Best Archery Ranges in California: A Redneck’s Archers Guide to the Golden State

Well, howdy y’all! If you think California’s all about Hollywood, surfboards, and folks gettin’ lost in their yoga sessions, then you’ve got another thing comin’. California is also packed with some of the best places to shoot a bow and get your archery on. From the sandy beaches of the coast to the rugged hills of the Sierras, there are plenty of spots for folks like us to let loose, aim straight, and feel the satisfaction of hittin’ a bullseye.

Whether you’re a seasoned bowman or just lookin’ to take your first shot, California’s got a spot for you. Grab your bow and quiver, and let’s take a look at the top 10 archery ranges around the Golden State!

Local Rating: 4.9 Stars out of 5

Location: Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92104

First up, we’ve got  Morley Field Archery Center, the place where archery dreams come true. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, this place has all the tools you need to get your arrow flyin’ straight and true.

Why It’s Good:

  • Top-Notch Outdoor Range: SD’ s famous for a lot of things, but this Balboa Park archery range is a hidden gem. Whether you’re braving the California heat or dodgin’ rain, this indoor range will keep you shootin’ year-round.
  • Great for All Levels: Whether you’re shootin’ just for fun or gettin’ serious about competition, SD Archery Center offers lessons and leagues to keep you busy.
  • Convenience: It’s located near downtown SD, so you can swing by during lunch or after work and still get in a solid session.

What Makes It Great: The outdoor range is top-notch, and it’s got all the classes and coaching to take you from beginner to expert.

Nestled in Simi Valley, near Los Angeles, this range offers a picturesque setting for archery enthusiasts.

Why It’s Good:

  • Beautiful Natural Setting: Surrounded by scenic hills and trees, it provides a peaceful shooting environment.
  • Variety of Targets: Includes both 3D and target archery options for diverse practice.
  • Accessible to All Levels: Welcomes both beginners and experienced archers with open arms.

What Makes It Great: A stunning location combined with excellent facilities makes it a must-visit for local archers.

Why It’s Good:

  • Outdoor Range: If you love shootin’ outside, this place is as good as it gets. The scenic backdrop will make you feel like a real-life cowboy.
  • Family-Friendly: They’ve got lessons for all ages, so if you’ve got kids who are ready to try their hand at archery, this is a great spot.
  • Equipment Rentals: Don’t have your own bow? No problem. Conejo Valley has rental gear to get you started.

What Makes It Great: A scenic outdoor experience that’s perfect for families and beginners, and you can rent equipment if you don’t have your own.

Photo: Courtesy of Central Coast Archery

Local Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Out in San Luis Obispo, the central coast, you’ll find one of the best archery ranges in Central California. Whether you’re just getting your feet wet or you’re looking to train for a tournament, Central Coast Archery Range has you covered.

Why It’s Good:

  • Huge Indoor Space: This range has got a ton of space, so you won’t feel cramped. You’ll have plenty of room to stretch out and work on your skills.
  • All Levels Welcome: Whether you’re into field archery, 3D targets, or just want to sling arrows for fun, there’s a spot for you.
  • Perfect for Bowhunters: If you’re getting ready for the hunting season, Sacramento Archery Range also has 3D animal targets, which is great practice for the real deal.

What Makes It Great: A spacious, indoor facility that’s great for everyone, especially those lookin’ to practice their bowhunting skills.

For those serious about competition archery, look no further than the Easton Archery Center of Excellence in Lancaster. This place is all about pushing your skills to the next level, with state-of-the-art facilities and coaching that’ll make you a top-tier shooter.

Why It’s Good:

  • World-Class Facilities: This center is one of the best in the country, with an indoor Olympic-style range and outdoor facilities that host some serious competitions.
  • Coaching for All Levels: Whether you’re a beginner or training for a national competition, they offer professional coaching and programs to suit your needs.
  • Location: Located in Lancaster, this place is easy to get to for anyone in Southern California looking to train.

What Makes It Great: World-class facilities and expert coaching to help you get to the top of your game.

Location: 900 Oceana Blvd, Pacifica, CA 94044

Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars

It’s a fantastic spot for anyone looking to shoot some arrows while enjoying the beautiful California scenery.

Why It’s Good:

  •  Gorgeous Views:
    This range is right by the coast, so you get stunning ocean views while you’re shootin’. It’s like a postcard out there, making your practice sessions feel more like a mini-vacation.
  • Family-Friendly Fun:
    Pacifica Archery Range is perfect for families. They offer lessons for folks of all ages, so you can bring the kids and teach ‘em how to shoot straight. It’s a great way to spend some quality time together outdoors.
  • Different Shooting Styles
    Whether you’re into target practice or want to try your hand at 3D archery, this place has got you covered. They’ve got setups that’ll keep things interesting and help you sharpen your skills.
  • Community Vibe:
    You’ll find a friendly bunch of folks here who love archery just as much as you do. The range hosts events and tournaments, so you can meet other archers and maybe even make some new friends while you’re at it.
  • Easy Access
    Located right in Pacifica, it’s super easy to get to for both locals and visitors. The range is well-kept and has everything you need for a good time shootin’ arrows.

