Kayaking in Long Beach, California – Los Angeles Paddling Paradise (2025)

The first time I paddled through the Naples canals in Long Beach, I couldn't believe this slice of Italy existed just 20 miles from downtown LA. My rental kayak glided past million-dollar homes while moon jellies drifted beneath me like underwater ghosts. A gondolier serenaded his passengers under an arched bridge, and I thought - this beats sitting in traffic on the 405 any day.

After testing the waters from Seal Beach to Marina del Rey over the past decade, I've discovered that Long Beach offers the most diverse kayaking in Southern California. Whether you're chasing harbor seals in Alamitos Bay or exploring the wetlands of Newport Back Bay, this coastal playground delivers year-round paddling that'll make you forget you're in the middle of America's second-largest city.

Quick Info

• Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
• Best Season: Year-round (best April-October)
• Water Type: Protected bays, canals, and ocean
• Key Hazards: Boat traffic, afternoon winds, occasional strong currents

Getting There

From Los Angeles

Take I-405 South to Studebaker Road exit, head south toward the ocean for 4.2 miles, then turn right on E. 2nd Street. Most launch spots are within 5 minutes from here.

From Orange County

Take CA-22 West to Studebaker Road exit, head south 1.2 miles, turn right on E. 2nd Street.

Parking Info

• Alamitos Bay/Naples: Free street parking (arrive before 10am on weekends)
• 2nd Street meters: $1.50/hour
• Mother's Beach: Free lot, fills by 11am summer weekends
• Newport locations: Mix of free and metered ($2/hour)

Launch Sites

• Kayak Rentals (5318 E 2nd St): Direct beach launch, easiest access
• Mother's Beach: Protected launch, great for beginners
• Davies Launch Ramp: Free public ramp for personal kayaks
• North Star Beach (Newport): Free launch, ample parking

Fees

• Launching personal kayaks: FREE at all public beaches
• Parking: $0-$2/hour depending on location

What to Expect?

The magic of kayaking Long Beach starts the moment you push off from shore. In Alamitos Bay, the water stays glass-calm most mornings, perfect for warming up before exploring further. The protected waters mean you'll rarely deal with waves, though afternoon winds can kick up around 10am.

Water Conditions

Summer brings the calmest conditions with water temps hitting 68-72°F. I've paddled here in January wearing just a rashguard - the water rarely drops below 58°F. Morning fog burns off by 9am most days, revealing those famous Southern California blue skies.

Wildlife

Last week I counted 15 harbor seals lounging on the docks near the Seal Beach jetty. California sea lions cruise through regularly, and if you're lucky, dolphins might escort you through the main channel. The moon jellies show up May through September - harmless, translucent blobs that kids love to (gently) touch.

Scenery Highlights

The Naples canals steal the show with their Italian-inspired bridges and waterfront mansions. But don't miss the contrast when you paddle from multimillion-dollar yacht clubs into the pristine wetlands of Newport Back Bay, where great blue herons stalk through the shallows.

Typical Weather

Morning calm gives way to afternoon breezes almost like clockwork. I always tell first-timers: launch by 8am, be back by noon. Summer brings morning fog that creates ethereal paddling conditions - like gliding through a dream.

Best Routes

Route 1: Naples Canals Loop

• Distance: 2.5 miles
• Time: 1-2 hours
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Highlights: Gondolas, waterfront homes, moon jellies

Launch from the beach at Kayak Rentals and cross the main channel to enter Rivo Alto Canal. The circular route takes you under four picturesque bridges - duck your head at low tide! Keep an eye out for the moon jellies congregating near the eastern bridge from June through August. Exit back to the main channel and you can extend your paddle to Marine Stadium if you're feeling energetic.

Route 2: Alamitos Bay Grand Tour

• Distance: 6 miles
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Highlights: Seal watching, beach restaurants, bird sanctuary

This route hits all the highlights. From Mother's Beach, paddle clockwise around the bay, ducking into Spinnaker Bay to check for jellies. Continue past the yacht clubs to the Seal Beach jetty - seals guaranteed on sunny days. The protected side of the peninsula offers calm water for lunch stops at one of six waterfront restaurants accessible by kayak.

Route 3: Newport Back Bay Nature Loop

• Distance: 4.1 miles to end of navigable water
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate
• Highlights: Birds, pristine wetlands, stunning cliff views

Launch from North Star Beach and head into the ecological reserve. No motorboats allowed here, just you and the birds. I've spotted everything from endangered least terns to massive brown pelicans. The limestone cliffs frame your paddle as you explore side channels teeming with fish.

