Kristian Ferrell
California's diverse waterways offer a great opportunity for boating adventures. From its beautiful recreational lakes to the San Francisco Bay Area, the thousand miles of the Sacramento Delta, and the Los Angeles and San Diego Coastal and Bay Areas, there are over 500 boat ramps across the state. However, the opening times of boat ramps in California vary and are subject to change due to factors such as water levels and weather conditions. For example, the Tisdale Boat Launch in Sutter County closed in November 2024 due to anticipated high water, while the Duane Boyer Public Boat Launch on Big Bear Lake is only open during the early season from April 1 to May 12. Boat launch hours can also vary by season, day of the week, and weather and lake levels. Therefore, it is recommended to check the status of a specific boat ramp before planning a boating trip in California.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Lake Oroville SRA, Sutter County, San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Channel Island Harbor, Ventura Harbor, Santa Barbara Harbor, Gaviota State Park, San Pedro, Redondo Beach, Marina Del Rey, Oxnard, Big Bear Lake |
| Opening Hours | 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. during early and peak season, 6 a.m. - 7 p.m. on weekends during peak season, 6 a.m. - 3 p.m. during late season |
| Fees | Free in San Diego except for Oceanside, $10.00 in Orange County, $10.00 - $15.00 in Los Angeles, $20 for small non-motorized craft for one day in Big Bear Lake |
| Parking | Free in San Diego except for Oceanside, ample parking in most locations, limited parking in some locations |
| Additional Information | Some ramps are subject to change due to water levels, some ramps are closed for repairs, some ramps are closed seasonally |
What You'll Learn
California boat ramps by county
California's waterways offer a great opportunity for adventure, from its recreational lakes to its coastal areas and rugged terrain. There are over 500 boat ramps across the state, and here is a breakdown of the boat ramps by county:
Alameda County
Alameda County offers a variety of boat ramps, including the one at Lake Elizabeth, which is located in Fremont and provides a great opportunity for boating, as well as other recreational activities.
Alpine County
Boat ramps in Alpine County include the Summit Lake Trail, which is a great access point for those seeking outdoor adventure.
Amador County
Amador County has several boat ramps available for boaters.
Butte County
Butte County is home to multiple boat ramps, including the one at Bidwell Canyon Marina, which is located in Oroville East and provides access to the waters of Lake Oroville.
Calaveras County
Calaveras County offers boat ramps for those looking to explore its waterways.
Colusa County
Colusa County has a range of boat ramps available for residents and visitors.
Contra Costa County
Contra Costa County is home to several boat ramps, including the one at the Bethel Island Marina Resort, which is located in Oakley and offers a great opportunity for boating and outdoor recreation.
Del Norte County
Del Norte County has multiple boat ramps available, including the one at Smith River Fishing Access, which is a great spot for anglers.
El Dorado County
El Dorado County is home to several boat ramps, including the one at El Dorado Hills, which offers access to the county's beautiful waterways.
Fresno County
Fresno County has a range of boat ramps available for boaters and outdoor enthusiasts.
Glenn County
Glenn County offers boat ramps for those looking to explore its waterways.
Humboldt County
Humboldt County is home to multiple boat ramps, including the Big Lagoon County Park Boat Ramp, which is located in Trinidad and provides a great opportunity for boating and exploring the county's rugged coastline.
Imperial County
Imperial County has several boat ramps available for boaters.
Inyo County
Inyo County is home to multiple boat ramps, each providing access to the county's unique waterways.
Kern County
Kern County has a range of boat ramps available, including the Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area in Bakersfield, which offers a great opportunity for boating and water sports.
Kings County
Kings County offers boat ramps for those looking to explore its waterways.
Lake County
Lake County has multiple boat ramps, including the Clear Lake State Park Boat Ramp, which is located in Lakeport and provides access to Clear Lake, the largest natural lake in California.
Lassen County
Lassen County is home to several boat ramps for boaters and outdoor enthusiasts.
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County offers a variety of boat ramps, including the Alamitos Bay Marina in Long Beach, which provides access to the Pacific Ocean and is great for boating and water sports.
Madera County
Madera County has several boat ramps available for boaters and outdoor enthusiasts.
Marin County
Marin County is home to multiple boat ramps, including the one at Marin Rod and Gun Club Pier in San Rafael, which is a great spot for boating and offers stunning views of the county's coastline.
Mariposa County
Mariposa County has a range of boat ramps available for residents and visitors.
Mendocino County
Mendocino County offers boat ramps for those looking to explore its waterways and rugged coastline.
Merced County
Merced County is home to several boat ramps for boaters and outdoor enthusiasts.
Modoc County
Modoc County has multiple boat ramps available, including the Big Sage Road boat ramp, which is a great access point for those seeking outdoor adventure.
Mono County
Mono County is home to boat ramps that provide access to its unique waterways.
Monterey County
Monterey County has a range of boat ramps, including the Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail, which offers a great opportunity for boating and exploring the county's beautiful coastline.
