‘Tis the season to set sail and enjoy some time on the water with your favorite people. Whether you prefer lakes or bays, here are some of the best cities that you can enjoy the open water and dock for a day on land.
Destin, Florida
There are more than a few places to boat in the beautiful resort town of Destin. You’ve got Crab Island, which offers beautiful turquoise waters, the protected inlet of Joe’s Bayou, Gulf Islands National Seashore, and Norriego Point, where you’ll find gorgeous white beaches. Not to mention the incredible warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico make Destin an incredible fishing destination.
Newport, Oregon
Newport’s South Beach Marina is an ideal place to dock your boat on the stunning Oregon coast. The marina offers a fishing pier and picnic area. Newport is also home to a handful of fun attractions, like the Oregon Coast Aquarium, the Hatfield Marine Science Center, the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, and a vibrant waterfront shopping and dining area. South Beach Park or Agate Beach State Park are perfect for soaking up some rays.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Dock your boat at Erwin Marine, which is open seven days a week, and explore the bustling city of Chattanooga on foot. The city is home to the Tennessee Aquarium and several museums, including the Hunter Museum of American Art and the Creative Discovery Museum, as well as some fabulous restaurants.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
There’s plenty of docking space at downtown’s recently built CityDeck, and you can also explore the shopping and dining that Green Bay has to offer. Just want to drop in for a quick bite to eat? The Fox Harbor Pub & Grill has several boat slips available for short stops.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Whether you’re a visiting boater or just want to rent a canoe or kayak for the day, Atlantic City has a variety of options that should work quite nicely. The Senator Frank S. Farley State Marina is truly incredible, with a 700-plus-room hotel, a massive casino, a nightclub, a spa, and more than 600 boat slips. If you’re looking to sail in style, look no further than this glitzy city.
Arizona and Nevada
Water may be the last thing you think of when it comes to these hot and dry states, but Lake Mead and Lake Mohave offer beautiful views and nearly 300 square miles to glide through. And, of course, the surrounding National Recreation Area is great for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more.