Water activities in LA are an absolute blast and lucky we have plenty to choose from! Whether you’re all about lounging by the beach or diving into the refreshing waves of the Pacific Ocean, you’re guaranteed to find a crew of fellow water enthusiasts to share in the excitement.
But hey, let’s not forget about the lesser-known water activities that are just as thrilling! If you’re looking for something fresh and exciting to do, buckle up because we’ve got some seriously awesome suggestions lined up for you.
Get ready to dive right into this post, where we’ll uncover the most underrated water activities in LA that are bound to make your next trip to the water even more amazing.
1 – Best Places to Rent a Swan Boat
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There are several beautiful locations where you can rent swan boats and enjoy a leisurely ride on the water. One of the best and well known places to go is Echo Park Lake. This very popular spot for swan boat rentals, is located in the heart of Los Angeles. Echo Park Lake is surrounded by stunning views of downtown LA and features a picturesque lotus bed. You can rent swan boats from the lake’s boathouse and explore the serene waters. Every July they also host the Lotus Festival at this park right by the water.
Next on our list is Lake Balboa in the San Fernando Valley. Lake Balboa is a scenic recreational area with a large lake. It offers swan boat rentals for visitors to enjoy a peaceful ride amidst beautiful surroundings. The lake is surrounded by walking paths, picnic areas, and lush greenery, so you can enjoy a day of fun activities with the whole family.
Also visit Colorado Lagoon in Long Beach. This is a hidden gem for swan boat rentals is across from Shoreline Village in Downtown Long Beach. The small lagoon provides a calm and intimate setting for a peaceful swan boat ride. For more options, you can also check out Legg Lake in Whittier, or the boating lake at MacArthur Park near downtown LA.
Location: various
Pic Credit: @wheel fun rentals
2 – Water Taxi Fun in LA
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Water taxis are so much fun and one of the most affordable ways you can quickly get out on the water. There are several great places near Los Angeles where you can take a water taxi and enjoy scenic views. Our first suggestion is Marina del Rey Water Bus, home of the largest man-made small-craft harbor in North America. You can take a water taxi from here and explore the marina, enjoy waterfront dining, or even cruise along the coast and its only $1 each way!
We also highly recommend the Long Beach water taxi. Make it a fun day for you and your kids visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific, then head towards the Aquarium dock and take the water taxi over to Alamitos Bay. But you can also explore many other popular destinations such as the Queen Mary, Shoreline Village, or explore the Naples Canals.
More fun places you can find water taxis include Newport Beach Water Shuttle, Catalina Island Ferry Service, and Channel Islands Cruises.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @visit long beach
3 – Kayaking in LA
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Do you love Kayak? We have some great suggestions for you, as of course, Sothern California has plenty of options for this popular water activity. First on our list is Marina Del Rey. Without a doubt Mothers Beach is one of the best starting points for beginners looking to get into kayaking and stand up paddling adventures. You can rent a kayak right on Mothers Beach and quickly start to explore the calm waters of the Marina.
Our second location suggestion for kayaking is Huntington Beach Harbor. This is a great option, with beautiful panoramas, a picturesque environment, for kayaking enthusiasts who want to do their exploring while breathing the salt water air. Paddle along the numerous channels, enjoy the sight of stunning waterfront homes, and observe the local marine life.
Also we recommend you to explore Castaic Lake, located less than an hour from the city and it offers a wonderful 29 miles of shoreline. If you don’t have your own kayak, you can rent one from the Castaic Lake Marina. They offer various types of kayaks, including single and tandem kayaks, as well as paddleboards. If you want a very unique urban kayaking experience look into the offerings from LA River Expeditions.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @ that adventure life
4 – Dolphin and Whale Watching
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Coastal living has so many and beautiful rewards and easy access to witness incredible natural sea life is one of them. Don’t miss out on the chance of taking a tour to one of the most spectacular activities available in our gorgeous coast, that is dolphin and whale watching, and sea lions too.
Our top 1 recommendation is Channel Islands National Park. Located off the coast of Southern California, Channel Islands National Park offers fantastic whale watching experiences. You can take a boat tour from Ventura or Oxnard to explore the park and its surrounding waters, where you have a good chance of spotting various whale species, including humpback whales, blue whales, gray whales, and more.
Next in our list is Newport Landing Whale Watching in Newport Beach. Located about 40 miles south of Los Angeles, Newport Landing Whale Watching offers year-round whale watching tours. They have experienced captains and knowledgeable naturalists who provide insights about marine life. You can expect to see dolphins, gray whales, blue whales, humpback whales, sea lions, and other marine creatures.
Also consider trying the LA Waterfront which offers cruises from San Pedro with Harbor Breeze Cruises, Dana Wharf Whale Watching located in Dana Point, and Malibu dolphin and whale watching with Malibu Coastal Adventures.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @visit dana point
5 – Best Spots to Go Paddle Boarding
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Did you know that just one hour of paddle boarding is a work out that can help you burn about 300 calories? Well there you go, if you didn’t already know now you do, that this is not just a fun activity but one that can get you in shape at the same time. This tranquil water activity is very popular in California because it gives you the opportunity to appreciate your beautiful surroundings on the water and we have so many great places for it.
One of our favorite destinations for paddle boarding is Zuma Beach in Malibu. This gorgeous stretch of coastline, known for its clean waters and scenic views, is an excellent place for paddle boarding. It can get very wavy here though, so it’s best suited for intermediate or advanced paddleboarders. There is a big difference between sup in a calm Marina vs out in the Ocean.
Both of our next suggestions, Mother’s Beach, and also Alamitos Bay, you can find in Long Beach. They are both great options for beginners because of the calm waters, and beautiful views. Alamitos Bay is an awesome spot for paddleboard beginners and experts, and you can also explore the nearby Naples Canals for a truly unique SUP experience.
More suggestions for great paddle boarding experience include Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, Malibu Lagoon State Beach, Santa Monica Beach, Marina del Rey, and Crystal Cove State Park.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @los angeles times
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!