Kayaking / Paddle Sports in San Francisco

San Francisco from the water? Totally different vibe. Kayaking or paddleboarding lets you skip the tourist-packed streets and get up close with the fog rolling off the bay, sea lions lazing near the piers, or even sailboats bobbing near the Golden Gate Bridge.

Start your day early at places like the South Beach Harbor, just below AT&T Park, where local outfitters rent kayaks and boards that get you into the water quickly. If you’re feeling adventurous, paddle out under the Bay Bridge and toward Treasure Island for sweet skyline views few get to savor. Just watch for the strong tides and sudden winds, especially in the afternoon,they can catch you off guard if you’re new.

Side note: renting gear near Crissy Field puts you close to the Golden Gate and you can paddle along the shoreline past Fort Point. One tip I swear by,bring a waterproof camera or a GoPro clipped to your life jacket; there’s no better way to capture the fog drifting right over the bridge. And lastly, dress in layers. The bay’s chill gets under your skin, even in summer.