Looking for legal spots to launch in Orange County
 

I just got my new kayak on Wednesday this week, a Vibe Shearwater 125. Thing looks absolutely gorgeous. I am still waiting on the pedal drive to get here, but I was hoping to take it out this weekend. I have some things to do in the afternoon, or I'd make the drive down to San Diego, apparently that is where the sane people live.

Does anyone know a good parking/launching spot that is technically legal in Orange County? It is a lot closer of a drive for me for a half day out. Any help would be appreciated. Not particular about the fishing, I really just wanna get out there to test out the new yak. My thanks for any information you can provide... even if its just that I have no hope.

Huntington Harbor might be a good option

I'll definitely check it out. Hopefully there is a good spot to park and launch from that they haven't closed for some unknown reason. Thanks.

I know Newsom is losing his mind with all the orange county beaches, so I just assumed the harbors and everything would be closed as well.

There is a little spot at HH just south of Edinger with pretty good access. Might be a good place to put in

I launch from the coast guard station in Newport harbor all the time. Easy free parking and a little beach to launch from. Right now you have to park on the street and wheel your kayak over (less than 100 feet still). Now that fishing is allowed Im most likely going Monday if you would like to join me!

Lower Castaways Park in Newport at the Coast Hwy and Dover. A long paddle to the open water, but you have the upper bay to the left and open fishing to the right. Cops don't care about launching there.

Not OC, Dana Point Launch Ramp is open, i'm in the situation, purchased a new boat and bixpy motor i needed to test...

Yup dp boat launch. Go early on weekends.

Los Alamitos Bay is a good place to test out a new rig. I think the boat launch is closed or at least it was but there is plenty of residential parking that will not be closed and you are allowed to cross the beach to launch.

No waves so easy launch and landing.

Lots of dink bay bass as well but I usually paddle out to the break water also known as the wall if I fish that side.

It is just north of Seal Beach.

Green areas are good launch spots. The blue is the normal spot but I am not sure if the parking lot and launch ramp are open.

Are non motorized vessels permitted to leave the bay in Alamitos? I would love to get out to those rigs that are just off shore, but I understand Huntington wont allow kayaks to leave, wondering is Alamitos is the same.

Newport Beach by the pier
 

Newport Beach by the pier parking lot and beach is open. Check out Surfline Newport Beach north side pier you will see surfers in the water. Be sure to pay for parking to avoid ticket. I surfed there last Friday.

Kids beach was closed last weekend not sure about this weekend.

I think you can park on the street parking by kids beach area and launch in the harbor and paddle/peddle out the harbor.

You are supposed to stay 300 feet away from the oil rigs and piers but you can fish the oil islands in the harbor or the breakwater.

I have never been hassled going out the harbor entrance at Los Alamitos. You just need to be careful when crossing the channel. It can get busy on the weekends.

You will get regular waves once you get past the jetty. I would take a practice paddle to get used to your kayak before you make a trip to the open ocean. If start to see white caps start heading in. It usually only gets worse later in the day.

So to be clear. As of today, 5/6/20, are we ALLOWED to go out on our kayaks in HH or AM? Given the stay at home order and all.

What about fishing? If we can go out on our yaks, fishing on the yak is allowed too?

Yes, you can leave the bay into open water. I was out this past weekend. There were paddleboarders that went to the break wall. LBPD even passed by on their boat. No hassles, just a friendly wave.