Top Places in the United States To Go Paddleboarding

There is no doubt that there is a plethora of places in the United States to go paddleboarding. Wherever there is a large body of water, it seems that there is also a huge number of paddleboarders out enjoying the sun. If you want to spend your time paddleboarding but don’t know where to go to make that happen, read on—we have listed some of the best places in the United States to go paddleboarding.

Lake Tahoe

Nestled in the backcountry, Lake Tahoe is sure to catch your fancy. Lake Tahoe’s crystal blue waters offer plenty of activities for you and your travel companions to engage in. With plenty of different types of tributaries and little landfalls for you to explore on and off the board, Lake Tahoe is definitely one of the better areas to visit in the United States with your paddleboard. While you’re there, check out some of the other activities! Lake Tahoe is famous for its many hiking and biking trails; once you get tired of paddleboarding, don’t be shy about stepping back onto land and enjoying some of those pristine trails.

The Great Lakes of Michigan

While it may be cold most of the year, the Great Lakes of Michigan are actually a spectacular place to go paddleboarding. The Great Lakes possess some of the longest non-interrupted shorelines in the United States, and much of it is a wild backcountry, making it very accessible and easy for you to explore. Whether you’re looking to take your board out for a day or a week-long trip, the Great Lakes of Michigan will be a fantastic place for you to visit. Be sure to bring some waterproof binoculars to check out the fantastic wildlife that may be hanging around on the lakeshore.

San Diego

Many people see San Diego as more of a surf town than a stand-up paddleboarding town. Even so, there are still plenty of things to do there for the eager traveler. Depending on where you cast off, you can take in the views of massive cruise ships and military vessels or smaller boats that are simply enjoying the day just as you are. The San Diego shipping yard and bay cover a massive area, so there is enough room for you to explore for weeks on end without getting bored. And once you get tired of the water, there are plenty of things for you to do in town.

Colorado River

Another amazing place to go stand-up paddleboarding is the Colorado River. The Colorado River features an amazing host of canyons, streams, estuaries, forests, deserts, and a plethora of other environments. Because this river passes through so many diverse types of terrain over a long distance, it is best to take this trip in smaller doses to ensure you don’t run out of supplies. However, if you are planning a trip for the long haul, you will be blessed with an amazing adventure full of sights of mountains, wildlife, and beautiful weather.

Yellowstone Lake

One pristine jewel hidden deep within the interior of the United States is Yellowstone Lake, found within Yellowstone National Park. This lake is open for a variety of activities in the non-motorboat category, ranging from fishing and sailing to stand-up paddleboarding. In fact, there are many opportunities to take overnight trips in which you could paddle during the day, then park your boat on shore and camp at night. Besides this, there are a variety of areas for you to cast off and explore the different ecosystems that surround the entire lake.

Great Salt Lake

The Great Salt Lake is the largest alpine lake in North America, and it also happens to be a fantastic place for you to dip your paddleboard into the water and skate on its surface. While here, you can observe a variety of people enjoying live music, sailing, and engaging in a variety of other motorboat water sports, such as jet skiing and house boating. Make no mistake—this lake provides a family-friendly atmosphere that will allow you and your loved ones to spend a perfect day relaxing on the surface of one of the largest alpine lakes in the world.

Yosemite National Park

Many people think of climbing when they think of Yosemite National Park, but the park also has a large lake area for you to explore on your stand-up paddleboard. Because these areas are not open to motorized boats of any sort, you will have to opportunity to enjoy a quiet and peaceful paddling experience amid some of America’s most beautiful nature. Just be sure you bring the necessities to defend yourself against wildlife. A can of bear spray goes a long way in those areas, and it wouldn’t hurt to bring one along on your trip.

We also urge you to consult with local rangers to ensure you will be paddleboarding in an area that allows it. If you don’t do this, you risk incurring a ticket or other more serious repercussions. After all, you will be traversing through some environments that are fragile and may be home to endangered wildlife, so it’s best to check in with local rangers to ensure your safety and the safety of the environment around you.

Your Local Waterways

It may not be glamorous, but your local waterway is usually going to be your best bet for a weekend getaway that focuses on stand-up paddleboarding. We suggest that you try to make the most of the area by planning some creative activities to help spice up the adventure. Make a timed course for yourself or follow your usual pathway backward. You can even make a race out of it! You never know what fun you could have during a day on the water at your local waterway. Just be sure to look out for any motorized vehicles that may be out enjoying the water too.

We hope you have enjoyed a recap of the top places in the United States to go paddleboarding. If you are looking to purchase blow-up paddleboards to get a little closer to your traveling goals, be sure to reach out to Green Water Sports today!