Boat ramp guide
Pepper Park Boat Launch (National City)
National City, San Diego County, CA
Overview
The Pepper Park boat launch is the Port of San Diego's free public ramp in National City, on the south-east side of San Diego Bay. It sits inside Pepper Park at 3299 Tidelands Avenue and opens onto the Sweetwater Channel, which leads out to the main bay.
Layout and who uses it
The ramp is one of four launch facilities the Port maintains, alongside Shelter Island, J Street in Chula Vista and Glorietta Bay in Coronado. It handles trailered boats and personal watercraft, and the park's carry-down walkways make it handy for kayaks and stand-up paddleboards too. The park also has a lighted fishing pier, so it's a handy base for anglers working the south bay.
What's different about boating here
South San Diego Bay, south of the Sweetwater Channel and Loews resort, is a posted 5 mph area. The Port warns that the south bay has numerous wrecks, shoals and sunken obstructions, so stay inside marked channels and keep clear of the wildlife refuge areas along the shoreline. Expect a long, slow run if you're heading for the ocean, which is at the far north end of the bay.
Good to know
Pepper Park is open 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., parking is free and there are restrooms and showers. San Diego Bay is a no-discharge area, so hold sewage for a pump-out.
Getting there & access
By road
From I-5, take the Bay Marina Drive exit in National City and head west, then turn onto Tidelands Avenue toward Pepper Park at 3299 Tidelands Ave. The Port also lists the 24th Street off-ramp. On-site parking is free, with accessible and EV spaces.
Launching
The ramp sits next to the park and serves trailer boats and jet skis; carry-down walkways make it usable for kayaks and paddleboards. Plan around park hours of 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Heading out by water
The ramp exits into the Sweetwater Channel. South of the channel the bay is a posted 5 mph area with many wrecks, shoals and sunken obstructions, so stay in marked channels and check current charts. The open ocean is at the north end of the bay, past Shelter Island.
Contact
For ramp questions, call the Port of San Diego at (619) 686-6200. Park permits and events go through Port Parks & Recreation at (619) 725-6001.
Amenities
- Launch ramp — Free Port-maintained ramp for boats and personal watercraft
- Carry-down walkways — For kayaks, paddleboards and other hand-launched craft
- Restrooms and showers — On site in Pepper Park
- Fishing pier — Lighted for night fishing
- Parking — Free, including six accessible spaces (two with EV charging)
- Picnic areas — Shaded picnic tables and an overlook terrace
- Family park — Splash pad (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.), play areas and a sand area
Rules & official resources
- South San Diego Bay, south of Loews resort and the Sweetwater Channel, is a posted 5 mph area
- San Diego Bay is a no-discharge area: no sewage discharge while berthed, moored or anchored; use pump-out stations
- Pepper Park is open 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; dogs must be leashed
- Use extreme caution outside marked channels in the south bay because of wrecks, shoals and sunken obstructions
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Trailer and engine flushing
Every launch here is in salt water, so outboards need a freshwater flush and trailers, brakes and bearings need rinsing after each trip. Regular outboard service keeps impellers and cooling passages healthy.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Lower-unit and hull damage repair
The south bay's shoals and sunken obstructions mean dinged props, skegs and gelcoat are a real risk for boats that stray from marked channels.
Find Fiberglass, Gelcoat & Structural Repair providers →Washing and detailing
Salt spray and sun dry onto trailered boats quickly. A thorough wash after each outing slows oxidation and corrosion on fittings.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Covers and canvas
Trailer boats parked outdoors between trips need UV-resistant covers and Bimini tops to stand up to strong coastal sun.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 6, 2026