10 Best Summer Boating Destinations in the US for 2025
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of discovering a destination from the water, so boating lets you experience places in a whole new way. From island passages to colorful coastlines and quiet anchorages, it adds an extra layer of fun to any trip. And what better time of year to get out on the water than summer? With the hot season just around the corner, we’ve rounded up the 10 best summer boating destinations for 2025 to help you choose a great spot to explore.
These handpicked spots offer a mix of iconic boating culture, exciting excursions, and charming coastal life. From the tropical energy of Florida to the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest, each destination promises something unique. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a summer escape on this list for you.
Tampa, Florida
Where better to start our list of the best summer boating destinations than in the Sunshine State? Tampa is a warm-weather favorite known for its mix of cosmopolitan charm and laid-back waterfront living. The city boasts sunny skies, calm waters, and easy access to Tampa Bay and the Gulf of America. Locals and visitors alike flock to its vibrant neighborhoods, historic districts, and picture-perfect sunsets over the water.
For boaters, Tampa is a gateway to everything from dolphin-watching tours to island-hopping adventures. That includes cruising out to Caladesi or Honeymoon Island, two of the last remaining undeveloped barrier islands. Alternatively, you can enjoy a relaxing day on the Hillsborough River. Fishing charters, sunset cruises, and private pontoon rentals all offer fun ways to explore Tampa’s waterways!
When you’re ready to head back ashore, stroll along the riverwalk and explore Ybor City’s Cuban heritage. Later, you may want to take in some thrills at Busch Gardens. Tampa blends boating with great dining, nightlife, and culture, making it a top-tier summer spot.
Santa Cruz, California
Nestled along California’s Central Coast, Santa Cruz is another great destination for summer boating. This is a laid-back beach town with a strong surf culture and undeniable ocean charm. Additionally, the iconic boardwalk, scenic bluffs, and redwood-covered hills create a backdrop that’s both lively and serene. It’s a rare place where you can swap the beach for a forest in under an hour!
Santa Cruz’s marina is a great launch point for scenic boat tours, marine life watching, and coastal cruising. Expect to see sea otters bobbing in kelp beds and maybe even a migrating whale or two. Visitors can hop aboard sailboats, catamarans, or glass-bottom boats for unforgettable views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Beyond the water, you’ll find quirky cafes, artisan markets, and hiking trails galore. Visit the Santa Cruz Wharf or check out the surf museum at Lighthouse Point. While there, you can grab an ice cream at the boardwalk. It’s a relaxed, friendly town where time slows down in the best way. Sounds perfect for summer, right?
South Padre Island, Texas
While the secret may be out about South Padre Island, it’s still a top boating destination for all kinds of visitors. After all, why do so many people keep coming back!? The island is a slender stretch of sand off Texas’s southern tip, famous for its beaches and wide-open Gulf views. While it’s often associated with spring break crowds, summer brings a more laid-back vibe…
Boating here is a dream come true! Calm inshore waters meet the open Gulf, giving you a variety of tour options. From jet boat rides to fishing expeditions in the Laguna Madre, the island promises plkenty of aquatic adventures. Don’t miss the chance to join a dolphin-watching cruise or choose a sunset sail where the horizon seems to melt into the sea.
Off the boat, South Padre has plenty to offer. Check out Sea Turtle, Inc., stroll the beach, or explore the sand dunes on a nature walk. With friendly locals and island charm, it’s an easygoing escape with serious boating appeal.
San Juan Islands, Washington
The San Juan Islands are tucked between Washington State and Canada, offering dramatic natural beauty and a peaceful, island-hopping lifestyle. Think evergreen-lined shorelines, misty mornings, and charming harbor towns. This a dream summer boating destination for anyone who loves being surrounded by water.
Set off from Friday Harbor or Roche Harbor and you’ll find countless opportunities for boating adventures. Whale-watching tours are a must here, as it’s one of the best places in the country to spot orcas in the wild! Kayak tours, sailboat charters, and multi-island cruises all showcase the region’s breathtaking scenery, so simply opt for whatever suits your group best!
The fun doesn’t stop on the water, though. Back on dry land, you can explore the quirky shops of Lopez Island or hike up Mount Constitution on Orcas Island. At the end of each busy day, we’re sure you’ll enjoy a fresh seafood dinner by the water! The pace is slow and the views are big. Get ready to recharge with nature and salt air in the San Juan Islands.
New Orleans, Louisiana
If ever a city needed no introduction, it’s New Orleans. We’ll give it one anyway, though: This riveting city is world-renowned for its jazz clubs and Creole cuisine, while its watery surroundings make it a prime boating destination. The “Big Easy” sits at the meeting point of the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, opening up a unique set of opportunities in a place where music and culture never sleep.
Hop aboard a swamp tour for a closer look at the region’s bayous or, f a different experience, you can take a steamboat ride on the Mississippi to soak in the city skyline from the water. Guided fishing trips and private cruises on the lake also give visitors a different view of New Orleans. Cypress trees, pelicans, and the hum of distant brass bands… You’re sure to experience what this city is all about!
