{"id":12,"date":"2024-08-21T14:40:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-21T14:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/\/?p=12"},"modified":"2024-10-15T19:48:31","modified_gmt":"2024-10-15T19:48:31","slug":"top-5-boating-havens-in-california","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/top-5-boating-havens-in-california\/","title":{"rendered":"Boating in California: The Top 5 Havens"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

California is a boater\u2019s dream, with its sparkling ocean views and calm, clear lakes \u2014 not to mention its year-round sunny weather. Whether you\u2019re passionate about jet-skiing<\/a> or just enjoying the view, there\u2019s something for everyone here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting January 1, 2018, the state started phasing in the mandatory boating safety education law. Lifetime California Boater Cards<\/a> will be needed for\u00a0everyone\u00a0to operate any motorized vessels on California waterways\u00a0by 2025. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on to find out our five favorite boating spots in the Golden State, and\u00a0get yours before you go\u00a0boating in California.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
Photo credit: visitcalifornia on Instagram<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n


1. Best for Scenic Views: Newport Beach, Orange County<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Known for its sunset cruising, Newport Beach is at the top of our list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With clean beaches all around, coves and islands to explore, and tons of restaurants and shops on the boardwalk, this destination is perfect for the whole family. You\u2019ll find plenty to see within the harbor, although it boasts ocean access for more adventurous captains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a reason it\u2019s the largest small-yacht harbor in the country!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Picture<\/a>
Photo credit: @commissionerbobhogue on Instagram<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Best for Jet-Skiing and Watersports: Marina Del Ray, Los Angeles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Though it was the largest man-made small-craft harbor when it was first built, the marina is actually 800 acres. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The area is full of on-the-water activities, including some that everyone knows, like sportfishing and surfing, and some that once could only be found in Southern California, like paddle board yoga! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This open-ocean marina is a prime place for spotting sea lions and dolphins alike. If you want to get really up close and personal, jet skis are also welcome!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
Photo credit: lifeof.thomas on Instagram<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Best for Saltwater Fishing: Oceanside Harbor, San Diego<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With a true wooden pier (one of the longest on the coast), Oceanside is a West Coast marvel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While whale-watching and surfing are tourist faves, locals know the real heart of Oceanside is in its fishing. Catch bonitos, butterfish, halibut, kelp bass, and many more from shallow to deeper waters while basking in the sun and enjoying wide-open ocean views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Shasta<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4. Best for Waterskiing and Tow Sports: Shasta Lake, Shasta County<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If boating right on the coast isn\u2019t your thing, California might surprise you with its lesser-known gems: clear, blue lakes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the state\u2019s largest reservoir with eight different marinas, this Northern California lake is ready to host you. At Shasta Lake<\/a>, say hello to mountain views, evergreen trees, and tons of room for practicing sports safely. You\u2019ll find water skiing most popular on this lake, with wakeboarding a close second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Picture<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n


5. Best for Watching Wildlife: Clear Lake, North of Napa County<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Find your freshwater fishing paradise<\/a> just a few hours north of San Francisco at Clear Lake. It\u2019s known as the \u201cBass Capital of the West,\u201d and rightfully so. Two-thirds of the fish caught here are largemouth bass! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aside from the bass, you\u2019ll spot year-round populations of ducks, blue herons, and bald eagles on the lake, while the surrounding area is home to deer and mountain lions alike. With warm water that is safe for swimming, it\u2019s fun for the whole family!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Overlooking<\/a>
Photo credit: michael_seewald_99 on Instagram<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Boating in California Awaits You<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you choose a crowd-pleasing oceanside harbor or a glittering inland lake, the West Coast truly is a boating haven. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But don\u2019t forget that boating in California will require a license. Take the online BOATsmart! boating safety course for California<\/a>, pass the test, get your license, and be out on the water minutes later as a certified boat operator. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First published in August 2018. Content most recently reviewed and updated for accuracy and relevancy October 15, 2024. <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

California is a boater\u2019s dream, with its sparkling ocean views and calm, clear lakes \u2014 not to mention its year-round…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":37450,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[663,664],"tags":[688,716,814,815,816,817,818,819,820,821,822,823,824,672,825,826,827],"yoast_head":"\nBoating in California: Top 5 Boating Havens | BOATsmart! Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Boating in California? 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