What Makes It Great: Scenic outdoor shooting with 3D targets and a family-friendly vibe.

5. Lake Perris Archery Range (Perris)

Down in the Inland Empire, you’ll find Lake Perris Archery Range, which offers a mix of field archery, target shooting, and a bunch of other fun archery-related activities. It’s one of the best places in the area to practice if you’re lookin’ for an all-in-one archery spot.

Why It’s Good:

  • Field Archery Course: If you’re into the field archery style (think shooting at targets from different distances and angles), this is the place.
  • Outdoor Range: Plenty of space to stretch your legs and get your aim right.
  • Affordable: The prices are very reasonable, making it easy to practice without breakin’ the bank.

What Makes It Great: A great spot for field archery lovers, plus it’s affordable for regular practice.

Location: (Cheviot Hills Park, 2551 Motor Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90064.)

Here’s a unique one for ya: if you love golf but also wanna shoot some arrows, Easton Rancho Range in Los Angeles lets you combine the two! Instead of hitting balls with a club, you’ll be shootin’ arrows at targets placed around a massive outdoor range.

Why It’s Good:

 
  • Indoor & Outdoor Ranges: Whether it’s hot outside or it’s a rainy day in LA, you can shoot indoors or enjoy the beautiful outdoor range.
  • Professional Coaching: If you’re serious about archery, you can sign up for lessons with some of the best coaches in the biz. They’ll teach you everything from basic techniques to competitive shooting.
  • Pro Shop: You need some new gear? The pro shop here has top-quality equipment for all your archery needs.

What Makes It Awesome: With indoor/outdoor hybrid range, it’s great for the California weather.  Plus, there is top-notch coaching and gear, this is the place if you’re serious about improving your archery skills

What Makes It Great: A fun combination of golf and archery that’s perfect for trying something new!

3. Arrowhead Archery Range (San Bernardino)

Located in San Bernardino, Arrowhead Archery Range is a great place for practicing your aim in a beautiful mountain setting. It’s a spot that brings a little bit of peace and quiet, right in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains.

Why It’s Good:

  • Scenic Outdoor Range: The range is surrounded by beautiful mountains, giving you a peaceful environment to focus on your shooting.
  • Family-Friendly: This place is perfect for families who want to try archery together. They’ve got lessons and programs that are great for all ages.
  • 3D Targets: Get ready to test your skills with 3D animal targets for a realistic bowhunting experience.

What Makes It Great: A scenic, peaceful environment with a solid selection of targets for shooters of all levels.

For those in Southern California looking for a high-energy, well-maintained range, Riverside Archery Range in Corona is where it’s at. This place has everything you need to improve your archery skills.

Why It’s Good:

  • Beautiful Outdoor Scenery: Whether you’re looking for some indoor practice or prefer to shoot under the open sky, they’ve got both.
  • Target Practice: They’ve got a great selection of targets to practice on, including 3D targets and field archery setups.
  • Relaxed Vibe: This place is not close to society.  Come here to disconnect.

What Makes It Great: A great mix of outdoor shooting with options for serious archers looking to step up their game.

1. Manteca Archery Range (Manteca)

Girl shooting her bow

If you’re up in Northern California, you can’t go wrong with the Manteca Archery Range. This place offers a laid-back, family-friendly vibe with plenty of targets and space for everyone.

Why It’s Good:

  • Friendly Staff: The folks here are super friendly and knowledgeable, making it easy for beginners to get started.
  • Affordable Rates: The prices are affordable, so you can keep coming back for regular practice without spending too much.
  • 3D Targets: It’s got 3D targets for practicing real-world archery, especially for bowhunters.

What Makes It Great: Affordable, family-friendly, and a great place for beginners and intermediate archers to improve.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it, folks! From the deserts of Rancho Mirage to the mountains of San Bernardino, California’s got a whole lot of great archery ranges to choose from. Whether you’re lookin’ for an indoor range, a scenic outdoor spot, or a place to practice for bowhunting season, the Golden State’s got something for every kind of bowman.

So grab your gear, head out to one of these top-notch ranges, and sling some arrows like a true archery champion! Happy shooting, y’all!

Mimi Landstrom

I have shot since the age of 7, after starting archery at a summer camp. As a junior I won National and county titles, whilst breaking county records throughout the years. As a senior, I still compete at a national level and travel to compete at the Indoor World Series.  After university I went to Summer Camp in Pennsylvania, Camp Westmont. I taught summer to all ages throughout the summer and loved every second!  Being able to stand on the shooting line and have myself, my bow and arrow is my idea of heaven. It’s peaceful, calming and an escape from work and life stresses.