Route 4: Huntington Harbour Islands

• Distance: 5 miles full loop
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Highlights: Five islands, luxury homes, quiet canals

Put in at Trinidad Park and explore all five artificial islands. Trinidad Island's mega-mansions will make your jaw drop. The calm harbor waters make this perfect for photography - bring a waterproof camera.

Essential Gear for Long Beach Waters

Southern California's mild climate means minimal gear requirements, but the right equipment makes all the difference. If you're considering your own kayak, understanding kayak weight and transport options helps with the frequent loading and unloading at various launch spots.

Must-Have Items

• PFD: Required by law, and Long Beach Harbor Patrol checks
• Sun protection: The water reflection doubles UV exposure
• Paddle leash: I've retrieved too many floating paddles to count
• Dry bag: For phones, keys, and snacks
• Water: 2 liters minimum - you'll get thirsty

Seasonal Gear

Summer (June-September):

• Rashguard or light wetsuit top
• Polarized sunglasses (essential for spotting jellies)
• Extra water - it gets hot out there

Winter (December-March):

• 3mm wetsuit or wetsuit top
• Neoprene gloves for cold mornings
• Waterproof phone case (winter swells = more splash)

Safety Equipment Needed

When paddling these busy waterways, visibility is crucial. Consider kayak safety mods like flag mounts or LED lights for foggy mornings. Harbor Patrol appreciates kayakers who make themselves visible to boat traffic.

Local Tips

After 10 years paddling these waters, here's what I wish someone had told me starting out:

Best Launch Times

Beat the crowds and wind - water turns glass-calm 6-8am. By 10am, every rental place has lines and the afternoon westerlies start building. September and October bring the best conditions all day long.

Where Locals Go?

Skip the main channel on busy weekends. We head straight for the back canals behind Bay Island or explore the hidden lagoons near Colorado Lagoon. The northwestern corner of Marine Stadium stays empty even on holiday weekends.

Hidden Spots

There's a tiny beach inside Spinnaker Bay perfect for swim breaks. The moon jellies congregate in a specific corner of the Naples canals - look for the house with the blue tile roof. Behind the Seal Beach pier, a protected cove offers seal watching without the boat traffic.

What to Avoid?

• The main channel during sailing regattas (check the yacht club calendars)
• Paddling near the Queen Mary after 2pm (tour boat wakes)
• The gap between the jetties on outgoing tides (strong current)
• Marine Stadium during water skiing competitions

Where to Stay/Eat?

Kayak-Friendly Accommodations

The Pacific Inn on PCH has a gear storage area and outdoor shower - perfect for kayakers. They're used to early morning departures for dawn patrol paddlers.

Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel sits right on the water with private beach access. Launch your kayak from their beach and you're in the canals within minutes.

Post-Paddle Food

Boathouse on the Bay - Dock your kayak and grab fish tacos on their waterfront patio. They have a designated kayak tie-up area.

Ballast Point Brewery - After exploring Naples, nothing beats their sculpin IPA and harbor views. Free kayak parking on their beach.

Tantalum Restaurant - Upscale option with a killer happy hour (3-6pm). Their poke bowl refuels you perfectly after a long paddle.

Mother's Beach Cafe - Cash only, but their breakfast burritos are legendary among local paddlers. Order the "Kayaker Special" - they'll know.

Essential Rental Info & Pricing

Current rental prices have increased slightly post-2020, but Long Beach still offers the best deals in SoCal:

Kayak Rentals on the Water (Alamitos Bay)

• Single kayak: $15/hour
• Tandem kayak: $20/hour
• SUP: $20/hour
• Hours: 9am-5pm daily
• Contact: KayakRentals.net

They make it ridiculously easy - watch a safety video online, show the email confirmation, grab a life jacket and launch within 5 minutes. No deposit required.

Newport Aquatic Center (Back Bay)

• Single kayak: $22/hour
• Tandem kayak: $30/hour
• Hours: 8am-sunset
• Guided tours: $45/person

First-come, first-served on weekends. Arrive before 9am or you'll be waiting.

Advanced Paddling Adventures

Ready to level up? Long Beach serves as the perfect launchpad for ocean kayaking. The protected bays let you build skills before tackling open water.

Catalina Island Day Trips

Catch the 7am Catalina Express from Long Beach ($37.50 each way). Rent kayaks in Avalon for $40/half-day and explore sea caves along the coast. The clear water reveals garibaldi fish 20 feet below.

