Boating’s explosion in popularity is staying afloat.
From 2018 through 2023 there was a 35% increase in recreational boating economic activity, going from $170 billion to $230 billion, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association.
And the most adventurous boaters treasure their ability to visit some of the most charming coastal towns in America from the comfort of their own vessel and on their own terms. David C. Mulhauser discusses just a few of the most memorable coastal destinations to explore by boat right now.
Southern Coastal Towns
Sure, Savannah and Charleston are two of the most popular — and beautiful — Southern towns to visit by boat, but boaters may also consider some off-the-beaten boat paths for new adventures. Southport, North Carolina, just 30 minutes south of Wilmington is the definition of charm. It sports a small but beautiful beach, a historic main street, and numerous unique shops. Boaters may be tempted to stick around for a while.
Other Southern favorites include Georgetown, South Carolina, a Lowcountry spot that was once the center of the state’s rice trade. Georgetown is home to the Gullah Museum, a fascinating look at a culture and language developed by slaves.
The marshlands and oaks draped with moss in Beaufort, South Carolina, are incredibly breathtaking, and Brunswick, Georgia’s barrier islands are especially friendly to boaters.
New England Coastal Towns
New England’s numerous coastal towns offer very different vacation vibes compared with the South. Summer or early fall is a great time to explore perennially popular Bar Harbor, Maine, which includes everything from whale watching to fantastic lobster dishes at its many seafood restaurants. A bonus: Acadia National Park is close by.
While New Hampshire isn’t particularly well-known for its shoreline (it only has 18 miles of it), Rye, New Hampshire is worth a visit. It’s just one hour from Boston and features several different oceanfront parks and tide pools.
Coastal towns in Massachusetts tend to be on the crowded side from late spring to early fall, but Newburyport has a more laid-back feel on the state’s North Shore, with regular live music on the shore and cobblestone streets on land.
Western Coastal Towns
California has 840 miles of shoreline, so there are a lot of stops to choose from. One favorite is the colorful town of Capitola near Santa Cruz. The homes are uniquely vibrantly painted, there’s a quaint beach and most spots are very dog-friendly if a canine is one’s co-captain.
Cannon Beach, Oregon has miles upon miles of secluded sandy beaches and sand dunes, all with a striking mountain backdrop. Those are just scratching the surface of the beautiful coastal towns of the West. Avalon, California, the only town on Catalina Island, feels like one is boating to an exclusive spot in Italy, while Florence, Oregon, has not just long stretches of sandy beach but fantastic restaurants and antique shops.
Boaters are also rewarded for going south. In Encinitas, California, near San Diego, the waves are epic, the beaches are gorgeous, and the town itself is lively, packed with wonderful bars and shops along Main Street.