6 Best Places to Paddle Board in Santa Cruz, CA

Discover the magic of the ocean and the laid-back vibes of coastal California.

The best places to paddle board in Santa Cruz, CA offer stunning encounters with marine life and breathtaking panoramas.

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure exploring the serene waters of Santa Cruz.

🗺️ Map

Where to Paddle Board in Santa Cruz

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Cowell Beach

• 🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
• 📍 Access Point: Cowell Beach at the end of Linden Ave (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, light currents, gentle morning wind
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea lions, seals, otters
• 🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Santa Cruz Wharf, Beach Boardwalk, surfing spots
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Keep a safe distance from surfers, beware of rip currents

Cowell Beach is one of the best places to paddle board in Santa Cruz, CA. Its calm waters and close proximity to the Santa Cruz Wharf and Boardwalk make it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

Get a chance to encounter marine wildlife, such as dolphins and sea otters, while enjoying the scenic coastline views.

#2 Santa Cruz Harbor

• 🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
• 📍 Access Point: Harbor Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, afternoon winds can pick up
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Sea otters, seals, pelicans, and cormorants
• 🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Walton Lighthouse, Boardwalk, scenic marine activity
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect marine life

Santa Cruz Harbor offers picturesque views and a laid-back surfing culture. Glide alongside marine animals like sea otters and seals while enjoying the iconic Walton Lighthouse as your backdrop. The relatively calm waters make it a great spot for paddle boarders of all skill levels.

#3 Capitola Beach

• 🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
• 📍 Access Point: Capitola Beach at Capitola Village (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, mild ocean swell
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea lions, seagulls
• 🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Capitola Wharf, colorful beachside houses
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch out for swimmers, respect local beach rules

Located a few miles east of Santa Cruz, Capitola Beach is a picturesque spot for paddle boarding. The calm bay waters and beautiful beachside village provide an idyllic setting for a peaceful paddleboarding experience.

Enjoy the charming sights of colorful houses lining the beach while encountering playful sea lions and dolphins.

#4 Moran Lake Park

• 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Moran Lake Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm lake waters, light wind
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, herons, turtles
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Lake views, Pleasure Point surfing spot nearby
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local park rules, avoid debris

Moran Lake Park is a hidden gem in Santa Cruz County, offering easy access to a calm lake perfect for paddle boarding. The lake provides stunning views and encounters with local wildlife like ducks and herons. In addition, its proximity to the popular Pleasure Point surf break makes it an excellent spot to relax and enjoy paddleboarding.

#5 New Brighton State Beach

• 🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
• 📍 Access Point: New Brighton State Beach entrance (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild currents and wind
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea lions, shorebirds
• 🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Monterey Bay, sandy shoreline, bluffs
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for swimmers, obey beach rules

Just a few miles south of Santa Cruz, New Brighton State Beach is another great spot for paddleboarding. The calm waters and beautiful shoreline make it perfect for a relaxing paddleboarding session, with chances to encounter dolphins, sea lions, and various shorebirds.

Enjoy the panorama of Monterey Bay and the towering bluffs lining the coast while gliding through the water.

#6 Pleasure Point

• 🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
• 📍 Access Point: Pleasure Point Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, afternoon winds can pick up
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Sea otters, seals, pelicans, and cormorants
• 🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Iconic surf break, picturesque coastline
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Give space to surfers, respect local surf etiquette

Pleasure Point, an iconic surf break, offers a challenge for more experienced paddle boarders looking for excitement. The area features a picturesque coastline and the opportunity to glide alongside sea otters and seals.

Though primarily a surf break, paddle boarding enthusiasts can still enjoy the area during calmer swells and conditions. Remember to give space to surfers and abide by local surf etiquette while paddling in this popular spot.

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