Bay Area SUP destinations near me that never disappoint.
Easier: Touring
Sausalito
Within 1-2 hours you can view a vibrant downtown, mini Taj Mahal, harbor seals, waterfront restaurants, red tugboat, ferry terminal & hundreds of houseboats. It’s pleasant to casually paddle the shoreline and SUP rentals are found near Schoonmaker Beach. You can also tie up for coffee, lunch, or even a seaplane tour if you make your way around the bend to Mill Valley!
Belvedere Island
Technically a peninsula, one cannot circumnavigate this. The Sausalito facing side is normally easy to moderate conditions but the currents collide at the tip facing San Francisco and they can be turbulent for a short patch (recommend kneeling and sprinting through it but mind the rocks)! On the downtown Tiburon side, it’s a gorgeous view of the island, San Francisco & Angel Island, and likely some harbor seals. Some spectacular homes are viewed here that are not visible from roads so try tracing the shoreline to fully appreciate its beauty.
Downtown Tiburon
Nearest downtown, the conditions are often serene with some harbor seal sightings. Downtown is not nearly as large as Sausalito, but there are still options to tie up at Sam’s Anchor Cafe to grab food and beverage there or at other places on Main Street or Ark Row (decommissioned ark boats after the island was infilled). Cruise around watching folks lounge at Shoreline Park, the Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum, ferry terminal, 2 yacht clubs, and views of Belvedere Island, Angel Island & San Francisco.
I’ve personally lodged at both the Water’s Edge Hotel and the Lodge at Tiburon and they are both excellent options for a weekend getaway! WARNING: Avoid drifting too far from the shoreline as the current can become intense since Raccoon Straits cuts through between downtown and Angel island. These can be harsh conditions and should be avoided at all costs if you’re after an easy cruise. City of Tiburon Website
Richardson Bay Audobon Society
This is one of the most tame places to reach as it’s found in one of the most shallow portions of the Bay where it’s only 5-20 feet deep. This is closed from all traffic from Oct. 1 - April 1 each season as it’s a protected mating ground for leopard sharks, bat rays and numerous bird species! It also a charming, yellow, Victorian style structure and can be seen from Sausalito all the way there where a beach will warmly greet you. I’m not affiliated with them but it’s a worthy cause and their website is found here.
Mediumish: Touring + Some Action
Angel Island
The massive island is within reach from Tiburon or Sausalito. Circumnavigating it is doable for intermediate to advanced paddlers but even if you’re able to land on the Sausalito or Tiburon facing sides, there are ample places to get off and explore! The state park area is 1.2 miles (2nd largest Bay Area island with Alameda being the largest) and nearly 800 ft. high.
Legitimate hiking / camping is available if you plan ahead and if it’s whale watching you’re after, this is the destination! I’ve had whale encounters on three of my rides near here and they were incredible! There’s also movie nights held each summer and what a memorable experience that is (saw Disney / Pixar’s Coco in 2018)! Various beaches and historic structures still dot the island and you can always catch a ferry back to Tiburon if you’re worn out.
Red Rock Island
This is the lone entry here that’s entirely for sale (rumored to be on the order of $7 - $10m)! Not only is it the only private island in the Bay Area, but it is also has the distinct zoning classification of falling within 3 different counties (Marin, San Francisco & Contra Costa). This nearly 600 acre island that’s 170 ft. tall is comprised of red rock containing high amounts of manganese. It’s accessible from either Tiburon or the East Bay. I like to launch from Paradise Beach County Park off Tiburon and the round trip is approximately 5.5- 6 miles. This is a 3 hour plus ride and factor in addition time for exploring the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge or the island itself. There is no signage marking it as private property so if you visit, please take care of this unique place!
Advanced: Dig In
Alcatraz
Few places have more mystique and this one can be accessed from San Francisco or Marin (more challenging). If reached, there are no places to land and be sure to stay 300 ft. away so the local bird population is not disturbed. Also, watch out for those currents, as well as the sharks (possibly great whites but mostly harmless leopard sharks).
Golden Gate Bridge
It’s just 3+ miles around the corner from downtown Sausalito or a shorter shot from the San Francisco side. Checking conditions are a must but it’s so majestic up close! Larger sea creatures might be seen since it’s deepest here (300+ ft.). Yes, that means potentially great whites or whales! Same goes for being mindful of container ships and other large vessels who have the right of way. If feeling saucy, extend the trek to Baker Beach, Kirby Cove or beyond! If doing so, consider a one way trip and coordinating a pickup at your target destination.
