Jerold Pearson wrote:
Any suggestions, other than Lake Tahoe, for a place for fla****er kayaking
within a few hours' drive of the San Francisco Bay Area? I'm looking for
somewhere scenic that also has a place to rent kayaks. (I'm not interested
in ocean or whitewater locations.)

Richardson Bay by Sausalito (just north of the Golden Gate bridge from
SF) is usually quite sheltered and rental boats are available from Sea Trek.

Blue Waters offers rentals on Tomales Bay.

Monterey Bay Kayaks has locations in both Moss Landing on Elkhorn Slough
and in Monterey on the bay. Note that Elkhorn Slough can get
significant west winds in the afternoon so allow yourself enough time
for the return paddle.