Best Places for Paddleboarding in the USA

Written by Jordan in Alaska,Arizona,California,Destinations,Florida,Minnesota,Texas,USA TravelLast Updated January 22, 2023

I’m sure you know by now, that I am a big fan of getting outside and seeing everything the great United States has to offer. Usually, this is in the form of a good day hike, but every now and then I like to explore from the water! Kayaking and paddleboarding are quickly becoming some of my favorite things to do. This post will help you discover the best travel spots for paddleboarding in the USA!

best places to paddleboard in the united states

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1. Florida Keys

Head to the southernmost point of the USA—or near it—for a weekend paddleboarding in the sunshine. The Florida Keys provide you with an abundance of water outlets and outdoor destinations, from mangrove tunnels to the great blue ocean.

Paddleboarding in and around the Keys exposes you to a range of wildlife—such as manatees, sting rays, and diverse ecosystems, as well as plenty of vitamin D. After a paddle, enjoy some classic island life refreshers, such as fresh sugarcane juice and coconut water or a delicious adult beverage at many of the outdoor bars.

Paddleboard Rentals in the Keys

  • Aquaholics (Key Largo & Islamorada)
  • KeyKayak (Free delivery between Mile Marker 105 and Mile Marker 0).
  • Paddle! (Key Largo & Islamorada–Mangrove Paddle Tour options! Free Delivery between MM 100 and 80)

Keep reading: MORE Adventurous Things to do in the Florida Keys

2. Glacier Bay, AK

If you don’t mind the cold (you’ll have a dry suit on), enjoy a guided paddleboarding tour at Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Alaska. A cruise out on Glacier Bay gives you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You get to paddle out to glaciers and get close to seals. You might even experience a close encounter with a whale!

Paddleboarding Glacier Bay requires more procedures and skills, but if you hop on a guided paddleboard tour, you’ll be in good hands. Make sure to bundle up and practice all the essential safety tips for paddleboarding while navigating this unique and beautiful paddle spot.

3. Lake Tahoe, CA

Lake Tahoe gives you a wide-open freshwater paddleboarding spot fit for you and any doggy travel companion. The vast lake exposes you to the natural wildlife living between California and Nevada and is a popular tourist spot perfect for paddleboarders of all levels. The water in Lake Tahoe remains pretty chilly year-round, so be sure you are prepared and have your life jacket on. You will likely only see swimmers on the hot days of July and August. Most rental shops and tours run from April 1- October 1, but be sure to check with the specific company before visiting.

Paddleboard Rentals near Lake Tahoe:

4. Black Canyon, AZ

tip of a kayak on the colorado river

Along the Colorado River, Black Canyon is a must-try paddleboarding destination. Not only does it provide calm and clear waters to paddle through, but the canyon also boasts stunning natural stone structures. There are plenty of cliffs, tall rock formations, and caves to paddle by, offering lots to explore while on the water. You can rent a paddleboard at the Willow Beach Marina or choose to go on a guided kayaking tour to reach the famous Emerald Cave.

Other Emerald Cave Tour Companies

5. Duluth, MN

Duluth sits on the shores of the largest freshwater lake in the WORLD and is an amazing city to spend a weekend. Along with the hikes, breweries, and endless outdoor adventures, it’s a great place to paddleboard. I mean…you can’t fully appreciate the beauty of Lake Superior until you are paddling it. Similarly to Lake Tahoe, it’s never quite warm enough to “enjoy” swimming (the water temp rarely reaches 70 degrees), BUT you will definitely see swimmers on the hot summer days. I did as a kid and never thought it was thaaaat cold. I understand that may be a different story now.

SUP Rentals in Duluth, MN

  • Duluth Sup: (Actually located in Superior, but still on Lake Superior- They offer rentals, Yoga on the boards, and intro classes- Opens in June)
  • Nat’s Paddleboard

6. Santa Elena Canyon, TX

paddleboarding in santa elena canyon

The Santa Elena Canyon is located in Big Bend National Park in far West Texas. Although a hike into this canyon is already amazing, paddleboarding down the river will give you a different perspective. Grab your inflatable paddleboard and take the short walk from the parking lot to the start of the river. Besides the national park entrance fee, there are no permits necessary for a day trip down the river. After paddling, be sure to check out the other epic hikes and things to do in West Texas!

7. Crystal River, FL

Crystal River may be my favorite place to paddleboard due to the crystal (hence the name) clear spring waters and the resident manatees. Crystal River is actually home to over 50 springs, so you will have a lot of options! The most popular paddleboarding launches are inside of Kings Bay Park and Hunter Springs Park. If bringing your own paddleboard, there is a launch fee that can be paid at the pay stations onsite.

Stand-up Paddleboard Rentals in Crystal River

Tip! While you are in Crystal River you NEED to snorkel with the manatees! Check out some tour options here!

Paddleboarding in the USA Map

Make the most of a short vacay or extended weekend with a paddleboarding adventure at one of these seven popular travel spots for paddleboarding in the USA. There are plenty of paddleboarding destinations to try, but these seven provide you with unique experiences worth adding to your travel bucket list. So pack your board and swim suit and head to one of these amazing water locations in the USA!

What other travel spots would you add to this list? Save this post for more of the best places for paddleboarding in the USA—I’ll add them as I find them. 🙂

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