California’s long coastline offers some of the most scenic and diverse liveaboard opportunities in the United States. From bustling urban harbors to quiet coastal towns, marinas in California provide boaters with a wide range of options for calling the water home. Whether you want to live aboard for affordability, adventure, or lifestyle, this guide highlights the best liveaboard marinas in California, complete with approximate monthly slip fees.
Why California is Popular for Liveaboards
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Climate: Mild weather makes year-round boat living comfortable.
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Lifestyle: Coastal cities like San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are major cultural hubs.
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Cruising Grounds: From Catalina Island to the Channel Islands and beyond, opportunities for day sails and extended trips abound.
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Regulation: Not all California marinas allow liveaboards, and those that do often have waitlists. Confirm policies before committing.
Southern California Marinas
Shelter Island Marina – San Diego
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Cost: ~$18–$22 per foot per month (40’ boat = $720–$880).
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Highlights: A central liveaboard hub in San Diego Bay. Close to provisioning, chandleries, and downtown San Diego. Known for a strong cruiser community and easy access to Mexico’s Baja coast.
Sunroad Resort Marina – San Diego
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Cost: ~$20–$24 per foot per month (40’ boat = $800–$960).
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Highlights: A modern marina with resort-style amenities including a fitness center, pool, laundry, and Wi-Fi. Popular with younger liveaboards seeking both convenience and comfort.
Marina del Rey – Los Angeles
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Cost: ~$22–$26 per foot per month (40’ boat = $880–$1,040).
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Highlights: The largest man-made harbor in North America with more than 4,500 slips. While only some docks allow liveaboards, availability is better than in San Francisco. Offers proximity to Hollywood, Santa Monica, and LAX.
Alamitos Bay Marina – Long Beach
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Cost: ~$16–$20 per foot per month (35’ boat = $560–$700).
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Highlights: Recently renovated, this marina has upgraded docks, bathhouses, and amenities. Situated near Belmont Shore, it’s a lively community with affordable rates compared to Los Angeles or San Diego.
Ventura Harbor Village Marina – Ventura
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Cost: ~$15–$18 per foot per month (35’ boat = $525–$630).
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Highlights: A quieter alternative to LA marinas, with access to the Channel Islands National Park. Ideal for boaters who want a balance of affordability and adventure.
Central Coast Marinas
Santa Barbara Harbor
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Cost: ~$18–$22 per foot per month (35’ boat = $630–$770).
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Highlights: Iconic setting with mountain backdrops and a vibrant downtown nearby. The harbor has limited slips and strict waitlists, but the location is one of the most picturesque on the West Coast.
Morro Bay Marina
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Cost: ~$12–$16 per foot per month (35’ boat = $420–$560).
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Highlights: A small, friendly liveaboard community with stunning views of Morro Rock. This is a quieter location with fewer amenities, but it offers affordable living compared to Southern California.
Monterey Harbor
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Cost: ~$15–$18 per foot per month (35’ boat = $525–$630).
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Highlights: Known for its aquarium and waterfront district, Monterey Harbor provides easy access to both nature and city life. Popular with boaters who enjoy whale watching and central coast sailing.
Northern California Marinas
South Beach Harbor – San Francisco
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Cost: ~$20–$24 per foot per month (35’ boat = $700–$840).
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Highlights: Located next to Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, this marina offers urban convenience with stunning Bay views. Strong security and full amenities make it a sought-after liveaboard spot.
Berkeley Marina – Berkeley
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Cost: ~$14–$18 per foot per month (35’ boat = $490–$630).
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Highlights: One of the more affordable Bay Area marinas. Offers access to a vibrant, alternative community in Berkeley, with easy public transportation into San Francisco.
Oyster Point Marina – South San Francisco
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Cost: ~$15–$19 per foot per month (35’ boat = $525–$665).
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Highlights: A good balance of affordability and Bay access. Offers full amenities, though the surrounding area is more industrial compared to South Beach Harbor.
Emeryville Marina – Emeryville
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Cost: ~$16–$20 per foot per month (35’ boat = $560–$700).
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Highlights: Convenient location between Berkeley and Oakland, with access to both city life and the Bay’s sailing grounds. Known for being more welcoming to liveaboards than some other San Francisco marinas.
Sausalito Marinas – Marin County
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Cost: ~$18–$22 per foot per month (35’ boat = $630–$770).
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Highlights: Sausalito has long been a haven for liveaboards and creative communities. While regulations have tightened, marinas here still offer stunning Golden Gate Bridge views and a bohemian culture.
Quick Comparison Table
| Region | Marina | Cost (per ft/mo) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego | Shelter Island | $18–$22 | Cruiser hub, Baja access |
| San Diego | Sunroad Resort | $20–$24 | Resort amenities, modern facilities |
| Los Angeles | Marina del Rey | $22–$26 | 4,500 slips, urban lifestyle |
| Long Beach | Alamitos Bay | $16–$20 | Renovated docks, lively area |
| Ventura | Ventura Harbor Village | $15–$18 | Access to Channel Islands |
| Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara Harbor | $18–$22 | Scenic, downtown access |
| Morro Bay | Morro Bay Marina | $12–$16 | Affordable, quiet coastal town |
| Monterey | Monterey Harbor | $15–$18 | Whale watching, waterfront culture |
| San Francisco | South Beach Harbor | $20–$24 | Downtown SF, full amenities |
| Berkeley | Berkeley Marina | $14–$18 | Affordable, eclectic community |
| SF Peninsula | Oyster Point Marina | $15–$19 | Bay access, industrial surroundings |
| Oakland Bay | Emeryville Marina | $16–$20 | Welcoming liveaboard community |
| Marin County | Sausalito Marinas | $18–$22 | Iconic, creative liveaboard culture |
Tips for Liveaboards in California
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Expect Waitlists – Popular marinas in San Francisco and Santa Barbara often have years-long wait times.
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Budget for Surcharges – Many marinas add $150–$300 monthly for liveaboard privileges.
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Plan for Commutes – Proximity to work, groceries, and transit is key if you don’t want to rely on ridesharing daily.
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Hurricane-Free, But Not Storm-Free – California is safe from hurricanes, but winter storms and Pacific swells can make slips rough.
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Lifestyle vs. Cost – While Los Angeles and San Francisco offer culture and nightlife, smaller towns like Morro Bay or Ventura provide affordability and community.
Final Thoughts
California offers some of the best marinas for liveaboards in the U.S., but availability and costs vary widely. From the affordable slips of Morro Bay to the luxury of Marina del Rey or the culture of Sausalito, there’s something for every lifestyle.
If you’re exploring options, SlipMaps can help you locate marinas statewide. For additional planning tips, resources like Waterborne provide insight into what makes a marina liveaboard-friendly.
