The United States is a beautiful country with endless opportunities for paddleboarders. From iconic beach breaks to rushing rivers and calm lakes, the land of the free has something for every type of paddler.
Whether you’re landlocked or on the coast, each city has its own unique waterways on which to paddle. Powerful whitewater rivers, meandering creeks, massive flatwater lakes, and more. While there are countless stunning cities to choose from (we’ll delve into cities abroad another time), here are 10 of our favorites.
The 10 Best US Cities for Standup Paddling
Wilmington, North Carolina
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Wilmington is a port city located in coastal southeastern North Carolina that offers surf, flatwater, history, and wildlife. Surrounded by the Cape Fear Coast, Wilmington is a series of barrier beaches and inlets with the Cape Fear River emptying into the Atlantic.
Wrightsville Beach is the most frequented water sports destination in the region and is home to the Carolina Cup, the largest SUP race on the east coast.
“Wilmington is great because you have so many options for conditions,” says pro standup paddler April Zilg. “You have the river downtown, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Atlantic Ocean. So no matter how easy or extreme you want your paddle to be, you’ve got options and amazing scenery for all types of paddling: touring, racing/fitness, or surfing. Not to mention the amazing choices for after a session.”
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Hood River, Oregon
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Seattle, Washington
Key West, Florida
Manhattan, New York
Durango, Colorado
Seward, Alaska
Dana Point, California
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