Living just a few hours drive from Southern California, I find that Los Angeles is a great place for a water sports-filled vacation.
It is also one of the best places to jet ski with so many lakes and beaches.
Jet skiing has great health benefits, so why not get thrills in the name of health!
Here is a list of some of the best places to jet ski in Los Angeles, California, which just happen to be my favorite spots:
Castaic Lake and Pyramid Lake
Castaic Lake is very much a tourist destination, so it can get quite full.
However, this does not take away from the fact that it is still one of the best places to jet ski in Los Angeles, Southern California.
Take your personal watercraft (PWC), hire one out or go on a tour in this scenic area.
Castaic lake is formed by the Castaic dam on Castaic creek in the beautiful Sierra Pelona Mountains.
Water from Pyramid Lake flows through it to help power the Castaic Power Plant.
You will have an amazing time jet skiing on the Castaic Lake as there are watersports, riding adventures, and many more activities to choose from.
Note that the lake is open every day for jet skiing except on Christmas day.
Santa Monica Pier
At the Santa Monica Pier, there are so many water activities that you can do.
Hire a jet ski from Marina Del Rey Rentals, which is situated close to the beach.
Not only can you rent out a jet ski, but you can also do activities like fishing, paddle boarding, and surfing.
There is no better way to spend your summer than on the beach with your friends and family.
There is also a very cute cafe on the beach, called Big Dean’s Cafe, where you can grab a bite to eat and a cold one.
Especially after a full day of whizzing on the ocean.
Newport Beach
Newport Beach is a popular spot, especially for the locals, and is often packed on the weekends with groups of people and families ready to have a good time in the water on a hot day.
It is the place to go that is more for recreational jet skiing as people are normally coming with their jet skis to use in the water.
However, will always be a place to rent a jet ski nearby.
It is a public beach, so you will have to be mindful of other marine vessels like small boats and big boats, as well as people doing other water sports like kite surfers, windsurfers, and more.
If you can get past the marine traffic, you can fully enjoy the open ocean on your jet ski.
You are also going to want to stay 1,000 yards offshore as this is basic jet ski etiquette.
Catalina Island
Catalina Island is a distance from Los Angeles and would take some time to get there, but it is worth it.
It can take between 40 to 70 minutes to get there from the Long Beach boat ramp and is a highly recommended trip to take.
If you are planning on taking a guided tour, it can take about two hours to reach the island.
The most popular guided group tour is the Catalina Run which only happens once a month.
There are plenty of other tours to go on that include lots of fun activities like riding alongside dolphins, whales, and sunfish, as well as snorkeling and a variety of watersports.
There are so many ways to feed your adventure at Catalina Island.
Long Beach
Rent a jet ski for an hour or two at Long Beach and have the best time on the ocean.
It is a very popular spot, so you are going to want to get there quite early to catch some waves before the waterways become full with many other people.
When it is crowded, the waiting time at the boat ramp might get frustrating.
So be prepared for long waits to get onto the water.
Lake Elsinore
Lake Elsinore is a freshwater lake is works out well for the jet ski as being overexposed to saltwater can be quite detrimental to its overall functioning.
Los Angeles, California, is truly abundant in beautiful locations, and Lake Elsinore is one of them.
It is quite a distance away from the city, so it is normally less populated over the weekends and holidays, unlike the beach or any of the other lakes.
This pristine lake and its small crowds make it the perfect spot for jet skiing beginners and people who like to go fishing.
San Clemente Island
San Clemente Island is the furthest jet-skiing spot from the city.
It is recommended that if you choose to use your jet ski to get you there that you stock up on fuel or at least fill up at the gas stops along the way.
Final Thoughts
Los Angeles, California, is truly one of the best places to jet ski.
Catching awesome waves, a sunset tour, or feeding your adrenaline in a super fun towing sport.
Jet skiing should be the one thing to do when visiting California.
Local jet ski riders are spoiled for choice, being surrounded by so many scenic beaches and lakes, not to mention all of the celebrities around!
At the most reasonable rates, you can hire a jet ski if you do not have your own.
This means there is no excuse for not getting on a jet ski and finding adventure while you are there.
You can get jet ski rentals here too, and either use them for an hour or more, or you could go on a tour of the lakes and beaches.