Best Places To Go Paddling In Monterey County

Located on the Pacific coast of California, Monterey County offers everything from the panoramic views of the breathtaking coastline to exquisite wine and tons of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed every day. Whether you want to explore the culture and history of the area or navigate the crystal blue waters, there is something for you. Thanks to its excellent location and the longest coastline in the state of California, Monterey County has become a watersport paradise, and a hot spot for paddle boarding in California. So, let's dive deeper and find out everything there is to know about paddle boarding in Monterey County!

Best Seasons For Paddle Boarders

In addition to the beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife, Monterey County is blessed with a mild climate all year round as well. Now, let's see what is the best season for paddle boarders to explore this wonderful water sport in the area: 

• Spring: The Monterey weather this time of year is in the lower 60s, and there is very little rain. If you want to visit this area in spring and try SUP, May is the best month for this adventure.
• Summer: Summer in Monterey is a pleasant change from the hot and humid conditions that prevail throughout much of the United States. Temperatures are in the mid-60s thanks to ocean breezes, and it hardly ever rains. So, there is no doubt you'll have a great time paddle boarding in Monterey this time of year.
• Fall: Since September is the warmest month of the year, with temperatures rising up to 70 degrees, fall is the favorite season among paddleboarders in this area. With the tourist crowd clearing out and the temperature going up, there is no better time for SUP. You can even bring your dog and turn this into a life-changing experience.
• Winter: While the winter is also mild in Monterey County, it rains a lot, and the wind can be pretty intense. So, this isn't the ideal time for paddlers to launch their boards in the water.

With its long coastline and mild climate, Monterey makes a perfect place for paddle boarding. Photo via Shutterstock.

All things considered, what makes Monterey County unique and desirable is the mild weather all year round in the middle of California. This isn't something you get to experience every day in this warm state, and it's a true refreshment. That's precisely why many people decide to relocate to the Monterey area. So, if you want to reach the place stress-free, make sure to find the best long-distance movers in the area.

Hot Spots For Paddle Boarding In Monterey County

The most challenging part of arranging a paddling adventure is determining where to go. If you're ready for an open-water experience, SUP is an amazing way to explore Monterey Bay, offering amazing sights of marine wildlife and magnificent coastal scenery. Let's take a look at some of the hot spots for paddle boarding in Monterey County.

Lovers Point

Lovers Point Beach and Park in Pacific Grove has long been one of the favorite sites for both locals and tourists. With its sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, swimming pools, and huge lawn area, this place makes for the perfect spot for families and water sports. Besides picnics and plain air painting, Lovers Point is one of the only sites on the West Coast where you can actually see the sunrise over the water tanks to its unusual east-facing orientation. 

Lovers Point Beach has been Pacific Grove's most popular site for waterfront recreation for over a century. Surfers enjoy its consistent waves, while paddle boarders find it an ideal launching point from which to explore Monterey Bay's coastline and marine wildlife.

Lovers Point is a great place to spend time with loved ones, in and near the water. Photo via Shutterstock.

Big Sur

Big Sur's beaches showcase the rough, untamed California coastline at its best. While some of Big Sur's remote beaches are accessible by car, you'll have to hike to get to most of them. But don't despair - it's all worth it when you see unspoiled sandy beaches with stunning views. And once you launch your paddle board in the water, you'll get a front-row experience of some of the most beautiful marine life in the world. You're likely to see some seals, dolphins, sunfish, sea lions, and sea otters, and if you're lucky, you'll even get to see a great white whale.

One thing is for sure - the Big Sur is a not-so-hidden gem of Monterey that offers once-in-a-lifetime water adventures that you simply cannot miss if you're in the area.

If you want to experience the wildness of California waters, you need to visit Big Sur. Photo via Shutterstock.

Old Fisherman's Wharf

A trip to the picturesque Monterey Peninsula just isn’t complete without a visit to Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Known as the “Monterey Bay Whale Watching Capital of the World”, Old Fisherman's Wharf offers a variety of waterfront activities for the whole family. These include whale watching and bay cruises, glass bottom boat tours, fishing, and sailing. 

The best thing about this spot is that you get to experience the marine life “up close and personal” while paddle boarding on the clear and adventurous waters of this area, making it the perfect getaway for paddle board lovers.

This is a top spot for paddle boarding, and you can double dip by spending a nice evening here with friends or family. Photo via Shutterstock.

Carmel Beach

Carmel Beach, located at the foot of Ocean Avenue, is one of the most renowned sites on California's Central Coast and has been named "One of America's Top Beach Towns." It invites both visitors and locals alike from day to night to enjoy the stunning views and numerous exciting activities.

The panorama from the water is breathtaking for paddle boarders. From Point Lobos on the south to Pebble Beach on the north, the ocean is crystal clear, adding to the ambiance and serenity of a fantastic ride.

Point Lobos Natural Reserve, near the small, quaint town of Carmel-By-The-Sea. Photo via Shutterstock.

Other Paddlers

Monterey County has been a paddler's paradise for so long, and for a good reason. With the longest coastline in California and many popular and off-the-beaten-track beaches, clear water, an abundance of marine wildlife, and a strong SUP community, it's no wonder paddle boarders consider this area a favorite launch spot in the state. Besides the four spots we talked about, there are many more to visit and explore on your paddle board. If you want to find some hidden gems, it's best to ask local renters about them - they know the best! Some of the best local renters and guides include Adventures By the Sea, Monterey Bay Kayaks, Pacific Grove Adventures, and many more.

Looking to store your own paddle board while visiting Monterey County?

If you're a passionate paddle boarder and you have your own board that you bring with you on vacations, consider storing it safely while not using it. As the storage experts from Verified Movers like to point out - it's essential to make sure that your paddle board is stored under favorable conditions along with your other water sports equipment. So, make sure to find the best storage option for these things as soon as you arrive, and you won't have to worry about it being broken, stolen, or ruined somewhere between your paddle boarding adventures in Monterey County.

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