Once you’re back on land, you can explore the French Quarter’s famous charm, sample beignets at Café du Monde, or catch live music on Frenchmen Street. Boating here is just one more way to experience the city’s magnetic energy. So if you haven’t visited yet – make sure you do this summer!
Portland, Maine
Everyone knows that Maine is hard to beat when it comes to rugged coastlines and historic walks. Well, Portland, Maine, is the state’s gem – where working harbors meet indie boutiques and award-winning restaurants. This small city packs a lot of character, as you’d expect. Its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and the salty breeze rolling off Casco Bay set the tone for an ideal seaside town. With a lively vibe but no crowds, summer brings just the right energy.
Boat tours in Portland take full advantage of the surrounding bay. They offer island-hopping cruises, lighthouse tours, and lobster boat rides where you can haul traps with the captain. The nearby Casco Bay Islands make for scenic explorations, and it’s not uncommon to spot seals lounging on rocky outcrops!
Back onshore, you’ll want to explore the Old Port’s shops and breweries, or take a walk along the Eastern Promenade. With top-notch seafood and postcard-perfect views, Portland offers a classic New England boating experience with a laid-back feel.
Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota
Lake Minnetonka is a sprawling freshwater playground just west of Minneapolis. Known for its winding bays and forested shoreline, it’s been a favorite summer boating destination for Minnesotans for generations. In fact, the lake’s size and charm make it feel more like a collection of small lakes than one giant one!
Boaters here can enjoy everything from guided pontoon tours to paddleboat rides and casual fishing outings. You can charter a boat and cruise past grand lakeside estates before stopping for lunch at a dockside restaurant or simply relaxing on the water with friends. The lake has a strong community vibe and plenty of quiet corners to drop anchor and swim.
Off the water, the area offers charming lake towns like Wayzata and Excelsior that boast shopping, dining, and cultural events. Whether you’re renting for a day or staying for the season, Lake Minnetonka has a welcoming, summery feel.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Utah is a state that always surprises. And Salt Lake City’s summer boating offer is no different! Surrounded by unique inland waters, including the Great Salt Lake and several freshwater reservoirs, this is a place where scenic boat tours and open skies come together in a stunning mountain setting.
Visitors can enjoy boat tours on the city’s namesake lake, known for its unique salinity and expansive views. For more traditional boating, nearby destinations like Jordanelle Reservoir or Deer Creek State Park offer everything from wakeboarding to scenic pontoon rides. It’s a fresh and surprising boating scene that’s perfect for adventure-seekers!
Off the water, Salt Lake City offers vibrant arts, excellent dining, and access to hiking trails and national parks. Whether you’re exploring the outdoors or discovering the city’s culture, this inland destination makes a strong case for summer boating.
Providence, Rhode Island
Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the US, but Providence delivers big when it comes to coastal charm. With its historic architecture, creative energy, and easy access to Narragansett Bay, it’s a standout summer destination that blends boating with culture and cuisine.
Boating here can mean many things, from harbor tours that showcase the city skyline to longer cruises exploring the bay’s many coves and islands. Sunset sails and narrated boat rides offer a relaxing way to enjoy the scenery, while those craving more action can book a deep-sea fishing trip or a sailing lesson. There’s really something for everyone here!
Providence delights back on land, too, with local eateries, riverside art installations, and the famous WaterFire festival taking place in summer. The city’s rivers glow with floating bonfires, creating an illuminating spectacle. Time your trip to coincide with this, and you’re all but guaranteed a well-rounded escape that offers both relaxation and inspiration!
Lewes, Delaware
Located where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic, Lewes offers small-town charm with big coastal appeal. Known as the “First Town in the First State”, Lewes blends colonial history with beachy relaxation. It’s peaceful, walkable, and perfectly positioned for water lovers.
The Lewes-Rehoboth Canal and nearby ocean access make it a great spot for everything from eco tours to sunset sails. You can hop on a dolphin cruise, rent a kayak for some quiet exploration, or set out on a deep-sea fishing trip. The boating here is varied and accessible, making it ideal for all types of travelers.
Beyond the marina, Lewes charms with boutique shopping, maritime museums, and easy access to Cape Henlopen State Park. Clearly, it’s the kind of place where you can boat, bike, or beach-hop your way through a low-key yet fulfilling summer getaway. After all, isn’t that what you deserve?
Plan Your Summer on the Water
Whether you’re drawn to island hopping in the Pacific Northwest or lobster boat tours in New England, each destination on this list brings something fresh to your summer plans. The 10 Best Summer Boating Destinations for 2025 aren’t just about the water, they’re about the memories you’ll make along the way. So, grab your sunscreen, pack your camera, and set your sights on a summer that moves with the rhythm of the tides. Your next great adventure is just a boat ride away.
Did any of these summer boating destinations catch your eye? Or do you have a hidden gem of your own to share? Let us know in the comments – we’re always up for discovering new places to cruise!
