Best Kayaking Destinations in the U.S.

Best Kayaking Destinations in the U.S.


June 10, 2025 | Allison Robertson

Best Kayaking Destinations in the U.S.


15 of the Best Kayaking Spots in the U.S.

Kayaking is basically the chillest way to cruise the water—and lately, it’s blowing up as the go-to outdoor adventure.

Whether you’re just dipping your paddle in for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, this list has some of the most stunning spots to kayak across the U.S.

Kayaking Msn

Everglades National Park, Florida

Everglades National Park is like the ultimate wild playground—spanning a whopping 1.5 million acres of subtropical magic! You’ll find this massive natural wonder stretching across Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Collier counties.

Everglades National Park, FloridaMatthew Dillon, Flickr

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Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is known for its amazing kayaking spots.

From the idyllic Nobile Hammock, complete with picturesque mangroves, to the volatile Nine Mile Pond, there’s a kayaking trail for everyone at the Everglades.

Everglades National Park, FloridaKen Lund, Flickr

Lake Powell, Arizona

Lake Powell is arguably the most scenic lake in America, situated in some of Southern Utah’s finest red-rock desert country.

Lake Powell, ArizonaBernard Spragg, Wikimedia Commons

Lake Powell

Kayakers and travelers of any experience level will enjoy the picturesque setting of deep slot canyons and towering sandstone cliffs.

Travelers can rent a kayak nearby and camp under the stars.

Lake PowellAntoni Murcia, Shutterstock

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The Rainbow River, Florida

The Rainbow River is located in Rainbow Springs State Park, about 90 minutes north of Tampa, Florida.

The Rainbow River, FloridaFlorida Fish and Wildlife, Flickr

The Rainbow River

This 70-foot deep spring is a sparkling hidden gem, bursting with crystal-clear water, fish, wildlife, and lush plants. It’s perfect for kayaking, canoeing, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving adventures!

The Rainbow RiverJoni Hanebutt, Shutterstock

Lake Estes, Colorado

Lake Estes is a reservoir located in the town of Estes Park in Colorado.

Here, you’ll find spectacular views of snow-capped mountains reflected in the lake’s pristine blue water.

Lake Estes, ColoradoJoel Tonyan, Flickr

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Lake Estes

Visitors can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and various hiking trails and camping spots, but swimming in the lake is not permitted.

Travelers should also note that there is a small day-use fee and a parking fee.

Lake EstesKit Leong, Shutterstock

Monterey Bay, California

Monterey Bay is just south of San Francisco and offers several opportunities for scenic kayaking, including the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve.

Monterey Bay, CaliforniaMichael Barajas, Shutterstock

Monterey Bay

Here, you can paddle the Cannery Row shoreline with sea otters, seals, sealions, kelp beds, and possibly dolphins.

Sea Lions at monterey bayDavid A Litman, Shutterstock

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Potomac River, Washington, D.C.

The Potomac River winds its way from the Potomac Highlands in West Virginia all the way to Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, serving up stunning cityscapes as it flows.

Potomac River, Washington, D.C.Chesapeake Bay Program, Flickr

Potomac River

Aside from views of the Theodore Roosevelt Island, the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, kayakers can choose to experience whitewater paddling in some of the river’s rapids.

Potomac River, Washington, D.C.Carlos Reis, Flickr

Laguna Grande, Puerto Rico

Paddle under the stars through the magical bioluminescence bay in Laguna Grande, located in Fajardo, Puerto Rico.

Laguna Grande, Puerto RicoDavid Shankbone, Flickr

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Laguna Grande

Here, visitors can experience the calm water glowing as microorganisms are stirred up by kayaks or paddles.

Person kayakingOladapo, Pexels

Boston Harbor Islands, Massachusetts

The Boston Harbor Islands may be near the city, but it feels remote.