Open Ocean Paddling

Launch from Seal Beach during small surf days. Paddle south along the coast to Huntington Beach pier - about 4 miles each way. Only for experienced paddlers with proper ocean touring kayaks.

LA River Expeditions

May through September, guided tours explore the LA River through Long Beach. It's surreal paddling past industrial areas knowing you're in the same waterway that runs through downtown LA.

Planning Your Long Beach Kayak Adventure

Navigation Tools

Download the top kayaking apps before launching. Navionics shows water depths and hazards, while Windy predicts those afternoon breezes perfectly.

Registration Requirements

Good news - California doesn't require kayak registration for human-powered vessels. Just follow basic navigation rules and stay clear of swimmers.

Joining the Community

Long Beach Paddlers Club meets Saturday mornings at Mother's Beach. Show up at 8am for group paddles - all skill levels welcome. They know every secret spot worth exploring.

FAQ Section

What's the deal with the moon jellies everyone talks about?

The moon jellies (Aurelia aurita) show up in the warmer months, especially in the Naples canals and Spinnaker Bay. These translucent jellies don't sting humans - they're completely harmless. Kids love gently touching them. The Aquarium of the Pacific actually collects them from here for their touch tanks.

Can beginners kayak in Long Beach?

Absolutely! The protected waters of Alamitos Bay and Naples canals are perfect for first-timers. Mother's Beach offers the calmest conditions - I've taught dozens of friends to paddle there. Just avoid the main channel during busy boat traffic times.

When is the best time of year for kayaking in Long Beach?

While you can paddle year-round, September and October bring the best conditions - warm water, light winds, and smaller crowds. April through June offers great wildlife viewing. Avoid holiday weekends unless you love dodging jet skis.

Do I need to worry about sharks?

In 15 years of paddling here, I've never seen a shark in the bays. Leopard sharks (harmless bottom-feeders) occasionally cruise the shallows, but great whites stay offshore. You're more likely to get bumped by a curious sea lion.

How much does parking cost near the kayak launches?

Street parking around 2nd Street and Naples runs $1.50/hour at meters. Free parking exists on side streets but fills early. Mother's Beach and North Star Beach (Newport) offer free lots. Arrive before 9am on weekends or bring quarters for meters.

Can I bring my dog kayaking?

Yes, but with restrictions. Dogs need their own PFD and can't walk on beaches - you'll need to carry them to/from the kayak. Many rental places allow dogs on tandem kayaks. I've seen everything from chihuahuas to golden retrievers out there.

What about fishing from kayaks?

Long Beach offers excellent kayak fishing, especially around Belmont Pier for halibut and calico bass. You'll need a California fishing license. The jetties produce year-round, but watch the tides.

Is Newport Beach or Long Beach better for kayaking?

Both are fantastic, but Long Beach edges ahead for variety. You get urban canals, protected bays, and easy ocean access. Newport Back Bay wins for nature viewing, while Long Beach offers more dining and entertainment options. Why choose? Paddle both!

How do the rental places handle safety?

All rentals include PFDs and basic safety briefings. Most require watching a 5-minute video covering navigation rules and emergency procedures. Staff monitors weather and will cancel rentals if conditions deteriorate. Harbor Patrol cruises regularly.

Are there restrooms at the launch sites?

Yes - Mother's Beach, Marine Park, and all rental locations have facilities. The Naples canals area has public restrooms at the beach. Pack toilet paper as beach restrooms sometimes run out on busy days.

Can I launch my own kayak anywhere?

Stick to designated launch areas to avoid issues. Davies Launch Ramp, Mother's Beach, and any public beach allow free launching. Some yacht clubs and private docks will tow illegally parked kayaks. When in doubt, ask locals.

What if I want to try whitewater kayaking instead?

While Long Beach doesn't offer whitewater, it's perfect for building fundamental skills. Master your paddle strokes here before heading to the Kern River. Check out whitewater kayaking basics when you're ready to progress.

Bottom Line

Long Beach delivers the complete SoCal kayaking experience without the pretension of other beach towns. Where else can you paddle past gondolas in the morning, have lunch at a waterfront brewery, and wrap up watching seals at sunset - all for the price of a movie ticket?

Whether you're escaping LA traffic for a few hours or planning a full day on the water, these protected waterways offer something special. The moon jellies will mesmerize you, the harbor seals will entertain you, and before you know it, you'll be planning your next paddle.

See you on the water at Alamitos Bay!