7 best boating vacations to take along the East Coast

Boat travelers can take in sunsets over the National Harbor marina — Photo courtesy of National Harbor

It’s no secret that summer travel in 2024 will be hot. Even with rising prices and bookings, Americans still want experiences this summer. For some travelers, this means taking more than their suitcases on their next big trip: They’re taking their boats.

Here’s why boat ownership is skyrocketing and the best places for boating vacations this summer.

Why do people go boating?

People go boating because the community is tight-knit, and fellow travelers hop aboard to forge a new friendship or are open to lending a hand with a repair. While some larger boats have accommodations, many tourist destinations boast fabulous hotels and marinas with daily rental rates. This makes it easy to take even small pleasure crafts, like pontoon boats and speedboats, along for a boating vacation.

If you’ve never traveled with your boat, there are some considerations to think about. State boating laws and regulations vary, so checking your destination’s guidelines before embarking on a boat vacation is essential. For example, children under 18 can drive boats in some states, but the policies vary widely.

Boaters also should be aware of best green boating practices when traveling. The Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers campaign created guidelines for safely drying and cleaning boats’ hulls between destinations.

If you want to kick back with a boat drink and watch the sunset over the starboard side, check out this list of some of the best places to take your boat on vacation along the East Coast.

Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Murrells Inlet has a variety of marina options for vacationing with your boat — Photo courtesy of Visit Myrtle Beach

While nearby Myrtle Beach is famous for spring break trips and family fun, Murrells Inlet’s slower pace is perfect for taking in some #boatlife while on vacation.

A small waterfront fishing town located at the south end of the Grand Strand, with a historic district listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Murrells Inlet is the perfect compromise for travelers who want to be near the beach but own smaller boats that can’t handle ocean waves.

Marlin Quay can handle boats up to 80 feet long and has daily rental slips available. Book well before the summer season to secure a spot for your boat during your trip. The inlet waters are calm and perfect for fishing and water sports. Tourists can rent paddle boats, kayaks, and jet skis at Express Watersports to add more marine fun to their trip.

Age limit: In South Carolina, individuals born after July 1, 2007, must take an online boating test.

Portland, Maine

Portland is designed for relaxing New England boating vacations — Photo courtesy of Maine Office of Tourism

Portland, Maine, is home to charming boutique hotels and many award-winning eateries, making it the perfect stop for a laid-back boating excursion. More than a dozen public marinas exist along Portland’s coast, so there are plenty of options for boats of different sizes or travelers with specific docking needs.

Stop for dinner at Sur Lie, a James Beard Foundation Award semifinalist in 2023, or Thistle & Grouse, a downtown gastropub. Portland has that classic New England vibe that screams “boat vacation.” Boating in Portland is seasonal, so it makes a great summer stop.

Age limit: Anyone born after January 1, 1999, must complete a boater safety course before cruising Maine’s waters, but several online options exist.

Ocean City, Maryland

Located on a barrier island, Ocean City marinas take advantage of the quieter waters — Photo courtesy of Ocean City Maryland Tourism

Known for classic coastal fun along a 3-mile boardwalk, Ocean City is also perfect for family travelers with boats. The Jolly Roger amusement park juts out into the Atlantic on an iconic pier, and there’s no shortage of eateries to grab a bite along the boardwalk.

There is a public boat launch at 64th Street and several marinas with daily or weekly slip rates. Since Ocean City is on a barrier island, the Isle of Wight Bay and Assawoman Bay have calm waters for smaller boats that can’t handle the Atlantic’s waves. The water near Ocean City is shallow, so tide charts are necessary for safe boating.

Age limit: Anyone born after July 1, 1972, must take an online boating test before charting Maryland’s waters for a boating vacation.

The Finger Lakes, New York

The Finger Lakes region of New York is a paradise for boating vacations — Photo courtesy of Visit Syracuse

This collection of breathtaking lakes in western New York is rife with small hamlets and larger harbors, making it a top choice to take your boat for vacation. Comprised of 11 glacial lakes and Lake Ontario, vacationers can fish for bass, trout, and salmon in these pristine waters spanning 14 counties.

The Harbor Lights Marina in Hammondsport has gas and snacks, while Sutter’s Canandaigua Marina offers gas and daily slip rentals. Choose the Finger Lakes for your boating vacation if you’re seeking laid-back days without much hustle and bustle. There’s plenty to do, but it’s the perfect place to relax on board and soak in summer.

Age limit: New York’s boating laws can be complex, so check out the guidelines before hitching up your trailer. Boaters born after January 1, 1978, need a safety certificate.

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Martin County, Florida

Boating vacations in Martin County, Florida, include sunsets over the Roosevelt Bridge — Photo courtesy of Captain Kimo for the Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing

Located along a quieter stretch of coast just north of South Florida’s fun Space Coast (a reader-voted favorite for Best Summer Travel Destination), Martin County is home to 10 quaint towns built around boat life. It’s all centered around St. Lucie Inlet, part of one of the most biodiverse lagoon and estuary systems in the nation. Martin County is perfect for boating vacations year-round and offers a quiet setting adjacent to some of Florida’s top destinations.

Pirate’s Cove Resort and Marina in Port Salerno offers a full-service marina and 50 quaint rooms (each with a waterfront view). There also are chain options where guests can use rewards points, such as Marriott’s Hutchinson Island Beach Resort on Hutchison Island. The hotel has a private marina and an 18-hole golf course for guests.

Age limit: Florida doesn’t have a minimum age to operate a boat, but boaters must follow some requirements.

Charleston, South Carolina

Boaters can dock at The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina — Photo courtesy of Matthew Peacock Photography

This boating vacation is perfect for travelers who love history and culture. Charleston has cobblestone streets and historic plaques, so walking tours are a great way to view the region. Water taxis take guests back and forth across the harbor, a convenient way to get to dinner, even if you have your boat on hand.

At The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, guests can sit on the wraparound front porch and take in the resort’s marina and Charleston’s skyline. A waterfront pool is a bonus at this grand old resort.

Age limit: In South Carolina, boaters born after July 1, 2007, must take an online boating test to drive a watercraft.

National Harbor, Maryland

The Capital Wheel overlooks the National Harbor and Washington, D.C.’s skyline — Photo courtesy of National Harbor

Washington, D.C., is already a top travel destination along the East Coast, but Maryland’s National Harbor is the best way to take your boat on vacation to our nation’s capital. Located along the Potomac River with city skyline views, it’s the perfect spot to dock your boat and venture out on multiple excursions.

The Gaylord National Harbor Resort and Convention Center features a 19-story glass atrium, indoor pool, boat slips, on-site restaurants, and family entertainment options. For those who prefer a boutique hotel, the AC Hotel National Harbor is a good fit, and several other hotel chains are located right along the harbor.

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There is no boat launch at National Harbor, so you’ll have to park your vessel further up the Potomac or in the Chesapeake Bay. The staff at National Harbor Marina suggests using Snag a Slip to book dock space for your trip.

Age limit: Like Ocean City, boaters born after 1972 must take an online boating test.