Ten Great Day Boat Trip Ideas for Your Family
Here are ten great day boat trip ideas to consider taking with your family this summer. Many of them do not require you to own a boat, let's explore the options in your area.
We’re smack in the middle of summer, it’s a record hot year, work is slow, and the kids are growing restless. Perhaps they’ve finished with their camps, the novelty of lazy days is starting to wear off, and they are looking to you for constant entertainment. Sound familiar?? I recently had a friend tell me that his grandkids actually rolled his eyes at him when he suggested “yet another day on the boat” !!! Instead of giving in to the inevitable lure of TikTok and video games, he “forced” them to learn wakeboarding. Rough life. We tend to be creatures of habit, so if the kids aren't buying the usual familiar circuit, or for those of you just looking for some fresh outdoor activity ideas - here are ten great day boat trips you can consider taking this summer with your family. Many of them do not require your own vessel, either - so be sure to look into charter trips in your area.
Historical Harbor Tour
Take a historical harbor tour in your city, learning about its maritime past and observing landmarks from a unique perspective on the water. Explore the historic Boston Harbor, which offers harbor cruises to learn about the city's rich maritime past. Other beautiful spots include Charleston Harbor in South Carolina, San Francisco Bay in California (Alcatraz Island), or Seattle's Elliott Bay in Washington.
Fishing Trip
For a fun-filled family activity, plan a fishing trip. Spend the day catching fish together and creating lasting memories. Head to the Gulf of Mexico and take a fishing trip off the coast of Destin, Florida, known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village." Other favorites include Chesapeake Bay in Maryland/Virginia, Gulf of Mexico in Texas (Galveston), or Puget Sound in Washington.
Island Hopping
Set sail to nearby islands and discover their unique charms, from sandy shores to hidden coves, each offering a distinct experience. Head to the Florida Keys and explore the string of tropical islands, including Key West, Islamorada, and Marathon. Some other favorites include Puget Sound in Washington (e.g., San Juan Islands and Whidbey Island), Apostle Islands in Wisconsin, or the Thousand Islands in New York.
River Adventure
Embark on a river cruise, meandering along tranquil waters, passing lush landscapes, and perhaps stopping for a picnic along the riverbank. Experience a river adventure on the Chicago River, which offers architectural boat tours to see the city's iconic skyline. Some other great ones are Hudson River in New York (cruising past Manhattan's skyline), Mississippi River in New Orleans (a jazz cruise), or Colorado River in Arizona (Glen Canyon Dam and Horseshoe Bend).
Water Park Adventure
Some regions have water parks accessible by boat. Before doing research for this article, I did not know this! Both young children and older children (such as myself) will LOVE this idea. Combine a day of water slides and aquatic fun with a boating journey. Plan a boat trip to Sandusky, Ohio, and visit Cedar Point's Cedar Point Shores Waterpark for a day of fun. Other possibilities include Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire (Weirs Beach), Lake Lanier in Georgia, and Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.
Coastal Cruise
Explore the picturesque coastline of your region, enjoying the beautiful views, and stopping at secluded beaches or charming coastal towns for a memorable family day. Take a coastal cruise along the stunning California coastline, exploring places like the Big Sur coastline, Santa Barbara, or the Mendocino Coast. Other great spots include the Oregon Coast (Cannon Beach and Depoe Bay), Outer Banks in North Carolina (Cape Hatteras and Nags Head), or the Gulf Coast of Alabama (Gulf Shores and Orange Beach).
Lake Exploration
Spend the day on a serene lake, enjoying water sports, swimming, and fishing. Many lakes also have scenic spots and recreational areas for a delightful family outing. Enjoy a day on Lake Tahoe, straddling California and Nevada, with its crystal-clear waters and beautiful mountain backdrop. Some of my other favorites include Lake Michigan (Chicago's Lakefront or Traverse City in Michigan), Lake Powell in Arizona/Utah, or Lake Champlain in Vermont/New York.
Nature Reserve Excursion
Visit a nearby nature reserve or marine sanctuary accessible by boat, where you can observe wildlife, go snorkeling, and immerse yourselves in nature's wonders. Visit the Everglades National Park in Florida, where you can take an airboat tour and spot alligators and other wildlife. Some others I’ve always wanted to try are Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia/Florida, Caddo Lake in Texas/Louisiana, and Biscayne National Park in Florida.
Lighthouse Sightseeing
Seek out lighthouses along the coast, making it a quest to find the most charming and picturesque ones. Visit Cape Cod in Massachusetts and take a lighthouse sightseeing tour, including famous ones like Highland Light and Nauset Light. I’ve also always wanted to try Michigan's Upper Peninsula (Whitefish Point and Au Sable Point), North Carolina's Cape Lookout, and Oregon Coast's Yaquina Head.
Sunset Cruise
End your summer day with a sunset cruise, witnessing the mesmerizing colors of the setting sun while creating a magical experience for the entire family. Enjoy a sunset cruise in San Diego, California, where you can admire the beautiful colors of the setting sun against the city's skyline. Cape May in New Jersey, Sanibel Island in Florida, or Lake Tahoe in California/Nevada are also great options but the great thing about sunsets is you can really enjoy them from anywhere.
Just a note to remember to prioritize safety during your trips, follow boating regulations, and check weather conditions before setting sail.
