More than a decade ago, when I moved to San Diego, the bays and ocean afforded me the opportunity to access a paddling lifestyle. At first kayaking was my fix, but then I gravitated towards standup paddleboarding because of the higher viewpoints it provides. Plus, you can sit or kneel while paddling, offering a variety of angles.
What am I viewing? Wildlife. Mission and San Diego Bays are home to myriad wildlife and I know that every time I glide across the water, I’m going to observe the animal kingdom. One of my favorite memories is of a gull that seemingly flew directly over my shoulder to land on a small dock. On that dock were two smaller gulls, fledglings it turned out. In a moment of time, I watched as the adult gull regurgitated sardines onto the deck and then assisted in getting them into the mouths of their young. Cycle of life, I thought, as I slowly paddled on the water’s surface.
The best places to standup paddleboard in San Diego according to a local
Mission Bay
San Diego’s Mission Bay consists of approximately 27 miles of shoreline, 19 of which are sandy beaches perfect for a stop. The bay itself is comprised of some 2000 water acres and is part of the larger Mission Bay Park, which totals about 4000 acres of man-made saltwater bay and recreational grounds. There is also a channel that provides access to the Pacific Ocean.
Mission Bay serves as a place for paddlers of all kinds, as well as kiters, anglers, water and jet skiers, and boat enthusiasts, among others. Yes, it can be a busy place, but if you get out on the water in the early morning or dusk hours, or during the off-season between October and April, SUPing on Mission Bay is a paddler’s delight complete with aquatic and aerial wildlife and distant views of rising foothills and roller coasters.
Where to launch your paddleboard on Mission Bay
There are numerous put-in spots around the bay, but I prefer the public parking at Bahia Point. It is a little less traveled than other better-known areas, andhas public restrooms.
Mission Bay paddleboard routes
From Bahia Point you can go north into the larger bay area, creating longer routes that include several coves. Paddling all the way to the northern terminus, which is a sub-bay area called Sail Bay, you can then go along the eastern shoreline, watching for rays and crabs in the grasses and sandy bottoms.
You can continue on, going under and past the Art and Anne McDaniel Bridge (Ingraham Street) in the direction of Crown Point. Watch for flocks of California least tern flying overhead as you paddle. They are a protected species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and some sections of land around the bay are off limits to human activity to protecting nesting. These are clearly signed and visible from the water. All told you can make a short trip through a few marinas in cove that’s around 1.5 miles or up and around to Crown Point and back for a more than four-mile loop.
If you are in it for a longer day, to the east is Fiesta Island, though it is not a true island, meaning you cannot paddle all the way around it. Check the map closely, determining which coves you many want to go check out, but noting that if you do paddle in the direction of the eastern side of the faux island, you will have to work your way back out and around to the open water of the bay. You could easily stretch a trip from Bahia to Fiesta Island and back up to eight miles depending on how deep along the eastern shore of Fiesta you’d like to go.
As you travel back to the McDaniel Bridge area, you can also work your way along the eastern shore of Vacation Isle by going south along it. The isle is a popular circumnavigation route for paddlers, offering several beautiful beaches for resting and refueling. As you paddle around it and come up and around the western shore watch for a sea lion or two in the water, as they are often seen in this area. In early 2024, a juvenile grey whale also spotted hanging around this area for a few weeks.
Worth the stop
Beach your SUP just north of the little marina on the western shore of Vacation Isle, maybe keep your paddle with you, bring your valuables, and walk on over to the Barefoot Bar and Grill for a bite.
The Pacific Ocean
For experienced paddleboarders seeking an adventurous trip from the Mission Bay Bahia Point parking area, go south and make your way to the Entrance Channel. Follow the inlet out into the Pacific Ocean, being cautious of motorboat traffic.
Once you exit the inlet you’ll be beyond the surf unless it is a big swell day. Turn “left” and go south past Ocean Beach, the Ocean Beach Pier, and to Sunset Cliffs—a 3.5 mile trip one way. Watch for dolphins, and if you are super lucky during whale migration (December through April) you might see a grey whale or three, as upwards of 15,000 – 20,000 of them migrate south and then back north along the San Diego coast.
On a clear day, looking south, you will even spot the Coronado Islands (not to be confused with San Diego’s Coronado Island) in Mexican waters.
San Diego Bay
San Diego Bay is another SUP-friendly location in the city environs. Locally, the southern part of it is called “South Bay,” which is the area I prefer to paddle.
Where to launch your paddleboard on San Diego Bay
To paddle the South Bay of San Diego Bay, I recommend going to a put-in at a little spit of sand right next to the Coronado Skate Park on Coronado Island. When you are coming over the bridge from the city, look down to your right as you are nearing the end of the bridge and you will see the small beach. Park your car in the public parking area in Tidelands Park. Get as close to the skate park as you can to shorten the distance for carrying your SUP.
San Diego Bay paddleboard routes
From the beach, you can paddle south into the wide open “South Bay” area. I suggest keeping to the Pacific Ocean side, which tends to be less trafficked with boats. This open bay stretches on for seven miles.
If you paddle north from the beach, you will get great views of the city skyline. Continuing north you will be in the vicinity of the naval base, with distant views of Point Loma peninsula in front of you. In 1769, the Spanish sailed into this area of the bay, home to the native Kumeyaay, who had already been living in the San Diego region for more than 10,000 years before colonization.
The northern end of San Diego Bay can be quite active with boats and even Navy ships. If you do paddle in and around the Shelter Island area (also not a true island), a good destination is the Shelter Island Pier, which is more than five miles paddle from the Coronado Skate Park.
Worth the stop
When you reach the Shelter Island Pier, go around to the back side of the pier. Look for the small landing dock. Use your leash to hitch your SUP to the dock, and ask if it is okay to keep it there for a maybe an hour. If not, paddle over to the shore, scramble up the rocks/boulders and make your way up onto the pier. The reason you’re here: Fathom Bistro. The bistro has one of the best beer selections in all of San Diego, all of the sausages are hand-made in-house using all-natural casings. This is a spot not to be missed.
Paddleboard rentals in San Diego
Mission Bay Aquatic Center
The Mission Bay Aquatic Center is a unique venture jointly owned and operated by San Diego State University’s Associated Students and University of California San Diego Recreation. They rent standup paddleboard gear, as well as for other watersports including kayaking, surfing, and sailing. The MBAC is open to the public and also offers various classes you can attend.
SUP Coronado
SUP Coronado has served San Diego Bay/Coronado Island paddleboarders since 2008. Rental wise, they have everything you need for a day of paddleboarding on San Diego Bay. They also offer guided tours.
A seal’s-eye-view of the San Diego paddleboard scene. | Feature photo: Ana Ramirez
