Nothing beats a boating trip, whether it’s a day trip with the kids or part of a longer getaway. The US has many boating towns that will make your trip memorable, but some stand out from the rest. So to inspire you, we put together this list of the best boating towns around the US .

Fort Lauderdale

Florida is a boaters’ paradise. When you find yourself in Florida, a yacht rental in Fort Lauderdale is the ultimate vacation activity. This town is full of boating canals, and this makes most things accessible from the water.

These crystal clear waters are warm year-round, and fishermen are well catered for with the abundance of fish. And thanks to the well-established boating infrastructure hiring, buying, or maintaining any boat is a breeze.

But the main attraction is the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. This annual event put Fort Lauderdale on the map, and earned it the unofficial title of the “Yachting capital of the world”.

Lake Havasu City

When you need to sit on a sandy beach this summer and enjoy sparkling water, palm trees, and seagulls, there's no need to leave #Arizona. Just head for our West Coast. Relax at Cattail Cove State Park or at a half-dozen other Lake Havasu City beaches. @AZStateParks @GoLakeHavasu pic.twitter.com/HUdVpouOwB

— Roger Naylor (@AZRogerNaylor) June 21, 2022

Lake Havasu City sits on the eastern side of Lake Havasu, in Arizona, directly across from the Californian side of the lake. The waters in Lake Havasu, unlike other recreational lakes in the region, remain at a near-constant elevation. This, coupled with good weather year-round, has led to this lake becoming a boater’s paradise.

Part of the fun of boating is the sightseeing that goes with it. Well, you won’t be disappointed, because Lake Havasu is surrounded by great natural beauty. Best of all, some of the little coves have amenities like restrooms and dedicated picnic facilities.

And if you love watersports, you’ll be very happy here, because this has been named the best US lake for watersports. There are no restrictions on the size of the boat or speed, aside from designated no-wake zones.

Annapolis

Sitting on the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Severn River, Annapolis is yet another fantastic boating town. Fort Lauderdale may be the yachting capital of the world. But Maryland’s Annapolis is known as the sailing capital of the US.

Boaters come from all over the US and moor their vessels in downtown Annapolis, where there are excellent marine facilities. And of course, the Chesapeake Bay is also one of the best spots in the US to go kayaking or canoeing.

While a boating license is required to go boating here, this offers you an endless list of boating possibilities. Fishing is also a popular pastime here, but you’ll need the Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing license.

Santa Catalina Island

Santa Catalina Island.

Could the sky be any bluer?

⛵️#MyDayInLA #California pic.twitter.com/O7XqWaQ1GT

— Tom Hall ⛵️☘️ (@Staff_Commodore) October 10, 2020

Santa Catalina Island is part of the channel islands that make up the California archipelago. And this is a boating day trip destination with a difference. Over 360 mooring sites at Avalon Harbor, Descanso Bay, and Hamilton Cove are available on the island’s east end.

Santa Catalina is loved by locals and tourists alike. And this island offers the best boating vacation there is – a combo of boating and camping. Now that’s a getaway that the whole family can enjoy.

Head to Willow Cove Beach on the northeast shore, and you’ll find a boat-in campground. In fact, as there are no roads, your only way to get around will be by boat or kayak.

Grand Marais

Grand Marais, MN pic.twitter.com/TrLKHWxE4Q

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— thomas (@ThomasKhondaker) June 3, 2022

This pretty as a postcard harbor town in Minnesota is located on the banks of Lake Superior. Lake Superior attracts all kinds of boating enthusiasts. Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are all popular in this area.

Part of what makes Lake Superior a fantastic boating destination for so many people is its location. This lake is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Wisconsin, and Michigan to the south, and Ontario, Canada, to the north.

And just south of Grand Marais, the Cascade Falls State Park offers families an affordable vacation in the outdoors. Located where the Cascade River and Lake Superior meet, this park offers some of the best hiking trails in the region.

Rangeley

Maine has a long and proud history of boat building, so if you’re a boating enthusiast, you’ll feel right at home here. The town of Rangeley in Maine sits in the center of the Rangeley Lakes region. Rangeley Lake is one of 6 lakes in this region.

Rangeley Lake as well as nearby Kennebago Lake are excellent spots for those among you who love fly-fishing. Atlantic Salmon and Brown Trout are the most common fish to be caught here. This town even has its own type of boat, the Rangeley boat, a sturdy guide boat designed for fishing on these lakes.

Aside from fishing, canoeing and kayaking are the top boating activities here. But watersports facilities offering water skiing, wakeboarding, and wake surfing are also available. And for a relaxing day on the lakes, there’s also the option of a houseboat tour.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re planning a vacation or just looking for somewhere to stay while cruising the US coastline, these are the best boating towns in America.

From charming small towns to luxurious resorts and everything in between, each place on this list has something special that will make your trip unforgettable. So why not make a weekend getaway out of it and see for yourself?