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Best Rivers & Streams in California

7 top-rated rivers & streams in California. Find the best rivers and streams for kayaking, fishing, tubing, and riverside adventures.

Arroyo Burro Beach County Park (Santa Barbara, 4.7 from 3,221 reviews), Carmel River State Beach (Carmel, 4.8 from 2,910 reviews) and Arroyo Hondo Vista Point (Goleta, 4.6 from 869 reviews) are the most-reviewed rivers in California. The full ranking below covers 7 spots, ordered by how many people have reviewed them, each with photos, ratings and directions.

KayakingFishingTubingRaftingSwimming

Top Rivers & Streams in California

Top 10 on the map

Locations approximate to pin

14.7(3,221)

Arroyo Burro Beach County Park

River · Santa Barbara, California

This oceanfront beach with seasonal lifeguards & a grassy area for picnicking allows off-leash dogs.

24.8(2,910)

Carmel River State Beach

River · Carmel, California

This mile-long beach offers bird watching opportunities & a popular scuba diving entry point.

34.6(869)

Arroyo Hondo Vista Point

River · Goleta, California

A river in Goleta, California.

44.8(774)

Big River Beach at Mendocino Headlands State Park

River · Mendocino, California

Camping nearby

Beach in the Mendocino Headlands State Park featuring picnicking, sunbathing & more.

54.6(731)

Willow Creek Recreation Area

River · Folsom, California

A river in Folsom, California.

64.3(567)

Russian River

River · Guerneville, California

Camping nearbyRedwood ForestsWine Country

Scenic river winding through redwood forests and wine country, offering swimming holes, kayaking, canoeing, and beach areas.

Swimming Holes · Kayak Rentals · Beaches · Camping

74.5(423)

American River

River · Sacramento, California

FishingDog-friendlyWhite Water RaftingGold Rush History

The American River offers excellent opportunities for rafting, kayaking, fishing, and features the 32-mile American River Parkway with trails for biking and hiking.

Rafting · Kayaking · Bike Trails · Hiking Trails

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