Five Top Places to Kayak in the U.S.

When it is time to travel again – nature in all its glory will be waiting for you.

Story and photos by Jen Hall

One way to experience nature is by kayaking, a recreational and fitness activity that brings out a sense of calm and tranquility in most everyone.

top places in the U.S. for kayaking

On a quiet lake, the sounds of nature are heard to accompany the gentle swaying of the water. While on the water, a person can hear the water lapping at the shoreline, birds singing, and crickets chirping.  

One great thing about kayaking is that it is an activity that the whole family can enjoy together. Here are five places in the U.S. where you and your family, friends, or group can visit for some excellent kayaking experiences:

Ocean City, Maryland

Ocean City, Maryland is home to some of the most beautiful views and hidden treasures in the eastern US. Kayaking in Ocean City is a great places for family fun, group fun, as well as to learn as a beginner.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is a popular kayaking destination, especially for experienced kayakers to show off their talents. It was the first navigation bridge in the world and has several great kayaking spots on either side of the bridge.

The bridges offer a variety of classifications, and kayaking is offered in both Class A and B kayaking sessions. You can also rent kayaks for your trip from a number of local kayaking shops in the area. More about Ocean City, Maryland

Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

If you are searching for a complete outdoor experience, which can last all day, kayaking through Alaska is for you.

Kayaking in the Glacier Bay National Park is just one of the many thrilling activities that the park offers. The main attraction here is the falls, which is lined with an amazing variety of flora and fauna. The calm mountain water makes the trek up the falls a truly unforgettable experience.

The waterways can be very wide and for most people can be quite safe to kayak on. While kayaking you and your family, friends, or group can enjoy the picturesque view as you experience the encounters with sea lions, orcas, and other wildlife natives of Alaska.  More on Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska 

top places to kayak in the u.s.

Colorado River, Arizona

The Colorado River is filled with rapids and is full of variation. These rapids make for some great adventures for hundreds of miles.

Kayaking through the Colorado River gives you a Grand Canyon experience like none other. The Arizona tour guides are available to help guide you through safe routes to prevent dangerous situations that may come up unexpectedly. As researched by Kayaker Guide  there are many opportunities to hire a guide if you are not used to the terrain and really want to enjoy the different parts of the river.  More about the Colorado River, Arizona

Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii

If you have ever had the chance to kayak off of a major Hawaiian island such as Oahu, Kauai, or the Big Island of Hawaii, you will know that kayaking can be one of the most incredible and entertaining activities around.

With deep and sweeping river runs, spectacular scenery and breathtaking scenery and even some wildlife along the way. Na Pali Coast, Hawaii is a haven for all the adventures that anyone can have, and one of the most enjoyable adventures is certainly kayaking. More about the Na Pali Coast, Hawaii

Michigan’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

For an outstanding experience, think kayaking along Michigan’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The stunning backdrop of this amazing natural area is reminiscent of picturesque lakes and islands of history. Recognized as one of the fishing capitals of the world, the region is home to lakes including Lake Superior, Lake Huron and Lake Ontario. Many anglers and hunters still spend time here catching their dinner and sharing in the wonder of being on the water. Kayaking in Michigan is a great way to get out and spend some time together with friends and family. This beautiful country setting, with its stunning beauty and serene tranquility, makes for a perfect kayaking experience.   More about Pictured Rocks, Michigan

Kayaking one of the most relaxing and economical ways to get out on the water. Whether it is for a week-long trip on the ocean or just a day-long outing with the family, kayaking offers endless chances for fun, fitness and adventure.

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Jen Hall, the founder of kayakerguide.com is an avid kayaker with over 10 years experience kayaking on lakes in her home of Muskoka, Ontario. She loves writing about the outdoors and her adventures, and taking her three children out on the lake to de-stress. Her website is dedicated to bringing readers the best in kayaking guides.