland. The lagoons are perfect for water sports and recreation. Lagoons are more attractive due to their accessibility and their friendly parking. Agua Hedionda Lagoon delivers a quiet atmosphere. The lagoon covers 400 acres and is an important ecosystem blessed with rich biodiversity and plants. Enjoy the beauty of nature while you participate in a SUP yoga class led by floating Yogis. You can lease a deck or an area for private relaxation for a relaxing day of it.
OCEANSIDE Harbor
With a distinct surf culture, large beaches, and a storied wooden pier, Oceanside embodies the ideal California beach town. This hidden gem is an absolute must for road trippers travelling from Los Angeles to San Diego. There is a lively New England-style harbour that is filled with shops, restaurants and a marina that runs along the coast. The Oceanside Harbor offers many locations for you to start your board along with water sports rental shops. The inner harbour’s calm water is great for novices who prefer to glide through seals and sailboats. Professional paddle boarders who are looking for winds and waves tend to sail from the outside jetty. You can spot whales as far as Baja from the comfort of your SUP between December and April. It’s a unique experience that you can add to your bucket list.
LAKE HODGES
30 miles north of downtown San Diego, Lake Hodges is a great place to take a break from the scenery. With 27 miles of shoreline, it is a great place for picnics, fishing and canoeing. In February 2019 the city was allowed to allow stand-up paddle boarding as well. A $7 permit allows you to row in the gentle waters while taking in the stunning mountain views. You can paddle board between March and October on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. There’s a small shop for rental at the site, but it is recommended that you take your own paddle board.
