The 10 Best Boating Destinations for Memorial Day 2025
The summer season starts with Memorial Day Weekend – and there’s no better way to celebrate than getting out on the water. From sun-drenched coastal cities to glassy lakes and winding rivers, the US is full of boating destinations that come alive during the holiday. Whether you’re cruising past city skylines, exploring forest-lined lakes, or tying up at a waterfront bar, there’s a Memorial Day boating spot waiting for you.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up 10 of the top boating getaways for 2025. These places offer beautiful waters, quality marinas, and plenty of seasonal festivities to help you make the most of the long weekend. So pack your cooler, fuel up the boat, and get ready to kick off summer in style.
Traverse City, MI
Where else to start but the Great Lakes? Sitting on the shores of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City is a freshwater favorite that blends natural beauty with boating convenience. You’ll likely launch from Clinch Park Marina and set a course toward Power Island or cruise the coastline of Old Mission Peninsula. The bay is big enough for sailing, tubing, and anchoring out – but also calm enough for a relaxed pontoon ride with friends.
Inland, Torch and Elk Lakes boast Caribbean-blue waters perfect for sandbar hopping and swimming. You’ll find plenty of ramps, marinas, and rental options to suit any setup. Stop by a lakeside winery or cruise past the Mission Point Lighthouse for a taste of the local history.
On Memorial Day Weekend, Traverse City hosts a range of events, including parades, ceremonies, and live music in the downtown area. The shops and restaurants along Front Street are open for the season, making it easy to tie up and enjoy the town after a day on the water.
Seattle, WA
Heading to the Pacific Northwest, where Seattle is one of those cities that offers boaters a rare mix of cityscape and wild coastline. Start your trip on Lake Union and glide past floating homes and seaplanes before connecting to Lake Washington for longer, scenic runs. For a saltwater adventure, opt for a trip through the Ballard Locks and into Puget Sound, where you’ll find protected anchorages, island getaways, and stunning views of the Olympic Mountains.
Tie up for lunch at waterfront restaurants in Kirkland or dock overnight at Blake Island for a more rugged experience. Whether you’re navigating narrow channels or cruising open water, Seattle’s boating scene is versatile and beginner-friendly.
Memorial Day in the Emerald City includes remembrance ceremonies at local cemeteries and family-friendly festivals throughout the metro area. Watch the sunset from your slip or catch live music at Gas Works Park, where boaters often raft up to enjoy the show right from the water.
Portland, ME
New England charm meets coastal adventure in Portland, Maine. This harbor town is a launchpad to Casco Bay’s 200-plus islands, many of which are only accessible by boat. From the Fore River, cruise out past historic forts and lighthouses to reach Great Diamond Island or Peaks Island, both popular for nature walks and picnicking.
Sailing is huge here, but powerboaters and paddlers will feel equally at home. The harbor has plenty of dock-and-dine options, and overnight moorings make it easy to extend your stay. It’s also an excellent base for whale-watching or sunset cruises.
Come Memorial Day, Portland hosts a well-attended parade, patriotic boat displays, and waterfront festivals with local seafood and music. The Old Port district is a short walk from most marinas, so you can easily mix maritime fun with that urban buzz.
Los Angeles, CA
With near-perfect weather and year-round boating, Los Angeles is a natural choice for a Memorial Day outing. Marina del Rey is the hub for most boaters, offering one of the largest small-craft harbors in the country. From here, you can cruise the coastline, drop anchor near Venice Beach, or take a day trip to Catalina Island.
Prefer calmer waters? The harbor’s main channel is great for paddleboarding and relaxed rides, while local yacht clubs and boat-up bars give you options for socializing once you’re off the throttle.
LA goes big for Memorial Day with beach parties, coastal parades, and fireworks displays lighting up the Pacific. For a unique vantage point, consider watching the action from your boat anchored just offshore. Whether you’re planning a laid-back harbor cruise or an ocean adventure, the City of Angels delivers sunny vibes and smooth sailing.
Lake Winnipesaukee, NH
Back across the country, New Hampshire’s largest lake transforms into a boater’s playground come late May. Spanning 70 square miles with more than 250 islands, Lake Winnipesaukee has enough shoreline to keep you exploring all weekend long. Launch from Wolfeboro, Meredith, or Alton Bay and enjoy everything from waterskiing and tubing to island hopping and anchoring in quiet coves.
The lake is well-equipped with marinas, fuel docks, and waterfront eateries. Kids love the arcades and boardwalks, while adults will appreciate the historic charm and scenic views. If you’re staying overnight, lakefront cabins and campgrounds offer easy access to the water.
