Launching from Doheny State Beach
 

Is it allowed to launch kayaks from the west end of Doheny Beach next to the jetty at Puerto Pl? I searched the forum for an answer, but I can't find a clear answer. There was a comment about no launching of paddle powered vessels (SUP's and kayaks) north of Thor's Hammer. Other comments mention the place as a launching point. Thanks.

Yes you may.
The creek there washes out which leaves the stairs though. You pay parking by the hour and the lot is only open daylight hours. I think at 0600. (Im not talking about what one could get away with. People get away w parking there in lobster hours so its up to the ranger/leo at the time.

Dont get too far R to mess w the surfers and dont run over kids wading along the jetty.

I launched couple times right next the jetty at the north end of doho. It was several years ago. Maybe things have changed, but the life guards never said ant thing about it. Maybe call the LGs. Mike

People launch next to the jetty all the time. I did a little research a while ago and found that launching there is not allowed but the lifeguards apparently don't enforce the rules, so go for it.

The designated kayak/SUP launch area is a small area south of Thor's Hammer. You have to maintain a specific distance from any swimmer (150 feet if I remember correctly), and there's also a 1000 feet from tide line rule that you need to stay out of. Not sure how rigorously they enforce the rules, but SUPs always launch in the SUP zone.

I was always interested in Doheney launch rules. Best advice is from Mike - call the LGs

I've launched there plenty of times with no issue. There's hourly parking in the lot right next to it.

Why not just use the boat launch in Dana Harbor?

Less boat traffic/drunken hooligans trying to retrieve their vessels.

The launch right next to the short wall is a good spot. Just watch out when the tide gets really low it can be a rocky launch. Also they sell annual parking passes for around $50.