Many of us first fell in love with the water at the beach or while growing up near a lake or river. So, it's no surprise that, as adults, there's nothing quite like hitting the open water in our own boats. And that's what we're discussing today! Keep reading as we take a deep dive into our favorite beaches for boating – and what makes them unique.
When is National Beach Day?
Are you planning your next boating excursion? Looking for the perfect shoreline to bring your boat? In that case, you might wonder, "When is National Beach Day?" Well, mark your calendars for August 30th!
To make the most of this special day, check out our list of top-notch beach destinations for boating. Whether you're into cruising, fishing, or simply soaking up the sun on the water – the U.S. and Canada have many fun coastal spots to explore.
The Top Beach Destinations for Boaters
We all know that beaches for boating bring a whole different experience than sailing around a freshwater lake. The water can be rougher – but the shore brings the energy!
Additionally, coastal towns may have more shops, restaurants, and other entertainment options you can't find elsewhere. Here are our top beach destinations for boating – get ready to book your next vacation!
1. Crab Island, Destin, Florida
It should come as no surprise that our top National Beach Day location for boating is in the biggest boating state – Florida. And Destin does it like no other! There are a few different places to take your boat, including the famous Crab Island.
Crab Island is known across the country as a boating hotspot – with its lively crowds and picture-perfect location for swimming and grilling out on the gigantic sandbar. Or you can go to the more serene Gulf Islands National Seashore nearby to enjoy zero wake restrictions and all your favorite watersport activities. Whichever you choose, you can't go wrong boating in Destin.
Read Next: Florida Boating Guide
2. Avalon Beach, Catalina Island, California
All boaters from the West Coast know Catalina Island – it's a staple in Southern California. Whether you bring your own vessel or rent one, the options for exploring are endless. A few sailing locations on the island include Avalon Beach, Two Harbors, Catalina Harbor, Isthmus Cove – and many more!
It takes about one hour to boat from San Diego to the island. But, once you're there, you'll be greeted with tons of secluded boating and swimming spots, breathtaking beaches, and unique opportunities to see wildlife. Plus, since the water is such a central part of the lifestyle here, there are always different watersports to try!
Read Next: California Boating Guide
3. Ocean City Maryland
Spanning over two thousand miles of coastline, the East Coast of the United States is home to many popular beaches for boating. And one of our favorites is Ocean City, Maryland. Why? Because it combines everything you need to have a full vacation roster!
First, there's the iconic boardwalk packed with arcades, museums, and plenty of places to eat and explore. For boating enthusiasts, there are public boat launches and affordable daily or weekly slip rates at local marinas. Plus, people love that Ocean City is located on a barrier island, meaning it runs parallel to the main coast. This often allows for calmer water conditions than the Atlantic Ocean.
4. Central Grandier, Thousand Islands National Park, Ontario, Canada
Another great spot to celebrate National Beach Day is in Canada! Thousand Islands National Park is a must-see boating destination if you're up for a northern adventure. (It's genuinely something you can't find anywhere else.) And with over 1,800 islands to explore, you'll never get bored here.
Are you looking for a peaceful day of exploring hidden coves? On the hunt for an adrenaline-fueled boating race? This spot has got both! And if you're looking for a sandy beach, Central Grenadier Island is a local favorite. Enjoy stunning views, unique wildlife, and the beautiful national park next door.
Learn More at Discover Boating Canada
5. Newport Beach, California
In sunny Orange County, people come from around the world to see Newport Beach, one of our favorite beach destinations for boating. From the picturesque coastline to beautiful waters, it is one of the largest recreational boat harbors on the West Coast.
Newport Harbor is a hotspot for all things maritime, including fishing, sailing, kayaking, and all the water activities you can think of. It is a perfect spot to hang out on National Beach Day since there are many fun things to do!
Go birdwatching, explore the wetlands, or just cruise and see the sites. You can't go wrong here!
6. Smathers Beach, Key West, Florida
Anywhere with a sandy shoreline in the Florida Keys could easily make our list of best beach destinations for boaters. Why? Because the Keys are beautiful and perfect for cruising your vessel all day. We love Smather's Beach in particular because it's the largest public beach in the area and has its own boat access ramp.
Additionally, boaters love the chance to go inshore and offshore fishing and explore reefs and wrecks. Or unwind and enjoy relaxing on sandbars while soaking up the beauty of crystal-clear water.
7. Lone Rock Beach, Lake Powell, Utah
When we say Lake Powell is one of our favorite beaches for boating, we mean it. Many people don't realize this area has several sandy spots, with Lone Rock being one of them. And there are so many activities to enjoy here! Go cruising, waterskiing, tubing, kayaking, or simply lie out and relax.
Additionally, boaters flock to Lone Rock because you can get there by car or vessel, and it looks like it's straight out of a movie. You guessed it – one large rock sits in the middle and is a site to be seen. But don't worry! You can still get your boat around.
8. Masonboro Island, Wilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington, North Carolina, is a charming East Coast town, and Masonboro Island is one of the most incredible beach destinations for boating. You can only access the island by boat, and once you get there, you'll be amazed at its natural beauty.
You can enjoy many different activities if you come down during the summer (maybe not during a holiday weekend since it gets packed). The most popular ways to unwind include surfing, fishing, paddleboarding, and other watersports. Plus you can even go camping for the night!
Read Next: North Carolina Boating Guide
9. Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area, Lake Travis, Texas
Lake Travis and Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area have a little of everything – making it a favorite beach destination for boaters. So, what makes it so special? Well, visitors love that you can enjoy swimming near the sandy beaches or mountain biking on the surrounding trails.
Plus, you can access the rest of the lake via the boat launch and go fishing all day while you're out there. Everyone in the family will be entertained by all the opportunities for watersports and recreation.
Learn More About Boating in Texas
10. Tawas Point State Park, Lake Huron, Michigan
Lake Huron, the second-largest Great Lake, offers boaters a massive playground almost the size of West Virginia. And with such an ample space – comes so many opportunities for fun on the water!
One of our favorite lake spots is Tawas Point State Park. Known as the "Cape Cod of the Midwest," this spot has it all: sandy beaches, swimming areas, camping sites, and nearby boat launches. (You can even moor your boat in the bay right off the campground.) No wonder it's a popular choice for National Beach Day – with its abundance of activities and breathtaking views!
Read Next: Michigan Boating Guide
11. Coligny Beach, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Another famous barrier island, Hilton Head Island, will always make our list of the top beaches for boating. Why? Because its beaches are famous nationwide and the town is super charming.
Hilton Head has many beautiful beaches, including Coligny Beach, but boat access may be limited in some areas. However, the island's shores are easily explored by water thanks to its marinas and boat ramps. Coligny Beach is just a short cruise from nearby ramps, and this vibrant area offers a taste of the island's charm. But it's just one of many idyllic spots to discover by boat.
Learn More: South Carolina Boating Destinations
National Beach Day: Perfect Beach Destinations for Boating
After reading about our top picks for National Beach Day, check out our other boating blog posts for more trip-planning inspiration.
