Have no ideas on where to go boating this summer? DiscoverBoating.com today announced its top ten boating destinations for those who enjoy riding the waves on a wakeboard, hoisting the mainsail at sunrise, making their next big catch or just cruising with friends and family. So, be sure to pack your sunscreen and discover why these waterways were chosen as boaters’ favorite destinations for cruising, fishing, sailing and watersport activities.
Discover Boating, the national public awareness campaign on behalf of the recreational boating industry, began exploring boating activity hot spots with a call for nominations, searching for boaters’ favorite waterways throughout the country. After polling suggestions from hundreds of boaters, industry experts and travel enthusiasts, Discover Boating identified a list of top locales from coast-to-coast to enjoy boating activities and truly experience why life is better on a boat.
“Whether you’re interested in fishing, wakeboarding, sailing or just sightseeing, there are plenty of waterways ideal for boating activities across the country. In fact, 90 percent of Americans live within an hour’s drive of navigable body of water perfect for boating” said Carl Blackwell, vice president of marketing and communications for Discover Boating. “We have identified several waterways which provide boaters and their family and friends with the opportunity to enjoy a recreational activity that they can share throughout their lives.”
The list includes:
CRUISING: It may seem simple, but boating is an activity that connects people like no other – whether cruising across a lake with your closest friends or enjoying quality time together with your family – boating helps you forget the stress left behind on land and bond with family and friends on the open water.
- Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway -- Miami, Fla.
- Cape Cod – Plymouth, Mass.
- Chain of Lakes – Grand Rapids, Mich.
- Charleston Harbor – Charleston, S.C.
- Chesapeake Bay – St. Michaels, Md.
- Columbia River – Portland, Ore.
- Lake Champlain – Ticonderoga, N.Y.
- Lake Havasu – Lake Havasu, Ariz.
- Lake Mead – Las Vegas, Nev.
- Lake Michigan – Chicago, Ill.
FISHING: According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, fishing remains the most popular activity amongst current boaters. Fishing provides an opportunity to bond with family and friends, while taking part in one of America’s favorite pastimes.
- Dale Hollow Lake – Celina, Tenn.
- Davidson River – Charlotte, N.C.
- Florida Keys – Key Largo, Fla.
- Lake Erie – Cleveland, Ohio
- Long Island Sound – Long Island, N.Y.
- Orange Beach – Gulf Shores, Ala.
- Paradise Cove – Malibu, Calif.
- Rainy Lake – International Falls, Minn.
- Snake River – Baker City, Ore.
- South Platte River – Denver, Colo.
SAILING: Sailing is more than a sport; it’s a lifestyle that opens up a whole new world for you, your family and friends. In fact, whether you’re interested in day sailing, cruising or competitive racing, mastering the “art of sailing” is a lifelong challenge that inspires passion among enthusiasts and offers a lifetime of enjoyment on the water.
- Barrier Islands – Charleston, S.C.
- Biscayne Bay – Biscayne Bay, Fla.
- Block Islands – New Shoreham, R.I.
- Chesapeake Bay – St. Michaels, Md.
- Lake Ouachita – Hot Springs, Ark.
- Lake Superior – Bayfield, Wisc.
- Lake Washington – Seattle, Wash.
- Mission Bay – San Diego, Calif.
- Outer Banks – Nags Head, N.C.
- San Francisco Bay – San Francisco, Calif.
WATERSPORTS: Water sports are as challenging as they are fun. From waterskiing to wakeskating, these activities inspire healthy physical activity and a sense of accomplishment, providing thrilling excitement while waiting to catch the next big wave.
- Kentucky Lake – Benton, Ky.
- Lake George – Lake George, N.Y.
- Lake Havasu – Phoenix, Ariz.
- Lake Nona – Orlando, Fla.
- Lake of the Ozarks – St. Louis, Mo.
- Lake Sammamish – Sammamish, Wash.
- Lake Travis – Austin, Texas
- Lake Winnipesaukee – Lake Winnipesaukee, N.H.
- North Jetty Beach – Sarasota, Fla.
- San Joaquin River Delta – Sacramento, Calif.
DiscoverBoating.com has a full list of water access locations across the U.S. as well as other exciting boating destinations for the entire family. To help you plan your next family adventure, the site also features a boat selector to match you with the perfect vessel for your next excursion and acts as a resource for beginners looking to get started in boating, as well as current boaters looking to improve their experience.
About Discover Boating
Discover Boating is a national awareness campaign developed by the recreational boating industry and managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA.) Discover Boating programs focus on improving the boating experience and building interest in recreational boating by demonstrating the benefits, affordability and accessibility of the boating lifestyle, while helping potential boaters experience why life is better with a boat. Each year more than 59 million adults in the U.S. enjoy boating. To find out more, visit www.DiscoverBoating.com.
