Several of the restaurants validate for up to 2 hours. Watch for the occasional dolphin as you go and explore the kelp beds. North out of the harbor takes you along the Hemosa and Manhattan Beach shore. The entrance to the park is on Balboa Blvd. View map .
Parking is free but can be pretty busy on weekends, so get there early.
PFDs required for all paddlers. They include Great Blue Herons, Mallard Ducks, Pelicans, and Cormorants. The Lake itself is somewhat scenic. During the spring, there is a period when the cherry trees are blooming and the entire park is draped in pink.