Sepulveda Dam
20 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers
The Sepulveda Dam's recreation facilities are managed by the City of Los Angeles Parks.
Outdoors
Boating and kayaking near Manhattan Beach
Lakes, reservoirs and rivers near Manhattan Beach for boating, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.
10places to boat and paddle
20 mito the closest
4within 30 miles
Year-roundbest months
Good to know: Life jackets are required for children on most waters, and many lakes require an invasive-species inspection or a launch fee.
Closest picks
Whittier Narrows Dam
22 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers
This project is managed by Los Angeles County Parks and the City of Pico Rivera. Whittier Narrows has no permanent pool.
Hansen Dam
26 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers
The City of Los Angeles manages the extensive day-use facilities, including golf and riding stables, are available at this site in the San Fernando Valley.
Map of all 10 places
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Within 30 miles (4)
Sepulveda Dam
The Sepulveda Dam's recreation facilities are managed by the City of Los Angeles Parks.
- Biking
- Boating
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Whittier Narrows Dam
This project is managed by Los Angeles County Parks and the City of Pico Rivera. Whittier Narrows has no permanent pool.
- Biking
- Boating
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Hansen Dam
The City of Los Angeles manages the extensive day-use facilities, including golf and riding stables, are available at this site in the San Fernando Valley.
- Boating
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Santa Fe Dam
Facilities at Santa Fe are operated by Los Angeles County Parks. Swimming, fishing, non-power boating, hiking and picnicking are available. Of interest are the five distinct biological communities within the area.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
30 to 75 miles (4)
Prado Dam
This San Bernardino County Parks managed area is an oasis within one of the fastest growing areas of Southern California. Riverside County and the City of Corona also provide recreation facilities.
- Boating
- Camping
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Deer Group Camp
Deer Group Campground is a great place to bring an extended family or large group.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Water sports
Santa Barbara Island
Once visitors have scaled the rugged cliffs using the steep trail from the Landing Cove, they will be rewarded with a campground perched on the bluffs with magnificent coastal views.
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Guided Interpretive Walks
- Hiking
- Information Site
- Photography
Lake Casitas
Lake Casitas is formed by Casitas Dam , which is a feature of the Ventura Project . Lake Casitas Recreation Area offers one of the nations best bass fishing areas.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Ranger programs
75 miles and farther (2)
Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources.
- Boating
- Camping
- Diving
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Paddling
- Picnicking
- Snorkeling
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
The waters that swirl around the five islands within Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary create a special place for several species of plants and animals.
- Boating
- Diving
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Paddling
- Photography
- Ranger programs
- Snorkeling
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Manhattan Beach. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
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More outdoors near Manhattan Beach
- Hiking near Manhattan Beach
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- Horseback riding near Manhattan Beach
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- Day trips
- Weather by month
Questions
Where is the closest place for boating & paddling near Manhattan Beach?
Sepulveda Dam (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 20 miles north of Manhattan Beach as the crow flies. Next are Whittier Narrows Dam (22 mi) and Hansen Dam (26 mi).
When is the best time for boating & paddling near Manhattan Beach?
Based on Manhattan Beach’s average highs, all year. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service, USDA Forest Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.