Napa County
Napa County has several boat ramps, including the Napa Valley Vine Trail, which is a great spot for boating and wine country exploration.
Nevada County
Nevada County offers boat ramps for those looking to explore its waterways and enjoy outdoor recreation.
Orange County
Orange County is home to multiple boat ramps, including the one at Dana Point Harbor, which is a popular launch point for boaters looking to explore Catalina Island and the Southern California offshore banks.
Placer County
Placer County has a range of boat ramps available, including the Iowa Hill Road boat ramp, which is a great access point for boaters.
Plumas County
Plumas County is home to boat ramps that provide access to its waterways.
Riverside County
Riverside County has multiple boat ramps, including the Goetz Road boat ramp, which is a great spot for boating and outdoor recreation.
Sacramento County
Sacramento County offers a variety of boat ramps, including the Garden Highway boat ramp, which provides access to the Sacramento River.
You may want to see also California's boat ramps offer a great opportunity for adventure, from its beautiful recreational lakes to the San Francisco Bay Area, the thousand miles of Sacramento Delta, the Los Angeles and San Diego Coastal and Bay Areas, and the rugged terrain of the California coast. There are four boat-launching ramps in San Diego Bay Harbour. These are public facilities with no fees to launch boats. Each ramp has four or more lanes with convenient docking space and adjoining parking lots exclusively for boat-trailer vehicles only. The Chula Vista Boat Launching Ramp is located at the J Street Marina Park off the J Street Interstate 5 off-ramp in Chula Vista. The facility has a large parking lot for vehicles with trailers, picnic facilities, and restrooms. Care should be taken when navigating in the adjacent areas of San Diego Bay as there are extremely shallow shoal areas. Refer to a current navigational chart before leaving the ramp area. The Glorietta Bay Boat Launching Ramp is located in the City of Coronado. Glorietta Bay is a secluded and picturesque area of San Diego Bay with calm, protected waters. A 72-hour anchorage is located directly across the basin from the ramp. Permits are issued through the Harbor Police to anchor in the area. The area from the boat ramp to the main channel of San Diego Bay is limited to 5 miles per hour. Carefully check a current navigation chart so that you will become aware of the shallow areas immediately outside of Glorietta Bay. The National City Boat Launching Ramp is located next to Pepper Park, National City. The ramp accesses San Diego Bay via the Sweetwater Channel. The closest freeway access is off the 24th Street Interstate 5 off-ramp in National City. Restrooms, picnic facilities, and a fishing pier are also located on the property. The Shelter Island Boat Launching Ramp is a several-acre facility located at the northwestern end of San Diego Bay. This ramp provides the closest access to the Pacific Ocean (approximately 3 miles away). Restrooms and a large parking lot are immediately available. For visiting fishermen, the bait receivers, where anchovies and sardines can be purchased, are located on the right side of the channel as you exit the harbor. The bait barges are open 24 hours per day. In addition to the four main boat ramps in San Diego Bay, there are several other launch facilities in the area, including: You may want to see also California's boat ramps offer a great opportunity for adventure. The state has a diverse range of waterways, from its beautiful recreational lakes to the rugged terrain of its coast. There are over 500 boat-launching ramps to choose from across the state, including several in Orange County. Orange County Boat Ramps Orange County has major launch ramps in Alamitos Bay, Huntington Harbor, Newport Bay, and Dana Point Harbor. All facilities charge a fee to launch, with fees ranging between $10 and $15. The northernmost ramps are close to the Horseshoe Kelp, which is a consistent producer of calico bass and sand bass in the summer. The Huntington Flats, a popular area for fishing, is also nearby. Catalina Island, which has good fishing for inshore and seasonal pelagic species, is a 25- to 35-mile run from these ramps. The route to Catalina from the northernmost ramps takes you close to the Horseshoe Kelp, providing an opportunity to check out the local fishing before making the cross-channel trip. Dana Point Harbor Launch Ramp For fishermen, the ramp at Dana Point Harbor is more luxurious than its northern Orange County counterparts. The $10 launch fee includes several freshwater wash-down spigots, the ramp is well-maintained, and security is provided for the parking lot. There are fewer problems with capacity with this ramp, and it can usually be accessed even on summer days and holidays. The bait receiver is close to the ramp and is open early during fishing season. The run to open water is the shortest of all the Orange County ramps, and the harbor entrance is well protected. Good restaurants are within walking distance of the ramp. As the furthest south of the Orange County launch ramps, there is increased access to the offshore banks which harbor migratory pelagic species such as yellowtail, yellowfin tuna, dorado, and marlin. In some years, even albacore can be found in these areas. Closer to shore, there are popular sites just down the coast, including the water outlets from the San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant, and the kelp beds and boiler rocks off Laguna Beach and Corona Del Mar to the north. Newport Dunes Launch Ramp This is one of the prettiest launch areas in Southern California, and is the only place to launch on Newport Bay. As a result, the fee is also the highest at $15. The two ramps at this facility are well maintained, and mooring along the ramps provides easy access once you are launched. The parking for this