Everyone knows the California coast—840 miles of world-class surf breaks, bays teeming with wildlife, and sportfishing. But the Golden State is also a place of lakes, rivers, and streams, with nearly 200,000 miles of waterways flowing through the state.
Whether you’re into surfing, paddleboarding, canoeing, or just a relaxing dinner cruise, California offers countless ways to get out on the water. Here are some excellent excursions and adventures to add to your next trip.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
1. Set Sail for Humboldt Bay
Not only is Humboldt Bay the second-largest in California, it’s also the only deep-water bay for almost 500 miles between San Francisco and southern Oregon. Virtually invisible from the Pacific, the bay in Humboldt County is protected from ocean swells, making it a haven for recreational boating.
Climb aboard a 38-foot sloop for a private tour with the family-run First Class Sailing Humboldt. Or, if you’d prefer to steer the helm yourself, the Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center offers rentals and classes.
2. Take a Klamath River Jet Boat Tour
Go out on a high-octane journey that starts at the Pacific and travels deep into the redwood forests of Yurok Country on Klamath River Jet Boat Tours. This is no lazy river, the two-hour tour flies through over 45 miles of high-speed fun.
While jet boat rides definitely deliver a rush, tours also slow down as boat operators share stories about the river and Yurok culture. Along the way, keep your eyes open for black bears, bald eagles, and elk.
3. Raft the Trinity River
Fed by snowmelt flowing from the Trinity Alps, 203 miles of the Trinity River running through Humboldt and Trinity counties were designated part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 1981. A major tributary of the Klamath River, the Trinity is an uncrowded rafting destination, with stretches ideal for leisurely floats, as well as Class III runs with pumping rapids and big drops.
Both Bigfoot Rafting and Trinity River Rafting lead whitewater tours with outstanding wildlife viewing.
4. Paddle Shasta Lake
With 365 miles of shoreline, Shasta Lake near Redding is California’s largest reservoir and a hub for fun on the water, from houseboating to bass fishing.
Shasta Lake is also a great paddling destination, whether you’re into kayaking, canoeing, or want to test your balance on a paddleboard. Rentals are available at Shasta Marina at Packers Bay and Holiday Harbor Resort and Marina.
5. Discover San Francisco’s Wilder Side
Celebrated in Susan Casey’s bestseller The Devil’s Teeth, the Farallon Islands—27 miles off the Golden Gate Bridge—are technically part of the city of San Francisco. But with five types of whales, orcas, hundreds of thousands of seabirds, and lots of great white sharks, things get plenty wild out there.
The Oceanic Society calls the Farallons “one of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet” and leads daylong island whale-watching trips narrated by expert naturalists.
6. See the Best of San Francisco Bay
If you’ve ever gazed out at San Francisco Bay and been tempted to get out on the water, try City Experiences’ Bay Discovery Cruise. The 90-minute cruise is an introduction to the bay’s greatest hits: the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and more. If the weather is good, you even get to sail under the Golden Gate. And if the cruise whets your appetite for a more immersive experience, several Alcatraz tour options are also available.
7. Go Wildlife Watching in a River Marsh
Petaluma knows a thing or two about fowl. Once nationally famous for its many chicken farms, this Sonoma County town earned the nickname “Egg Capital of the World.”
But on kayaking tours of Petaluma Marsh with Clavey Paddlesports, it’s birds of a different feather who are the stars. Four-hour, eight-mile paddles in tandem kayaks explore the sloughs in this Petaluma River wetland. It’s California’s largest surviving brackish marsh and habitat for migrating waterfowl and a diverse assortment of wetland birds.
8. Cruise into Sacramento History
Sacramento is truly a river city. It’s at the confluence of the Sacramento River and American River, and there’s no better way to appreciate the state capital’s connections to its waterways than on City Experiences’ 60-minute Historic Sacramento River Cruise.
You’ll hear stories about Sacramento history and see such landmarks as the Tower Bridge and the Delta King. Christened in 1927, the 285-foot-long paddlewheel riverboat operated between Sacramento and San Francisco—and you can still enjoy a dinner on the boat, or even stay overnight in one of its state rooms.
9. Grab Some Air in the Delta
It’s fair to say that Sherman Island in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta isn’t well-known to the typical traveler— unless you’re a kiteboarder. From spring into fall, a combination of the fabled Delta breeze and warm, flat water—with just the right amount of chop—transforms Sherman Island into a kiteboarding hot spot that ranks with North America’s best. Make your way to this little island, nestled between San Francisco and Sacramento for lessons with Edge Kiteboarding School or Kitopia.
CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
10. Catch a Wave in Santa Cruz
Even if you’ve never caught a swell, you can join the local surfing tradition with lessons from Surf School Santa Cruz. Private and group sessions are available at Pleasure Point and Cowell Beach, two spots better suited for beginners than the more serious waves at such epic Santa Cruz breaks as Steamer Lane.
11. Seek Sea Otters at Elkhorn Slough
Land and sea come together in Monterey County at Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve to create what’s been called “one of California’s last great coastal wetlands.” Elkhorn Slough extends inland for seven miles and is a haven for migratory birds and such marine mammals as sea lions, harbor seals, and California’s largest population of southern sea otters.
Head out on educational wildlife cruises with Elkhorn Slough Safari. Or explore the slough on guided paddles with Monterey Bay Kayaks.
12. Fish in San Luis Obispo County
With busy harbors at Avila Beach and Morro Bay and bountiful ocean waters, San Luis Obispo County is a top sportfishing destination. During half- or full-day charters, there’s outstanding fishing for halibut, rockfish, and lingcod. And when the waters warm up a bit, it’s time for yellowtail and bluefin tuna.
Try Avila Beach’s Patriot Sport Fishing and Morro Bay operations such as Central Coast Fishing Charters, Morro Bay Landing, or Virg’s Landing.
13. Hit the (Water) Trail on Lake Tahoe
There’s no shortage of trails in Lake Tahoe whether you’re on foot or floating—the region has hundreds of miles to hike and paddle. Divided into seven day-trip segments, the California Tahoe Conservancy’s Lake Tahoe Water Trail edges the shoreline of this crystalline alpine lake for 72 miles.
With trailhead signs and extensive planning information for both day and overnight outings, the trail makes it easy for kayakers, paddleboarders, and canoeists to get the most out of their time on the lake. There are also listings for Lake Tahoe rentals.
14. Float Down a Lazy River or Take on Rapids in Yosemite
There’s no better way to slow down and chill out than with a relaxed, 3-mile float or paddle along the Merced River’s cool waters. Float beneath the towering landmarks that define Yosemite like Half Dome and El Capitan. Raft rentals are available at the park’s Curry Village or you can bring your own inner tube or raft. Or, get your heart pumping on a white water rafting trip in the park with OARS or, near Yosemite, with Sierra Mac.
Keep in mind that river levels are only suitable for rafting during a brief period in summer, usually parts of June and July.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
15. Explore Catalina’s Undersea World
If you’ve ever dreamed of living out the famous Beatles song, then you’ll love two real-life submarine adventures on Catalina Island. Indeed, the Nautilus is a yellow submarine and takes aspiring aquanauts six feet below the surface to view vividly orange garibaldi (California’s state marine fish) and other kelp creatures. Or you can descend into the modest depths aboard the Sea Wolf for underwater journeys in Avalon Harbor.
16. Dine on the Water
With protected harbors at Marina del Rey, Long Beach, Newport Beach, and San Diego, Southern California is the perfect place to pair an elegant dinner and an evening on the water. City Experiences serves up two-and-a-half-hour dinner cruises at these destinations, with menus that include smoked chili-rubbed salmon, pineapple upside down cake, and even bottomless mimosa brunch buffets. Add full bars, DJs, and those incredible Southern California sunsets for all of the makings of an unforgettable experience.
17. See Sea Creatures by the Seashore
Encompassing 6,000 acres of kelp forests, reefs, and sandy beaches, the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve offers an incredible opportunity to discover the rich diversity of local marine life.
Among the highlights is the annual summer gathering of thousands of leopard sharks in the shallows of La Jolla Shores Beach. Snorkel on your own with these harmless five-foot-long sharks or head out with such local companies as Bike and Kayak Tours and La Jolla Kayak.
18. Waterski at Lake Arrowhead
The timeless Lake Arrowhead image features Chris-Craft powerboats and water-skiers cutting wakes across the cobalt-colored waters, with slopes of ponderosa pines in the distance.
Since 1946, Lake Arrowhead’s McKenzie Water Ski School has taught beginners the basics and helped more advanced skiers develop new skills. Lessons over a two-mile course include a boat, captain, and instructor; the school also teaches kneeboarding and wakeboarding.
Plan Your Trip
For more ideas on water-based activities in California, check out these river rafting adventures across the state and amazing things to do around Lake Tahoe. If you’re heading to San Diego, consider these ideas for boat trips, paddleboarding, and kayaking.