U.S. Cities with Incredible Summer Boating Scenes
Whether you're a regular boater or want to take to the water for the first time, the United States is full of beautiful boating locations in port cities all across the country. Depending on what you feel like trying, you could do a day out on the lake, cruise down the river, or take in the seaside views as you sail along the oceanfront. There's no shame in hiring a professional to get you out, either. From known classics to some underappreciated destinations, here are eight of the best places to do some summer boating.
Catalina Island, California
Known as a boater's paradise, Catalina Island is home to over 700 moorings and anchorages to bring your boat. It's located about an hour off the coast of Southern California, and you can access Catalina via your own boat or a ferry. Once on the island you can enjoy trails for hiking and biking, go shopping, or explore a beautiful kelp forest that is home to up to 50 varieties of fish.
Chicago, Illinois
It's not often that boating allows you to go out on the water while being fully immersed in the city, but the Chicago River is an exception. Surrounded by beautiful architecture on either side, the Chicago River can be navigated via pontoon, charter boat, guided tour, kayak, or even Jet Ski as you make your way out into Lake Michigan.
Block Island, Rhode Island
Come for the day or dock for an extended period along this iconic New England destination. Block Island features two harbors—New Harbor, which offers three marinas, 90 town moorings, and a 75-acre anchorage, and Old Harbor, which is protected by breakwater and has comparatively shorter anchoring windows. Whether you take the ferry or bring your boat, you'll enjoy all there is to do at Block Island. The island town offers a variety of dining, biking tours, shopping, and historical landmarks and is also a popular wedding destination.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Not just for lobster boats, Bar Harbor offers an incredible summer boating scene for tourists and locals alike on the beautiful and serene Mount Desert Island. Explore the inlets and islands in the Gulf of Maine, cruise up to Nova Scotia for a visit to Canada, or sail to the Atlantic Ocean.
Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey
When you're looking to get out of New York City for a boat trip, this New Jersey hotspot is less than two hours away. The largest human-created lake in New Jersey, Lake Hopatcong covers 2600 acres and has marinas around the lake for boat rental and thousands of docks to store your boat. And if you prefer cold weather, you can visit this boating destination in the winter to take out an ice boat for an unbelievable day of ice sailing.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
You don't need to travel to a coastal town to enjoy a spacious boating experience. Nestled at the intersection of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, Mackinac Island is a hub for boating between the two Great Lakes and is known as a fishing hotspot. Here you'll find fishing charters available for rent as well as parasailing, kayaking, dinner cruises, and more ways to enjoy the water by boat.
San Diego, California
Whether you want to boat in the Pacific or prefer to stay local in the bay, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the water. A boat-friendly coastline, San Diego offers more than 60 waterfront restaurants so you can dock and dine. It's set along the southwesternmost part of the continental United States, where you can enjoy incredible sunsets over the water while relaxing out on your boat.
Guntersville Lake, Alabama
Set between two dams, this 75-mile lake is Alabama's most popular boating location. Guntersville Lake (also known locally as Lake Guntersville) is a hub for boating that is also attached to the Tennessee River. If you don't have your own boat, rent canoes, pontoons, bass boats, or motorboats for time on the water. Docks, landings, and ramps are abundant along the lake for easy access.
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