On Memorial Day Weekend, nearby towns host parades, vintage boat displays, and patriotic concerts. Don’t miss the annual remembrance ceremony held aboard the M/S Mount Washington, a classic passenger ship that cruises the lake and marks the holiday in style.
Coeur d’Alene, ID
In the heart of the Idaho panhandle, Lake Coeur d’Alene offers clear water, forested shores, and easy access for boaters of all kinds. Launch from the city marina or nearby resorts and set off across 25 miles of navigable water. You’ll find quiet coves for anchoring, sandy beaches for swimming, and scenic routes perfect for watersports.
If you want to tie up and explore, Coeur d’Alene’s downtown is steps from the marina. Grab a bite at a lakefront bistro or stroll the floating boardwalk – one of the longest in the world. The town blends upscale amenities with a laid-back vibe that’s ideal for long weekends.
For Memorial Day, Coeur d’Alene hosts a parade through Sherman Avenue, along with ceremonies and family-friendly events at City Park. It’s a welcoming place to relax, remember, and make new memories.
Cincinnati, OH
Next up, we’re heading southeast. The Ohio River cuts straight through the heart of Cincinnati, creating a scenic and accessible waterway for boating enthusiasts. Launch from the city’s public ramps or one of the many marinas upstream and enjoy smooth cruising through downtown. The views of stadiums, bridges, and parks from the water are impressive, especially around golden hour.
Pontoon boats and runabouts are perfect for this stretch of river, with plenty of room for tubing, barbecuing, or a mellow sunset float. Several riverfront restaurants offer docking, making it easy to combine boating with a family dinner or a night out.
Memorial Day events in Cincinnati include the city’s largest parade in the suburb of Cheviot and live music along the riverfront. The illuminated Roebling Suspension Bridge and fireworks displays cap off the night, making the water the best seat in the house.
Lake Lanier, GA
Just northeast of Atlanta, Lake Lanier is a Memorial Day classic for boating in the Southeast. With nearly 700 miles of shoreline, this man-made reservoir has endless nooks and coves for anchoring, swimming, and socializing. Large enough for everything from jet skis to houseboats, it’s a favorite for full-day outings and weekend getaways alike.
There’s no shortage of boat ramps, marinas, and lakeside resorts. Boaters often flock to “Cocktail Cove” for floating parties, while families enjoy tubing and paddling near quieter shores. Lake Lanier Islands also offer lodging, dining, and entertainment just steps from the dock.
Come Memorial Day, the area hosts music festivals, fireworks, and remembrance ceremonies at the local veterans park. The weather is typically warm and sunny – ideal conditions for spending every daylight hour on the water.
Pittsburgh, PA
Our next destination is located at the confluence of not one, not two, but three rivers! Boasting access to the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers, Pittsburgh is a surprisingly scenic boating destination. Launch from one of the city’s public ramps or marinas and cruise beneath iconic bridges, past historic sites, and alongside the city’s skyline. It’s a unique way to experience the “Steel City,” especially when the weather starts warming up.
Boaters often gather at Point State Park, where the three rivers converge. The park has its own dock and hosts festivals throughout the summer. There’s plenty of space to paddle, tube, or simply enjoy the view with the current at your back.
Pittsburgh holds a variety of Memorial Day events, including military flyovers, concerts, and fireworks. From the deck of your boat, you’ll have a front-row seat to it all, making this one of the most memorable urban boating destinations in the Northeast.
Las Vegas, NV
We’ll wrap up or list with an unusual destination. Why? Well, when you think of Vegas, boating might not be the first thing that comes to mind… But nearby Lake Mead offers a whole different kind of party. Less than an hour from the Strip, this sprawling reservoir on the Colorado River is a haven for boaters, houseboaters, and thrill-seekers alike.
Launch from one of several docks like Callville Bay or the lake’s namesake marina, and explore massive open water surrounded by red rock cliffs and desert views. There’s room for every activity –wakeboarding, sunbathing, or anchoring up for a midday swim. Houseboat rentals are especially popular for multi-day escapes, so why not make the most of it?
It should come as no surprise that Las Vegas celebrates Memorial Day with big energy. Whether you’re attending a lakeside BBQ, catching the fireworks at Boulder Beach, or wrapping up your trip with a concert downtown, you’ll have plenty of ways to honor the holiday while soaking up the desert sun.
Boating on Memorial Day: What More Could You Want?
No matter where you live or how you like to boat, Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to make waves. Whether you’re cruising through a quiet lake in New Hampshire or watching fireworks from a slip in Seattle, these destinations offer the ideal mix of fun, freedom, and reflection. The summer season is just beginning – and there’s no better place to start than on the water.
What are your favorite boating spots for Memorial Day? Share them with us in the comments!