Made up of 34 islands and peninsulas, Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is known as an urban oasis—and a popular spot for kayaking.

boston harbor islands kayakingMassachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism, Flickr

Boston Harbor Islands

In the inner harbor, kayakers can enjoy calm waters and a front-row seat to rich history, while the outer islands promise peaceful solitude and pristine landscapes. Along the way, explore lighthouses, wander through the ruins of old forts, and even spend the night in a cozy yurt for a truly unique adventure.

Men CanoeingNewcastle, Shutterstock

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Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota

Located entirely within the state of Minnesota, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness comprises 1,090,000 acres of pristine forests, glacial lakes, and streams in the Superior National Forest.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesotaphotoelf, Needpix

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Kayakers can join a guided tour (or go solo) where they’ll be taken to the best spots to see deer, moose, otters, bald eagles and loons.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, MinnesotaWildnerdpix, Shutterstock

Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

Kaneohe Bay is a sheltered bay located in Oahu, and is said to be one of Hawaii’s more calmer places to kayak.

Mature man kayakingGalina Barskaya, Shutterstock

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Kaneohe Bay

While paddling the crystal-clear waters of Kaneohe Bay, you’ll likely spot parrotfish and mahi-mahi on the two barrier reefs.

You can also get out and wander the sandbar or rest on the white-sandy beach with views of Pyramid Rock.

Kaneohe Bay kayakVirginia State Parks, Flickr

San Juan Islands, Washington

The San Juan Islands are a beautiful archipelago nestled in the Pacific Northwest, nestled between Washington State and Vancouver Island, Canada.

San Juan Islands, WashingtonBureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington, Flickr

San Juan Islands

This popular kayaking destination is a fan favorite for those hoping to see orcas. Kayakers can stay close to the islands, or venture into open water for a greater chance at getting close to marine life.

San Juan IslandsEdmund Lowe Photography, Shutterstock

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Blue Heart Springs, Idaho

Blue Heart Springs is a natural spring that is located along the Snake River near the Thousand Springs State Park in Hagerman, Idaho.

It is the 13th largest freshwater spring in North America, and is only accessible by water.

blue heart springs, idahoCameron Mengon, Shutterstock

Blue Heart Springs

The springs are made of a heart-shaped cove filled with crystal blue water—hence the name. This serene oasis offers spectacular views and is often dubbed, “Idaho’s best-kept secret.”

Blue Heart Springs in IdahoRafael Novais, Shutterstock

Summersville Lake, West Virginia

Summersville Lake is a reservoir—formed by a rock-fill dam—located in West Virginia. It is the largest lake in West Virginia, with 2,700 acres of water and over 60 miles of shoreline.

Summersville Lake, West VirginiaJarek Tuszyński, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Summersville Lake

Beginner kayakers will enjoy the ease of flatwater paddling, and visitors of all experience levels will marvel in the stunning views of sheer cliffs and West Virginia’s only lighthouse.

person riding on kayakTobias Bjørkli, Pexels

Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada

Lake Tahoe is a stunning freshwater lake sitting on the California-Nevada border. As the second deepest lake in the U.S., it draws visitors from all over for its natural beauty and outdoor fun.

Nevada: Lake TahoeChristian Abend, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Lake Tahoe

With pristine blue waters and 61-foot-deep visibility, this lake offers some of the best water conditions for kayaking. With various areas catering to different experience levels, visitors can feel comfortable on the water while checking out spectacular views.

Lake Tahoe, NevadaJasperdo, Flickr

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Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia and Florida

The Okefenokee Swamp is a shallow, peat-filled wetland straddling the Georgia–Florida line. It is considered to be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia and is the largest "blackwater" swamp in North America.

Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia and FloridaJ. Stephen Conn, Flickr

Okefenokee Swamp

Here, kayakers will be given a different experience. Instead of clear-blue water, you’ll find a mysterious and murky aquatic oasis.

Surrounded by tall trees and lush green foliage, the views are beautiful and the wildlife is abundant.

Okefenokee swamp in GeorgiaJoanne Dale, Shutterstock

Sources: 1, 2, 3


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