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Best Places To Kayak In Southern California

Kayak
(credit: JEFF PACHOUD/AFP/Getty Images)

Summer is here and the weather is perfect for an exciting outdoor activity. For those who want to do more than lounge on a beach, kayaking is a fun recreational activity that keeps you fit and near the cool ocean breeze. It is great for large groups and can also make for an interesting date for two. Most people do not own a paddle or boat, so these are the best places in and near Los Angeles to rent a kayak.

Kayak On The Water
(credit: kayakrentals.net)

Kayaks On The Water

5411 East Ocean Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90803-4411
(562) 434-0999

More info

This Long Beach rental company allows customers to kayak for $9 an hour per person. A waterproof map and life jackets are conveniently included with the boat and paddle. Plastic sacks are offered for purses, electronics, and anything else you don't want to get wet. Venture through canals, glide through the Long Beach bay, and for those with a knack for refreshments, you can paddle on over to the shopping center for Jamba Juice or Starbucks. The company also offers a discount for groups of 20 or more. The only requirement to renting a kayak is knowing how to swim and, of course, having money to pay for it.

Pedal Boat & Kayak Rentals, Redondo Beach
(credit: fastkayak.com)

Pedal Boat & Kayak Rentals, Redondo Beach

181 North Harbor Drive
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 909-3179

More info

Redondo Beach is an ideal place to go kayaking if you're into marine life and sea lions. Located on the Redondo Beach Marina, this rental business offers hourly rates of $15 per single and $25 per double, but pedal boats are cheaper. The rate is $5 an hour for children, and $10 for adults. They also offer stand up paddleboards for $15 an hour. You can even kayak out to the South Redondo surf line where dolphins have been known to make daily appearances.

UCLA Marina Aquatic Center
(credit: marinaaquaticcenter.org)

UCLA Marina Aquatic Center

14001 Fiji Way
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 823-0048

More info

For nervous first-timers, the Marina Aquatic Center offers classes for kayaking, sailing, rowing, windsurfing, and surfing. Unlike most kayaking locations, the center provides a crate for your belongings and offers wetsuits and life vests for rental as well. Seal and dolphin sightings are often common by the marina. The regular rate for a sit-on-top single kayak begins at $25 for the first hour. UCLA students get the first two hours free.

Sunset Kayak Rentals
(credit: AP)

Sunset Kayak Rentals

16862 Pacific Coast Hwy
Sunset Beach, CA 94019
(562) 592-5537

Located off the Pacific Coast Highway, Sunset Kayak Rentals is a cheaper rental alternative. Their rates are $15 for two hours for a single and $25 for a double. They also have triple kayaks which start at $35 and life jackets on provided. On weekdays, there is no specific time limit for rentals as long as the renter is back by 6 p.m. There is also a spectacular view of celebrity's million dollar mansions that line the channel.

China Cove
(credit: chinacovekayakadventures.com)

China Cove Kayak Adventures

1125 West Balboa Boulevard
Balboa, CA 92661
(949) 632-4694

More info

Based in Balboa near Newport Beach, this kayak company offers guided kayaking tours for those with an adventurous spirit. Though the location is far for those in Los Angeles, the company is unique from other rental companies because it specializes in guided tours of the upper Newport Bay, Pirates Cove, China Cove, and Mothers Beach. The tour is 1.5 hours long and is $39 per person. It is a must-do for beginners who seek adventure and beautiful scenery. Reservations are required.

Clarissa Wei is a writer who travels between New York and Los Angeles. Visit her website at www.clarissawei.com.

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