Best Places to Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) in San Diego

It’s no secret that the best way to experience San Diego is from the water. For some, that means a little pontoon booze cruise on Mission Bay. For others, that means a leisurely ride on the Coronado Ferry. For people like me, that means stand up paddle boarding (SUP).

Stand up paddle boarding is great, not only do you get a workout, but it’s a fun activity to crush with some friends (or a date 😏)

Benefits of Stand Up Paddle Boarding:

• Killer workout (hello arms and core)
• Great way to get a tan
• Group activity
• Solo activity (for the loners out there)
• Cheap to rent (usually around $20/hour)
• COVID friendly (I can’t wait for that to not be something I have to list)
• More environmentally friendly than other watersports activities

Mission Bay

Mission Bay is San Diego’s watersports wonderland. Home to SeaWorld and full of boaters and water-lovers on the weekends, it’s hard to pick a better spot to paddle board. If you’re lucky enough to own your own paddle board, Mission Bay has endless coves, boat launches, and shorelines to launch off into the water. If you can’t afford owning your own paddle board or drive a car that can’t accommodate one (shoutout to my fellow Kia Soul owners), Mission Bay offers plenty of rental options on every corner of the bay.

Liberty Station

Here’s a sneaky one that you’ve probably never considered: paddle boarding at Liberty Station. Yes, it’s a thing. While most of the attention is paid to the Liberty Public Market, the Loma Club, and the surrounding shops and restaurants, Liberty Station is a kickass place to do some paddle boarding. If you venture out of the Liberty Public Market and head south, you’ll hit NTC Park. There, you’ll be greeted by an inlet of water, funneling out to Harbor Island and Shelter Island. If you have your own board, great, I would recommend snagging a spot off of Farragut Road and launching off from there. If you don’t have a paddle board, there’s a few rental options at the nearby hotels and over on Shelter Island!

Pro Tip: If you want your pooch to join, there’s a rental place at Liberty Station that specializes in paddle boarding with your dog: https://sandiegosuprentals.com/sup-pups/

Del Mar Dog Beach

I dare you to name a better combo than pups and paddle boards. Lucky for us San Diegans, you can have both at the Del Mar Dog Beach. Situated north of the Village and south of Solana Beach, Del Mar Dog Beach is an animal-lover’s paradise, perfect for your next paddle boarding session. It’s common to see adventurous canines getting absolutely pitted, which is an entertaining watch for people who like to stay out of the ocean. For those of you who like to paddle board, the waves can provide a challenge, but the reward is worth it.

Coronado (Tidelands)

If you’re in the mood to paddle board with one of the best views in San Diego, Coronado’s Tidelands Park is your spot. If you’re trying to flex on the ‘gram or need to update your pictures on Hinge or Bumble, you’ll find no better place to tell the world: I’m fun, adventurous, and really going out of my way to make my life look more interesting. You’ll find plenty of places to rent paddle boards on the shores of Tidelands or close by at the Ferry Landing. Be warned: there’s a pretty good chance you’ll get smoked by a big ass cruise ship or something in the harbor, so keep your head on a swivel.

La Jolla (Cove and Shores)

La Jolla continues to be a tourist haven of San Diego, complete with hotels, shopping, restaurants, and killer views. The amount of things to do in La Jolla is nearly endless, but one of the best ways to see La Jolla is from the water: and that’s where paddle boarding comes in. While the kayak cave tours are legendary, paddle boarding allows you to break free of the guided tours and venture out on your own. From there, you will see La Jolla in a whole new light, an underwater wonderland far removed from the pasty-white beachgoers on the shore.

Lake San Marcos

In all my time living in San Diego, I hadn’t been up to Lake San Marcos until recently. Let me tell you: this place a hidden gem. Situated north of San Diego, and a little more inland than most people travel, Lake San Marcos is a destination complete with lakeside hotels, shops, and some upscale dining options. For those of us in search of the best paddle boarding in San Diego, Lake San Marcos checks most of those boxes. The entire lake is designated as “no wake” making your time on the board a little more enjoyable than most other spots. There are plenty of rental options, and for good reason: Lake San Marcos is private, thus requiring you to rent from their tenants. A little bit of a letdown for my proud paddle board owners out there, but not a complete deal-breaker.

Oceanside Harbor

Oceanside Harbor is San Diego County’s attempt at bringing a little New England to the west coast (though this place also gives me major Long Beach vibes). Complete with pastel buildings and a lighthouse that is more stylish than functional, Oceanside continues to welcome guests from San Diego and beyond. Designed and developed in the 60s after the nearby Marine Corps gave the “okay”, Oceanside Harbor has a little bit of everything to get you on the water. Paddle boarding, though, remains one of the best activities in Oceanside. With plenty of rental options and calm waters, you can’t go wrong.

That wraps up the best places to paddle board in San Diego! If you’re looking to catch a sunset or continue the night after a great day on the water, check out our top picks for date night in San Diego and the best places to catch a sunset!