Where are some places to canoe in Southern California?

Question

Hi

I'm looking for a place to go canoe. I just want to go to a place, rent a canoe and paddle with my girlfriend. I prefer a lake because we are both inexperienced. I'm willing to drive about 75 miles radius from the center of Los Angeles. Any businesses, or locations would be great! thanks!

Answer 1

Instead of the canoe, I would get a day trip kayaking off the coast or local island chains in your area or whale watch etc... A day trip to Santa Barbara would be ideal for most occasions with a girl you are trying to date. They have lots of options to please even the most demanding women while still reasonably priced for a sure fire way of you both enjoying yourselves relatively close to smelLA. Whatever you decide Enjoy yourself

Answer 2

Unfortunately, not a lot of areas rent canoes out here.  I'm from the midwest originally, and there canoes are found in every park on a lake.  In  California, sit on top kayaks are pretty much it.  HOWEVER, that can be just as much fun.  Head on down to Newport Beach.  

Southwind Kayak Center, out of Irvine, has a rental center on Newport Bay.  You can stay in completely protected waters, rent very stable sit on top kayaks (either 1 tandem or 2 single boats) and explore the back bay nature preserve.   (they may have canoes there too, actually)

http://www.southwindkayaks.com/maphours....

(Scroll to the bottom of the linked page for the Newport location.)

The people at Southwind are really nice, they'll get you completely outfitted and give you some pointers before you head out.  The water at the launch site is mellow and VERY lake-like.  After you get comfortable with your boats, you can head out into the channels around Balboa Island and look at all the mansions along the shore.  There are a handful of neighborhood beaches you can pull ovsea lionsr a picnic lunch or just a break.  Look for jellyfish in the water from time to time.  Most of the jelly's in the bay are the kind that don't really sting (it's so weak you won't feel it).  

We've paddled alongside sealions in the back bay, we've seen plenty of Great Blue Herons, Osprey, and