🌊 Best Places to Paddleboard in South OC

☀️ Summer’s Not Over Yet
School might be back in session, but in South OC it’s hotter now than it’s been all season which makes NOW the perfect time to get on the water.

The best part? You don’t need your own gear. Local rental shops will hand you a board right at the water’s edge, so all you have to do is hop on and go.

Paddleboarding has a super low barrier to entry— if you grab a wide, stable board you’ll be standing in minutes. It’s an easy, fun way to feel like you’re “on vacation” without leaving town.

Here’s where you can go to paddleboard where the board is already at the water’s edge, so no hauling required.

1. 🏞️ Lake Mission Viejo (Private lake – membership or guest pass required)
📍 22555 Olympiad Rd, Mission Viejo

• $13/hr for stand-up paddleboard rentals (for seniors it’s less)

• Boards are ready right on the dock

• Calm, freshwater lake that’s ideal for first-timers
  👉 Learn More

2. 🚤 Dana Point Harbor / Baby Beach

Pure Watersports
📍 34512 Embarcadero Pl, Dana Point

• Rentals from $26.50/hr

• Launch directly into the harbor at Baby Beach

• Easy parking nearby
  👉 Learn More

Westwind Sailing (OC Sailing & Events Center)
📍 34499 Ensenada Pl, Dana Point

• $25/hr, 1.5 hrs for $35, 2 hrs for $40

• Rentals include life jacket + basic instruction
  👉 Learn More

Killer Dana Surf Shop
📍 34451 Ensenada Pl, Dana Point (right by Baby Beach)

• Hourly & daily paddleboard rentals

• Walk up, rent, and paddle out—fast and simple
  👉 Learn More

3. 🏖 Laguna Beach
   La Vida Laguna
   📍 104 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach

• Guided paddleboard tours & lessons (~1.5 hrs)

• Includes expert instruction—perfect for beginners

• Explore kelp forests, serene coves, and sea lions at Seal Rock
  👉 Learn more

4 🌿 Newport Back Bay

Newport Aquatic Center
📍 1 Whitecliffs Dr, Newport Beach

• $20/hr for paddleboard rentals (includes life jacket & leash)

• Launch directly from the dock into calm, protected waters

• Paddle alongside egrets, herons, and the occasional sea lion
  👉 Learn more

5. Here’s a list of other places in Newport Beach you can launch your own paddleboard. The list was curated by our friend Jonathan, publisher of Back Bay Buzz, a newsletter that focuses on Newport and Costa Mesa.

🏄‍♀️ Want to Paddle Anytime, Anywhere?

If you think you’ll want to SUP more often, consider investing in an inflatable board like Nixy*. We bought one in 2016 and its still in perfect condition. (See photo at top.)

✅ Great for lakes and ocean
🧳 Packs into a backpack
🌊 Super stable and light to carry