In the Northeast, the boating season is right around the corner, and in the South, it’s in full swing! Wherever you are, we’ve put together the Snag-A-Slip picks for eight of the Top Boating Destinations in 2020 that you should add to your itinerary!
Maine
Lobsters aren’t the only thing Maine is known for! The scenic shorelines of this maritime state, historic lighthouses, fishing, National Parks and much more will leave you yearning for more. Head to Maine, one of the top boating destinations for 2020!
Front Street Shipyard
Front Street Shipyard is located in Belfast, Maine along the Passagassawaukeag River, as the locals call it, the Passy. Named one of the “coolest small towns in America” by USA Today, visitors can explore downtown Belfast and grab a bite to eat or hang out by the docks and have a picnic. The world is your oyster in Belfast…or since it’s Maine, maybe the world is your lobster? Book now here!
Chicks Marina
Kennebunkport, Maine is a small historic maritime town that boasts great food and hospitality. For those feeling adventurous, rent a kayak and peruse the marina property and nearby coves. If you’re feeling up for some real fun, head out from the marina to go whale watching to catch a glimpse of Finbacks, Humpbacks, Minkes, and potentially much more! Book now here!
The Great Lakes
Towns along the Great Lakes are finally being recognized as top boating destinations for their scenery and peak locale for some much needed R&R. If you really wanted, you can visit all 7 states that border the lakes and a whole new country. There are way too many great marinas to write about here, so stay tuned for a cruising itinerary detailing more to do in these top boating destinations!
South Bay Cove Yacht Haven
Time to throw some of Canada into the mix. Port Severn in Ontario, Canada is off of Lake Huron and the Georgian Bay. It’s location is in close proximity (just minutes) to the Thirty Thousand Islands area. With an on-site restaurant and beautiful picnic areas, you’ll never want to leave. Book now here!
Clayton Harbor Municipal Marina
Off Lake Ontario in the St. Lawrence River, Clayton Harbor Municipal Marina is the perfect destination to travel north or along the border between Canada and the United States. Clayton city offers a diverse history of lumber shipping and boating. From historical sites to restaurants and bars, Clayton Harbor Municipal is a great stop on your Great Lakes journey. Book now here!
Boston
If we could constantly stay in New England chances are it would happen. Boston, Massachusetts is our recent obsession with historical sites, breweries, and just about any activity you could think of combined with beautiful temperate weather yields our dream location in Spring and Fall.
Constitution Marina
Constitution Marina is located in the heart of it all in downtown Boston. With a variety of amenities and such a great location, you will never run out of things to do! We recommend a walk on Freedom Trail which lies just steps off the docks or a visit to the oldest operating Tavern in Massachusetts. Book now here!
Admirals Hill Marina
If you’re looking for year-long boating in New England, you’ve come to the right place. Admirals Hill Marina is in close proximity to downtown Boston and everything the city has to offer. However, if you stay on property, you’ll experience gorgeous views over Boston Harbor. Book now here!
New Orleans
New Orleans is much more than a glitzy bead tsunami every March. We recommend visiting in the summer when all the trees are in full bloom and the Spanish moss looks straight out of a movie. Eat beignets and walk the colorful streets without the hordes of people – or come in March and do that if it’s your thing.
MG Mayer Yacht Services
MG Mayer Yacht Services boasts top-notch local, transient, and international yacht services and repair. Downtown New Orleans is in close proximity to the docks. Grab a cab, ride-share, or the historic street cars and explore all the city has to offer on its days off. Book now here!
Schubert’s Marine
Located right off of Lake Pontchartrain, Schubert’s Marine is a perfect stop to give your boat and yourself some much needed RnR in a great city. Go and enjoy the southern hospitality of New Orleans with West End Park across the street and great restaurants a quick ride away. Book now here!
Hudson Valley, New York
New York City may be the golden egg of New York, but we recommend boaters travel up the Hudson River. Hudson Valley has reached the top destinations to visit in 2020 for the relaxing towns completely different from the hustle and bustle of the big apple.
Shadows Marina
Just 90 minutes from NYC and Albany, Shadows Marina is located in the beautiful and scenic Duchess County. Poughkeepsie offers grand views of the Mid-Hudson Bridge, historical sites, boutiques, and great restaurants. Find your zen in the Hudson River (probably not something you ever imagined yourself saying, but take our word for it!). Book now here!
Rondout Yacht Basin
Connelly, NY is the summer destination you’re going to crave once the doldrums hit. Rondout Yacht Basin is 16-acres of beautiful vacation location. With a pool, volleyball pit, picnic area, and more, you can catch up on some much needed relaxation. Head into town for tasty eats or historical sites if you get bored, but we doubt you will at Rondout Yacht Basin. Book now here!
Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard
Think Vineyard Vines, scenic New England views, and one of the best vacations you’ll ever take. This southern island of Massachusetts is a must visit. From colorful cottages to beautiful beaches and a wide variety of nautical dining options, skip down from Maine and Boston to this must visit maritime island.
Vineyard Haven Marina
Located in Vineyard Haven Harbor on the northern end of the island, Vineyard Haven Marina is the perfect destination to explore the local fish markets and galleries. Eat at the on-site restaurant Garde East or hit the town for an unforgettable vacation. Book now here!
Check out more top boating destinations in Martha’s Vineyard from our friends at Marinalife here!
Key West, Florida
Known for their free range chickens, iguanas, and key lime pie, Key West, Florida is quite possibly the most interesting southernmost getaway we can recommend in the United States. If you’re looking to relax under coconut palm trees or ride a bike through the streets, add Key West to your 2020 itinerary.
Key West Yacht Club
Key West Yacht Club is a self-proclaimed hub of boating in the southernmost tip of the U.S. It is the perfect destination to meet with boaters heading North or South and tell stories of travels at the dockside bar! The docks are located in the heart of town so stop at local restaurants and try some conch fritters in the conch capital of the world. Book now here!
Stock Island Yacht Club
We want nothing more than to lounge in the beach chairs and sleep the day away under palm trees at Stock Island Yacht Club. Enjoy downtown Key West or relax by the pool and Tiki Bar with a cold drink in hand. You can even dine on-site while your boat is repaired in the shipyard. Book now here!
Miami, Florida
Miami, Florida may not be your first thought on a list of top boating destinations on your way South or North, but we definitely recommend it to catch some excitement before catching some Z’s on the beach. After reading all about the fun this city offers, we’re not shocked Miami is on any top travel list for 2020!
RMK Merrill-Stevens
RMK Merrill-Stevens is in close proximity to the Miami River, the Miami International Airport, downtown Miami, and South Beach. Grab a rideshare and head out for a night on the town while your boat is getting some much needed R&R at the shipyard. You won’t need to leave the Marina with pristine amenities, but you may want to so you get to experience downtown Miami. Book now here!
Sea Isle Marina and Yachting Center
Sea Isle Marina and Yachting Center is in a great Northern location in downtown Miami, and all the action is a short walk from the docks. Hit the museums around town or head to the trendiest fashion district in Florida. Miami has some crazy nightlife, and with such close proximity, you can have a fun night out and safely return to your vessel. Book now here!
I visited most of the places that you listed in the post. They are all great places. I especially like Florida because the blue sea in this place is wonderful, but it is so crowded.