ramp is often full and access is difficult during popular summer days and holidays. The line for the available wash-down can be long. On the other hand, this ramp can be a good choice when including family in your plans, as they have a wonderful swimming beach, and there are many attractions (including a major shopping mall) and restaurants close by. The ramp is located in the back portion of Newport Bay, and because of a 5 mph speed limit inside the Bay, 20 to 30 minutes are required to access the open water. The fishing access is similar to Huntington Harbor, with the Huntington Flats and Catalina being popular destinations. There is also good calico bass fishing in the kelp beds and rocks just outside the surfline between Newport Bay and Dana Point. However, because of the speed limits inside the Bay, it can be faster to launch at Dana Point and run north. There is a seasonal bait receiver just before the harbor exit. There are free launch beaches scattered around the harbor that are popular with kayak and kick-boat fishermen fishing in the bay. However, there is no easy launch point for kayaks that give access to waters outside the Bay. Sunset Aquatic Marina There is a $12 fee for launching at Sunset Aquatic Marina, which does not include freshwater wash-down, although a coin-operated system is available. Clean public restrooms are next to the ramp. There is ample mooring space along the ramp, making for easy launches and takeouts. Ample parking is available, and it is paved and well-lit. There is plenty of space, even on holiday weekends. The run out to open water is moderate in length. It is about a mile through the harbor, under the PCH Bridge, and through the Naval Weapons Depot to the harbor entrance. Speed is closely monitored as there is increased security around the Naval operations areas. Don't be surprised to see Navy Swift boats escorting you past moored vessels. There is no stopping and no fishing as you pass through the last part of the bay. The bait barge is the same one accessed by people using the Davies Launch ramp in Seal Beach (Long Beach Bait Company, AKA Nacho’s), and this ramp’s proximity to the fishing spots is just about equal, since it is just a mile or so south of Alamitos Bay. Huntington Harbor Yacht Club This tiny, one-lane ramp is located next to the fire station at the end of Warner Blvd on Pacific Coast Highway. It has limited parking, no washdown facilities, and is a long way from the harbor entrance, so it is rarely used by fishermen. You may want to see also California's diverse waterways offer a great opportunity for boating adventures. There are over 500 boat ramps across the state, with a variety of nearby facilities, including marinas, camping grounds, and fishing spots. In Los Angeles County, there are several boat ramps to choose from, depending on your desired body of water. Here is a list of boat ramps in Los Angeles County: Boat ramps in Los Angeles County offer access to a variety of waterways, including lakes, lagoons, the Pacific Ocean, and bays. Some of the ramps are located within recreational areas, such as Pyramid Lake and Castaic Lake State Recreation Area, which provide additional opportunities for outdoor activities. When using boat ramps in Los Angeles County, it is important to note that some facilities may charge launch fees, which typically include parking. It is recommended to bring small bills in case credit cards are not accepted. Most facilities are well-maintained and offer ample parking, with some providing washdown facilities. In addition to the boat ramps themselves, Los Angeles County also offers a variety of boating facilities, such as marinas, yacht clubs, and aquatic centers. These facilities cater to both power boaters and sailors, providing opportunities for a range of boating activities. For specific information about driving directions and weather conditions at these boat ramps, online resources such as BoatRamps.com can be consulted. Additionally, websites like The FishingNetwork.Net provide detailed information on fees, facilities, and other features of interest to boaters and fishermen. You may want to see also California's diverse waterways offer a great opportunity for boating adventures. There are several boat ramps in San Francisco, including: Svendsen's Boatyard This boatyard offers a boat launch ramp, a chandlery, and boat hoists. Berkeley Marina Home to the Berkeley Yacht Club and Cal Sailing Club, Berkeley Marina has a fuel dock, launch ramp, boat yard, and the Doubletree Hotel. There is also a restaurant nearby. Embarcadero Cove Marina This 350-acre riverside park offers a single-lane launch ramp with ample parking. It is located on Highway 221, just south of Napa Valley College. Sausalito Public Ramp This is the only public boat ramp in Sausalito, but it is in poor condition beneath the water. Coyote Point Marina Coyote Point Marina is located in San Mateo, just south of the San Francisco airport and north of Foster City. It offers slips for rent, including multi-hull space and guest berthing, as well as a launch ramp for fishing. There are two launch ramps and no charge for their use. Redwood Landing Marina Redwood Landing Marina offers 43 slips and side ties, guest berths, a few live-aboards, dry storage, launch ramp, pumpout, fishing pier, picnic tables, electricity, and water. Public bathrooms are also available nearby. You may want to see also All public marine launch ramps in the San Diego area are free, except for the ramp at Oceanside, which charges a parking fee. The Tisdale Boat Launch Facility on the Sacramento River is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Shelter Island launch ramp is the closest launch ramp to the Mexican border. If you can't find a boat ramp on BoatRamps.com, it may be because the site is being updated.Van Dutch Big Bang: Who Owns Miami's Iconic Boat?
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Frequently asked questions
