After sweeping the Southern California coast with our articles on the Best Places to Paddle Board in San Diego and Best Places to Paddle Board in Orange County, CA, it’s time to point paddles towards Los Angeles County. While known for Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Melrose Avenue, and the like, LA often gets overlooked for its 70 miles or so coastal access points along with harbors and waterways that they connect to. For stand-up paddle boarders, this fact translates to a treasure trove of opportunity.
That being said, you want to avoid making any wrong turns when exploring LA for your SUPing adventures. As our service to you, Sea Gods has handpicked the best places to paddle board in Los Angeles County. Below is a breakdown of four spots to accommodate varying skill levels, accessibility, and nearby amenities for after-session enjoyment. If you’ve got paddling on the mind and you live in (or are visiting) LA be sure to bring your Sea Gods ISUP to enjoy one or all of the following destinations.
Top 4 Paddle Boarding Destinations to Bring Your Sea Gods ISUP to When in Los Angeles County California
Latigo Beach
Skill Level: Intermediate and up
We can’t send you to LA County without mentioning Malibu - one of the most historic longboard surfing destinations on the planet. However, Malibu Surfrider Beach fame also comes with infamy in that it gets super-crowded, while the ghost of Miki Dora still haunts the break. It can get a little over-localized if you know what we mean. For this reason, we’ll send you a little further north along Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu’s Latigo Beach.
“Latigo Beach. Nice point break. Long, workable rides.”
(Johnny Utah, 1993)
As former FBI agent Johnny Utah states, Latigo Beach features a pretty sweet point break with near-shore waves that remain fairly calm and intermediate paddler-friendly during the spring and summer months. It boasts some of the bluest water in California and is a delightfully uncrowded beach. The latter correctly infer that there are no SUP rental facilities nearby, so remember to get (and pack) your Sea Gods inflatable SUP for the day at Latigo. When your session is done, head on over to Calamigos Beach Club Restaurant & Lounge (2-minute drive) for sustenance and hit the shops at Malibu Village.
Marina Del Rey
Skill Level: Beginner
You wouldn’t know that you’re near the madness of Venice Beach when paddling within the embrace of the seaside community of Marina Del Rey. The soothing and expansive marina is home to an estimated 5,000 boats, which gives paddlers plenty to look at and admire (some of the vessels are incredible). There are a series of hotels along the waterfront, in addition to a Trader Joe’s and a Cheesecake Factory, to replace the calories that you burned while SUPing along the ridiculously picturesque setting. Conditions at the man-made marina are calm all year long, and even the entryway channel is protected by a breakwater jetty.
King Harbor, Redondo
Skill Level: Beginner and up
To be honest, it’s hard to beat Redondo Beach’s King Harbor when it comes to the best places to paddle board in Los Angeles County. The WOW factor here is undeniable. Thousands of polished boats are docked within the blue oasis that is made calm by the bouldered jetty that protects against the Pacific. It’s an inspiring place to paddle, not just because of the idyllic marina water but because the harbor is a hub of activity. Here's a video that gives a nice feel for the area:
In addition to being joined by jet skiers (on their way out to sea) and kayakers, you may enjoy the fact that the seaside community features a skatepark and seawall for jogging. There is even a sandy lagoon for sunbathing and for younger members of your family (as applicable) to play in. Then there’s the bevy of shops, cafes, and eateries, which includes the iconic Chart House, which was founded by one of the most prolific surfers of all time, Joey Cabell. But enough from us. Instead, let’s allow the video below do the talking as you picture yourself paddling your Diatom Ten6 CX or Elemental Wave CX (featured below) from Sea Gods USA.
Redondo Beach
Skill Level: Beginner and up
We feel like we’re cheating by sending you right next door to King Harbor (above), which is also in Redondo. However, we’d be doing you a disservice to not conclude today’s list without recommending this destination. The stretch of sand between Redondo Beach Pier to the north and Redondo Beach Jetty to the south is where you will launch. The bookending nature of the constructs limits the impact of directional wind to keep the ocean surface relatively (it is still open ocean) calm through the spring, summer, and early autumn. The beach community is friendly and lively, and paddlers can head into the adjacent harbor to enjoy all of the aforementioned amenities. The view while paddling is also tremendous, as Palos Verdes (look south) extends out into the Pacific beyond the protective jetty.
During the late autumn and winter, swell does pick up, which is when the beach switches from beginner to intermediate to advanced level ocean paddling. If you land in the latter category, we suggest arming yourself with a Skylla CX Cross Touring inflatable paddle board (featured above), if not the Ketos CX Racing ISUP, should you feel the need for speed and wave-riding.
Make sure you pack your new Sea Gods inflatable stand-up paddle board and essential accessories before your next excursion to enjoy the best SUPing spots detailed above. If you have any questions about our products, shipping, and warrantees feel free to contact Sea Gods USA at any time.