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Kayaking: Recreational flatwater kayaking: lakes, calm rivers, and bays for paddlers of every level.

Kayaking · California

Kayaking in California

27 outfitters across California. Ratings, hours, contact details and a map for each, all in one place.

View 27 outfittersGet listed free

Mapped river miles

32,804 mi

3,353 named reaches

Rated 4.5+ on Google

24 of 27

Cities

20

Most in San Diego (5), Redondo Beach (3), South Lake Tahoe (2)

Best season

Year-round

Operators

Kayaking operators

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Tahoe City Kayak & Paddleboard Beach Rental

Tahoe City Kayak & Paddleboard Beach Rental

Tahoe City, CA4.4(44)
Rating from Google Maps

Tahoe City Kayak & Paddleboard Beach Rental is a kayak and canoe livery in Tahoe City, CA. Rated 4.4 by 44 reviews.

Rating from Google Maps
Watertreks EcoTours Jenner Kayaks

Watertreks EcoTours Jenner Kayaks

Jenner, CA4.1(30)
Rating from Google Maps

Watertreks EcoTours Jenner Kayaks is a kayak & canoe livery in Jenner. They offer rentals and guided tours on the Russian River Estuary. Rentals are available year-round.

Rating from Google Maps
Map of Venture Quest Kayak

Venture Quest Kayak

Santa Cruz, CA4.8(87)
Rating from Google Maps

Venture Quest Kayak is a kayak and canoe livery in Santa Cruz, CA. Rated 4.8 by 87 reviews.

Rating from Google Maps

Get listed free

Offer kayaking in California? Add your operation. Free, no commission.

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Rivers

Rivers and streams to paddle in California

Named rivers and streams mapped in California
32,804 mi
River reaches
3,353
Reaches with a USGS flow gauge
451

Rivers with the most mapped miles

  1. Dry Creek395 mi
  2. Sacramento River370 mi
  3. San Joaquin River339 mi
  4. Mill Creek301 mi
  5. Bear Creek288 mi
Browse every river in California

Source: USGS National Hydrography Dataset. Miles count the named river reaches on our map, not every river in the state.

Flow gauges: U.S. Geological Survey. Flood stages and forecasts: NOAA National Weather Service.

Kayaking in nearby states

Oregon

Nevada

Arizona

Resources

More to explore in Kayaking

Hand-picked videos and free guides from the community to help you plan your next trip.

Videos worth watching

Hand-picked clips, sorted by what you do.

  • YouTube

    Kayaking | How to Paddle a Kayak || REI

    REI

  • YouTube

    Kayaking | How to Get in Your Kayak || REI

    REI

  • YouTube

    Kayaking on Lakes – Everything You Need to Know

    PaddleTV

  • YouTube

    Kayaking on Rivers | Paddling for Beginners

    PaddleTV

  • YouTube

    Top 10 Kayaking Tips to Level Up Your Paddling

    PaddleTV

  • YouTube

    How to Train for Kayaking || REI

    REI

Guides worth reading

Trip briefs, prep checklists, and how-tos. Free to read.

Gear

Best PFD for Kayaking: Type III vs Type V Life Jackets

Jul 2026

Destinations

Best Flatwater Kayaking Destinations in the Southeast

Jul 2026

Gear

Sit-On-Top vs. Sit-Inside Kayak: Choose the Right Type

Jul 2026

Skills & Lessons

Whitewater Kayaking for Beginners: Class II-III Guide

Jul 2026

Free tools

Your free outdoor toolkit

View all tools
River ExplorerExplore named rivers from USGS data. Filter by water type, with live flow where a gauge sits.
Do I Need a License?Whether your state's boater education rule covers a kayak, canoe or paddleboard, and the months you must wear a life jacket.
Route PlannerDrop stops on a map and watch distance and drive time add up. Export a GPX or share the link.
Skill DrillsInteractive 3D drills, one decision at a time. Pick wrong and you watch it fail, then learn why.
Gear ChecklistsPrintable, save-as-you-go packing lists. Tick items off and pull them up on your phone.
Everything MapListings, trails, spots, clubs and public land on a single full-screen map. Switch layers on and off, then tap any point for the details.