Everyday California offers unique adventures in two of Southern California’s most scenic locations: La Jolla Shores and Ecological Reserve and Huntington Beach and Harbour. Each location has its own unique vibe, and choosing between them depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for. Here’s how they compare, and why both La Jolla and Huntington Beach are worth adding to your California adventure list.
Ocean Adventure vs. Canal Cruising
The water conditions in La Jolla Ecological Reserve vs Huntington Harbour make for different kayaking and stand up paddle boarding experiences.
La Jolla: Guided Kayak Tours through the Open Ocean & Sea Caves
La Jolla is home to Southern California’s only sea caves accessible by kayak, including the famous Emerald Cave. Guided kayak tours here take you into the open ocean, where you’ll:
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Paddle along rugged cliffs and a rocky coastline, spotting a diverse array of marine mammals along the way
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Enter into the sea caves (weather permitting)
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Learn about the geological and ecological history of the reserve from your tour guide
Everyday California’s guided kayak tours in La Jolla are perfect for anyone ages 5 and up looking for an adventurous, open-ocean experience. No prior kayaking experience is required.
Our experienced tour guides will get you comfortable on the water quickly and keep things fun and safe throughout the tour while you paddle through the scenic La Jolla sea caves, spot marine life like dolphins and bright orange garibaldi fish, and learn about the world famous ecological reserve from your guide.
The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore and create lasting memories with family or friends. Whether you're a first-timer or just looking for a new way to experience the coast, this tour is a fun, active, and educational adventure for all people of all kayaking experience levels.
→ La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tours
Huntington Harbour: Self-guided Paddling through Calm, Scenic Canals
On the other hand, kayaking or stand up paddle boarding in Huntington Harbour is all about taking it easy. You'll cruise through calm canals on a self guided adventure, along waterfront homes, pocket beaches, and small parks. The protected waters make this paddling experience a perfect option for:
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First-time kayakers or stand up paddle boarders
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Families with young kids
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Large group outings or solo paddlers who want a mellow, self-paced experience
→ Huntington Harbour Kayak and Board Rentals
Wildlife Encounters: Marine Life vs. Bird Life
One of the most exciting parts of any paddle adventure is spotting wildlife along the way. Both La Jolla and Huntington Harbour deliver, just in different ways.
La Jolla Ecological Reserve: A Marine Sanctuary Full of Life
If your ideal adventure includes getting up close and personal with a wide variety of animals above and beneath the surface, La Jolla is the place to be. The La Jolla Ecological Reserve is a protected marine area teeming with life. While adventuring here, you may encounter:
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Dolphins swimming alongside your kayak
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Sea lions lounging on rocks
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Bat rays and sea turtles gliding under your board
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Garibaldi fish, California’s bright orange state fish darting through the underwater kelp forest
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Seasonal migrations of leopard sharks (summer) and gray whales (winter)
The La Jolla Ecological Reserve is without a doubt the best place to experience Southern California’s marine biodiversity up close. Everyday California offers both Kayaking and Snorkeling tours through the protected marine reserve so you can spot wildlife from the seat of a kayak, or snorkel alongside marine mammals through the underwater kelp forest.
→ La Jolla Kayak and Snorkel Tours
Huntington Harbour: A Quiet Birdwatcher’s Haven
In contrast, Huntington Harbour is best for those who enjoy peaceful paddling and birdwatching. The calm waters and residential canals make paddling through Huntington Harbour a more laid-back experience than paddling in the open ocean in La Jolla, and create a tranquil environment that attracts:
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Great blue herons, Egrets, and Cormorants
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Occasionally, sea lions or harbor seals
Explore at your own pace with a kayak or stand up paddle board rental in Huntington Harbour.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding: Ideal in Both Locations, for Different Reasons
Both La Jolla and Huntington Harbour are excellent places to try stand up paddle boarding (SUP).
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La Jolla Shores offers open ocean stand up paddle boarding lessons and rentals with incredible views and the possibility of wildlife sightings. You might even catch a few waves while you're out there! The calm surf at La Jolla Shores also makes it one of the best places in Southern California for beginner surfers and paddle boarders to learn and build confidence.
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Huntington Harbour stand up paddle board rentals provides a calm, flat water setting, which is perfect for first-time paddle boarders or anyone working on their balance.
Surfing: Beach Breaks at Both Locations
For those looking to catch waves, both La Jolla Shores and Huntington Beach are known for consistent surf and beginner-friendly breaks.
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La Jolla Shores: A wide beach break with gentle waves and a surf school vibe. Great for first-timers or mellow longboarding.
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Huntington Beach: World-famous surf town energy with breaks for all levels, from beginner foam boarders to shortboard pros.
→ Surfboard Rentals in Huntington Beach
→ Surfboard Rentals in La Jolla
What Sets Everyday California Apart
No matter which location you choose, Everyday California makes it easy to get out on the water. Here’s what sets us apart at both spots:
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La Jolla: Expert-guided kayaking tours, access to sea caves that you cannot access with just a kayak rental, and a vibrant marine ecosystem teeming with life.
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Huntington: Affordable stand up paddle board, surfboard, and kayak rentals, a shop just steps from the canal, and a relaxed, no-pressure experience.
Both locations offer year-round rentals, friendly staff, and easy online booking.
Not Sure Which Adventure to Choose?
We’d love to chat, and help you figure out which spot is the best for you.
