There’s a reason why kayakers love La Jolla, California: the area has a stunning coastline, colorful marine life, and crystalline waters perfect for paddling adventures. 

Whether you have years of kayaking experience under your belt, or you’re just starting to enjoy this peaceful outdoor activity, La Jolla has plenty of spots for you to explore. Located in San Diego, there’s way more to do during your vacation than just kayak but if you’re here for just that, you’re in for a treat!

Let’s take a look at some of the best spots for kayaking in La Jolla, from peaceful coves to lush marine reserves.

1. La Jolla Cove

• Address: 1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
• Best for: Exploring marine life and kayaking in calm waters

La Jolla Cove is a must-visit destination for kayakers. As part of the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park, this protected marine reserve is teeming with sea life, including leopard sharks, sea lions, and bright orange Garibaldi fish. 

The calm waters make it an ideal spot for beginners, while the vibrant underwater ecosystem tempts snorkelers and divers as well. 

If you come on a clear day, water visibility can sometimes go beyond 30 feet! Paddle along the rocky cliffs to see the famous sea caves, or simply enjoy the stunning views of the coastline.

2. Mission Bay

• Address: 2688 E Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
• Best for: Flatwater kayaking and family outings

Just a short drive from La Jolla, Mission Bay offers peaceful waters that are great for flatwater workouts like kayaking. Due to its popularity, this expansive bay has plenty of amenities, which makes your day out more comfortable. 

Enjoy the calm, flat waters and take breaks at any of the surrounding parks, picnic areas, and sandy beaches, which make it a particularly welcoming location for families. 

Consider booking a kayak tour in the evening so that you can catch the bioluminescence glowing in the bay!

3. La Jolla Underwater Park

• Address: 8302 Camino del Oro, La Jolla, CA 92037
• Best for: Exploring marine reserves and underwater scenery

This 6,000-acre ecological reserve is one of La Jolla’s shining treasures! It’s split into two sections: the Ecological Reserve and the Marine Life Refuge. 

Paddling through the La Jolla Underwater Park offers a fantastic opportunity to explore kelp forests, deepwater canyons, and more. Many kayakers take it a step further and pack their snorkeling gear so that they can personally experience the marine life, which contains everything from schools of fish to stingrays and even the occasional friendly sea turtle! 

The park features four unique habitats—kelp beds, sandy flats, rocky reefs, and submarine canyons (in fact, Scripps Canyon and La Jolla Canyon are two of the most researched underwater canyons in the world!)—so there’s always plenty to see.

4. La Jolla Sea Caves

• Address: Access via guided tours departing from 2261 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037
• Best for: Adventurous paddlers and guided tours

The La Jolla Sea Caves are a fantastic kayaking spot and a fun way to take in the stunning natural beauty of the area! The system of no less than seven sea caves are not just any caves—they’re among the best in Southern California, inspiring kayakers from inside a million-year-old sandstone coastline. 

You can thank millennia of erosion for the beautiful formations. 

While you can certainly explore the caves on your own, many people prefer to join a guided tour for a safer experience. Knowledgeable tour guides can not only lead you through safely, but also share stories and knowledge about the area’s geology and wildlife as they paddle you through some of the most accessible caves. 

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for seals basking on the rocks.

5. Coronado Beach

• Address: 919 Ocean Blvd, Coronado, CA 92118
• Best for: Scenic paddles and ocean kayaking

Just a short, 25-minute drive from La Jolla, you’ll find the beautiful Coronado Beach—this is your spot if you want to blend a kayaking adventure with a day in the sun! 

With its soft, white sands and gentle waves makes this one of San Diego’s most well-loved beaches. As you paddle along the shoreline, you’ll be treated to gorgeous views of the famous Victorian-style Hotel del Coronado and more of the San Diego skyline. 

Both new and experienced kayakers can enjoy the calm waters and picturesque scenery during a laid-back paddle.

6. Children’s Pool Beach

• Address: 850 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
• Best for: Viewing seals and exploring marine life

Although it’s called Children’s Pool Beach, this spot is much more famous for its adorable resident seals and sea lions than for swimming! The Children’s Pool itself is a quaint beach that’s partially guarded by a seawall. 

Kayakers enjoy this sheltered cove, especially those looking to get a closer look at playful marine creatures. As you paddle quietly, you can watch the seals basking on the rocks or swimming playfully alongside your kayak. 

While the waters can get a bit bumpy at times (the coral reefs that are popular with scuba divers create choppy waters), seeing the wildlife in this location is worth it for seasoned paddlers. Just remember to keep a respectful distance from the seals so you don’t disturb their natural routine. 

Note that the Children’s Pool Beach is closed to public access during harbor seal pupping season, Dec. 15 through May 15, yearly. 

7. Carlsbad Lagoon

• Address: 4215 Harrison St, Carlsbad, CA 92008
• Best for: Beginners and family-friendly kayaking

If you’re looking for a relaxing kayaking adventure, Carlsbad Lagoon is just a short 30-minute drive north of La Jolla! This lovely lagoon is the perfect spot for beginners and anyone wanting to take it easy on the water, or for those who want to kayak with kids. 

Stretching 1.7 miles from north to south and a half-mile wide, it has a depth of about 8-10 feet. Thanks to its shallow nature, the water tends to be a few degrees warmer than the ocean and is mostly saltwater, which first time kayakers love! 

There are also several shops nearby for kayak rentals that make getting on the water a breeze. Besides kayaking, you can rent a paddleboard or waverunner. During the summer, try to catch their Row in the Dark event: a glow in the dark adventure accompanied by live music, campfires on the beach, and organized games!

Exploring the Best Kayaking Spots in La Jolla

Want more great kayaking in California? Here’s our full guide to kayaking in California so the fun doesn’t have to stop in La Jolla.

Kayaking in La Jolla isn’t just about being on the water; it’s an exciting chance to connect with nature, take in beautiful views, and get up-close-and-personal with colorful marine life. All you have to do is choose your adventure.

Whether you’re partial to scenic coastal views, calm and family-friendly waters, or a rich ecosystem bursting with underwater creatures, there’s a perfect kayaking spot just for you. So, grab your paddle, settle into your boat, get ready for a La Jolla kayak adventure!