One of my favorite things to do on a weekend is getting out on the open water in a kayak. There’s something about the rhythm of the paddle and the sound of water against the hull that clears your head instantly. Plus, the view of the coastline from the water is a completely different experience from sitting on a crowded beach; you get up close and personal with sea caves, secluded coves, and wildlife you’d miss entirely from land.
If you are looking forward to your next trip to the coast, I have compiled a list of five of my absolute favorite places to go kayaking. Whether you want easy, calm waters or a serious bucket list challenge, these places should be on your radar.
1. La Jolla Shores, CA
If you ever find yourself in Southern California, you MUST see La Jolla Cove. This protected marine area is a short drive north of downtown San Diego and is known for its super-clear water and massive sandstone cliffs.
The main attraction here is kayaking into the sea caves at La Jolla. Clam’s Cave is the only one in the area you can enter from the water, and on calm ocean days you can slide right inside. While you’re floating around, you might be surprised to find a curious harbor seal popping its head up right next to your boat or see bright orange Garibaldi fish darting underneath you.
- Best time to go: Late spring through early fall, when the water is warm and the surf is still quite tame.
- Skill level: Very beginner-friendly, but if you want to explore the caves safely, it’s smart to book a local guide.
- What to bring: A dry bag to keep your keys dry, plenty of reef-safe sunscreen and a camera.
2. Florida
If you’re looking for a coastal escape where kayaking fits into a bigger vacation, Florida is worth considering. The state has plenty of opportunities to get out on the water, from calm coastal waterways and mangrove-lined routes to open stretches of shoreline where you can spend the morning paddling and the afternoon relaxing by the beach.
Florida is especially appealing for travellers who don’t want their entire trip to revolve around kayaking. You can plan a few hours on the water, then spend the rest of the day exploring local attractions, enjoying the beach or simply relaxing at your accommodations. If you’re planning a trip around several activities, you can book now and organize your stay around the experiences you want to enjoy.
- Best for: Combining kayaking with a relaxing beach vacation.
- What to look for: Calm waterways, guided kayak tours and launch points close to your accommodations.
- Pro tip: Check the weather, tides and local launch conditions before heading out, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
3. Na Pali Coast, Kauai, HI
Now, if you want a serious ocean challenge, the Na Pali Coast on Kauai’s north shore is about as epic as it gets. Imagine 17 miles of towering, razor-sharp green cliffs, hidden sea caves and waterfalls that plunge right into the ocean.
You can’t sugarcoat it: this is a full day of gruelling open ocean paddling that will test your arms and endurance. But the pay-off is fantastic. You’ll paddle past wild beaches such as Kalalau and often have pods of spinner dolphins swimming next to your kayak.
- Best time to go: Summer only (May-September). The surf here is huge and dangerous in wintertime.
- Skill level: Experienced paddlers only
Quick heads up: ocean conditions can change quickly here, so a solid local guide is a must.
4. Beaufort, South Carolina (Sea Islands)
If you want something completely different, go to the Lowcountry of South Carolina. In Beaufort, the coastal waters are not about crashing waves or soaring bluffs; they are about winding tidal creeks, quiet salt marshes and total tranquillity.
Instead of fighting ocean currents, you’ll be drifting along silent channels lined with tall marsh grass. It’s a wildlife sanctuary where you can see pelicans dive for their breakfast, eastern oysters cling to the banks, and wild bottlenose dolphins feed in the shallows.
- Explore Saint Helena Sound: a great half-day paddle with beautiful views of pristine marshland.
- Hit Hunting Island State Park: Provides you easy access to both quiet lagoons and open beach waters.
- Photo tip: The sunsets over the salt marsh are unbelievable so take lots of photos. If you plan on uploading high-res shots to your travel blog later without slowing down your site, a free tool like a JPG Converter helps clean up your file formats nicely.
5. San Juan Islands, WA
The San Juan Islands sit high in the Pacific Northwest between Washington State and Vancouver Island. This archipelago is a dreamland for sea kayakers with dense pine forests, calm sounds and snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Wildlife is the number one reason people come here to paddle. These cold, nutrient-rich waters support resident pods of killer whales, humpbacks, sea otters and seals. One of the best chances to see a whale from a kayak anywhere in the world is by paddling along the west side of San Juan Island.
- Paddling highlights: World-class whale watching, tranquil inland ocean routes and picturesque island campsites.
- Safety heads-up: The water here is freezing cold all year round, so wear a drysuit or proper thermal gear.
Ready to Roll?
There’s a certain peace and quiet to launching a kayak into the ocean that you just can’t duplicate on land. Any of these five coastlines will make for an unforgettable trip, whether you want to drift through sunny sea caves in Southern California or whale watch in the Pacific Northwest. So get out there, check the tides and grab your paddle!
