With long coastlines along both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and thousands of lakes, the U.S. is boating heaven. Whether you want a rowdy party or a relaxed time in nature, fun waves or calm waters, there is a destination for every type of person.
So, where should you go for your next water-centric vacation? Here are the 10 best places in America for boating enthusiasts.
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10. Bigfork, Montana
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Bigfork captures the wild beauty of Montana. Located at the top of Flathead Lake, the town beacons people looking to enjoy the water. The lake is large enough that you have a good chance of finding uncrowded spots where you can stop and take a dip.
Plus, the Rocky Mountains are always near, providing a gorgeous backdrop and even more opportunities to have fun in nature.
Where to stay: The Inn on Bigfork Bay
9. Seattle, Washington
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Water defines the geography of Seattle, so it makes sense that boating is a way of life here. In fact, this city has one of the highest numbers of boats per capita — even houseboats are big! And the best part is that you can enjoy this activity no matter the season since winters here are mild.
Visitors have their pick of places to go boating, whether it's in Lake Washington, Puget Sound or Lake Union. Don't have your own boat? That's never a problem here, with an endless array of boat rental options that offer everything from traditional boats to hot tub boats you can rent by the hour.
Where to stay: citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
8. Grand Marais, Minnesota
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No serious boater should skip the chance to go deep into Lake Superior. The gigantic lake has many visit-worthy towns, but Grand Marais is one of the most interesting. Sure, its small-town charm, local eateries and pretty landscapes don't hurt, but its major selling point is its proximity to Isle Royale National Park. Fewer than 30,000 people visit this national park per year.
A big reason why it manages to avoid the crowds is that you can only get here by seaplane or, you guessed it, by boat. Rather than aimlessly driving around a lake, use your exciting boat trip as an excuse to explore a part of the country few people get to see.
Where to stay: Thomsonite Inn on Lake Superior
7. Lake George, New York
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Lake George is one of New York state's most popular lakes — and for good reason! The long body of water is clear, cool and dotted with picturesque towns. Of these, the best one to visit is the eponymous Lake George.
You'll be near vineyards, the Aridondack Mountains and beaches. But, of course, the best thing to do is to get behind the wheel and take your boat out on the lake.
Where to stay: Adirondack Diamond Point Lodge
6. Bar Harbor, Maine
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Gorgeous Bar Harbor is always a place worthy of a visit. Here, you won't be going out on a lake but rather braving the Atlantic Ocean. Those comfortable enough can drive their boat to numerous bodies of water, including Frenchman Bay, the Gulf of Fundy and the Gulf of Maine. Heck, why not go all out and drive all the way to the Canadian province of Nova Scotia?
But if you don't trust your boating skills to handle this terrain, don't worry! There are many boat tours and boat rentals that come with a captain, so you can still visit all the maritime treasures of this perfect little town.
Where to stay: The Primrose
5. Saugatuck, Michigan
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Another Great Lake small town, Saugatuck has white-sand beaches on Lake Michigan. And as if that weren't enough, it also has direct access to Kalamazoo Lake. Which basically means that you'll have more spots than you could ever truly explore.
The town is a hugely popular summer destination and attracts all types of visitors — from friend groups looking for a rowdy time to families wanting to enjoy a nice day out. Hey, Lake Michigan is big enough for everyone!
Where to stay: Best Western Plaza Hotel Saugatuck
4. Stateline, Nevada
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Sometimes people get so focused on Las Vegas that they forget Nevada is a boater's paradise. After all, the state shares Lake Tahoe with California, and Nevada's side of the border is often more affordable.
Tahoe has several spots where boating is allowed. One of the best ones is Zephyr Cove, which is near Stateline. Enjoy the crystal-clear water of what is arguably one of America's prettiest lakes.
Where to stay: Edgewood Tahoe Resort
3. Austin, Texas
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If you go to Austin in the summer, there are two main things you have to do: eat BBQ and go boating. You'll get to choose between going out on Lake Travis, Lady Bird Lake or Lake Austin — or even better, take time to boat on all three!
This is definitely more of a party boat destination than a place for a chill day, so rent a boat with a captain if you don't want to worry about having a designated driver.
Where to stay: The Loren at Lady Bird Lake
2. Osage Beach, Missouri
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The Lake of the Ozarks is irrefutably one of the most fun and exciting places in America to have a boat day. This is why every summer thousands make their way here for a vacation spent mainly on a boat.
Stay in Osage Beach, one of the lake's most popular towns, where you'll find plenty to do when you're not in the water. But if you want to go boating every single day, you won't be bored. The lake's shoreline extends 1,150 miles, so you'll be able to explore new places even on a long vacation.
Where to stay: Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks
1. Key West, Florida
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Even Hemingway couldn't resist the allure of spending entire days out on his boat in the Florida Keys. Sure, the Sunshine State has many worthy boating destinations, but nothing beats the laid-back vibes of Key West.
And if just boating isn't enough for you, this unique town also offers fishing and snorkeling in the world's third-largest barrier reef.
Where to stay: Southernmost Beach Resort