Prado Dam
26 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers
This San Bernardino County Parks managed area is an oasis within one of the fastest growing areas of Southern California. Riverside County and the City of Corona also provide recreation facilities.
Outdoors
Boating and kayaking near Laguna Beach
Lakes, reservoirs and rivers near Laguna Beach for boating, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.
9places to boat and paddle
26 mito the closest
1within 30 miles
Year-roundbest months
Good to know: Life jackets are required for children on most waters, and many lakes require an invasive-species inspection or a launch fee.
Closest picks
Whittier Narrows Dam
38 mi northwest · US Army Corps of Engineers
This project is managed by Los Angeles County Parks and the City of Pico Rivera. Whittier Narrows has no permanent pool.
Santa Fe Dam
42 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers
Facilities at Santa Fe are operated by Los Angeles County Parks. Swimming, fishing, non-power boating, hiking and picnicking are available. Of interest are the five distinct biological communities within the area.
Map of all 9 places
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Within 30 miles (1)
Prado Dam
This San Bernardino County Parks managed area is an oasis within one of the fastest growing areas of Southern California. Riverside County and the City of Corona also provide recreation facilities.
- Boating
- Camping
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
30 to 75 miles (7)
Whittier Narrows Dam
This project is managed by Los Angeles County Parks and the City of Pico Rivera. Whittier Narrows has no permanent pool.
- Biking
- Boating
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Santa Fe Dam
Facilities at Santa Fe are operated by Los Angeles County Parks. Swimming, fishing, non-power boating, hiking and picnicking are available. Of interest are the five distinct biological communities within the area.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Deer Group Camp
Deer Group Campground is a great place to bring an extended family or large group.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Water sports
Dogwood
Dogwood Campground is a family-friendly facility located in the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest. All sites must be reserved to enjoy the area's scenic surroundings and plentiful recreational opportunities.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
Sepulveda Dam
The Sepulveda Dam's recreation facilities are managed by the City of Los Angeles Parks.
- Biking
- Boating
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Hansen Dam
The City of Los Angeles manages the extensive day-use facilities, including golf and riding stables, are available at this site in the San Fernando Valley.
- Boating
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge
San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge The San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge protects a rich diversity of endangered, threatened, migratory, and native species and their habitats within a highly urbanized coastal environment.
- Birding
- Fishing
- Motor Boat
- Wildlife viewing
75 miles and farther (1)
Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve
The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve preserves one of the largest remaining examples of coastal wetland habitats in the southern California sub-region.
- Paddling
- Photography
- Ranger programs
- Swimming
- Wildlife viewing
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Laguna Beach. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
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More outdoors near Laguna Beach
- Hiking near Laguna Beach
- Camping near Laguna Beach
- Fishing near Laguna Beach
- Biking and mountain biking near Laguna Beach
- Picnic spots near Laguna Beach
- Horseback riding near Laguna Beach
- Wildlife viewing and birding near Laguna Beach
- Swimming holes and lakes near Laguna Beach
- Parks in Laguna Beach
- Day trips
- Weather by month
Questions
Where is the closest place for boating & paddling near Laguna Beach?
Prado Dam (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 26 miles north of Laguna Beach as the crow flies. Next are Whittier Narrows Dam (38 mi) and Santa Fe Dam (42 mi).
When is the best time for boating & paddling near Laguna Beach?
Based on Laguna Beach’s average highs, all year. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, USDA Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.