Top 12 Family Summer Boating Destinations In The U.S.
With summer in full swing, it's the perfect time to take your family on a boating adventure. Here are our top destination choices.
August 6, 2024
Summer is in full swing, and with school vacations and lighter workloads, it’s the perfect time for family adventures. A boating trip is a fantastic way for you and your loved ones to explore new places, enjoy nature together and create lasting memories. Whether you’re looking for calm lakes, vibrant rivers, or scenic coastlines, there’s a destination that’s perfect for every family. This list showcases America's best summer boating destinations, chosen for their family-friendly accommodations, attractions suitable for kids, and convenient travel options.
1. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Straddling the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking mountain scenery. Families can enjoy a range of activities including swimming, fishing, and water skiing. With numerous marinas and boat rental services, it’s easy to find the perfect vessel for your adventure.
Don’t miss Emerald Bay State Park, a popular spot for anchoring and enjoying the views.
In addition to boating, families can hike the many trails around the lake, take a scenic gondola ride up Heavenly Mountain, or simply relax on one of the many beaches. The area also offers excellent dining and shopping options, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
2. Lake Powell, Arizona/Utah
Lake Powell is a boater’s dream with its striking red rock formations and over 2,000 miles of shoreline. Houseboats are a popular choice for families, providing a unique way to explore the lake’s hidden coves and canyons. Don’t miss a visit to Rainbow Bridge National Monument, one of the largest natural bridges in the world.
The lake also offers fantastic fishing opportunities, with species such as striped bass, largemouth bass, and walleye. Families can take guided tours to learn more about the geology and history of the area, or simply enjoy swimming and cliff jumping in the warm waters. The nearby town of Page, Arizona, provides additional amenities and attractions, including Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
3. Puget Sound, Washington
Puget Sound offers a diverse and stunning boating experience with its rugged coastlines, tranquil bays, and picturesque islands. Families can visit charming towns like Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, go whale watching, and enjoy the abundant wildlife. The calm waters and protected coves make it an excellent destination for families with children.
In addition to boating, the region is known for its rich maritime history, which can be explored at various museums and historical sites. Kayaking, sailing, and crabbing are also popular activities. The lush, green landscapes and stunning mountain views provide a beautiful backdrop for all your adventures.
4. Lake Champlain, New York/Vermont
Nestled between New York and Vermont, Lake Champlain is a beautiful freshwater lake with a rich history and stunning landscapes. Families can explore historic forts, visit charming lakeside villages, and enjoy a variety of water sports. The lake’s calm waters and numerous marinas make it a great destination for boaters of all skill levels.
Lake Champlain is also known for its excellent fishing, with opportunities to catch salmon, trout, and bass. Families can visit the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum to learn about the lake’s history and its role in the American Revolution. The area’s scenic beauty, combined with its cultural and historical significance, makes it a truly unique destination.
5. Chesapeake Bay, Maryland/Virginia
Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in America and offers a vast array of boating opportunities. Families can explore quaint waterfront towns, enjoy fresh seafood, and visit historic sites. The calm waters and numerous inlets provide a safe and enjoyable boating experience for families.
The bay is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with opportunities to see ospreys, blue crabs, and even dolphins. The region’s rich maritime heritage is evident in the many lighthouses, museums, and shipyards. Families can enjoy sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, or simply relax on the sandy shores.
6. Lake Michigan, Michigan
Lake Michigan’s eastern shore is a treasure trove of sandy beaches, charming towns, and beautiful waters. Families can visit popular destinations like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, enjoy the vibrant waterfront in Traverse City, and explore the numerous marinas and boating facilities. The lake’s clear waters and gentle waves make it a great spot for family boating.
The area also offers excellent opportunities for hiking, biking, and beachcombing. The small towns along the coast, such as Saugatuck and Holland, offer a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The region’s natural beauty and family-friendly atmosphere make it an ideal summer destination.
7. Florida Keys, Florida
The Florida Keys offer a tropical paradise with warm waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life. Families can explore the clear blue waters, visit the famous John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and snorkel in the shallow reefs. The calm seas make it an ideal destination for families with young children. Be sure to explore the quaint towns and beautiful beaches along the way.
While boating in the Keys, families can also enjoy activities such as fishing for tarpon and bonefish, diving at the many shipwrecks, and kayaking through mangrove forests. The laid-back island vibe and friendly locals add to the charm, making the Florida Keys a perfect family getaway.
8. Lake George, New York
Known as the “Queen of American Lakes,” Lake George offers stunning scenery, clear waters, and a wealth of family-friendly activities. Families can explore the lake’s numerous islands, visit the historic Fort Ticonderoga, and enjoy water sports like tubing and wakeboarding. The lake’s well-maintained marinas and boat rentals make it easy for families to enjoy a day on the water.
Lake George is also home to a variety of festivals and events throughout the summer, including music concerts, fireworks displays, and boat races. The surrounding Adirondack Mountains provide ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. The combination of outdoor activities and cultural events makes Lake George a perfect family vacation spot.
9. San Juan Islands, Washington
The San Juan Islands provide a serene and picturesque boating destination with their lush landscapes and abundant wildlife. Families can explore secluded coves, go kayaking, and watch for orcas and seals. The islands’ calm waters and family-friendly amenities make it an ideal spot for a peaceful boating vacation.
The San Juan Islands also offer a variety of land-based activities, such as biking, hiking, and visiting art galleries and farmers markets. The local cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and locally grown produce, is a highlight of any visit. The islands’ natural beauty and relaxed pace make it a wonderful place for families to unwind and reconnect.
10. Ozark Lakes, Missouri
The Ozark Lakes, including the popular Lake of the Ozarks, offer a family-friendly boating destination with warm waters, scenic shorelines, and plenty of recreational activities. Families can enjoy fishing, water skiing, and visiting the vibrant waterfront attractions. The lake’s numerous coves and marinas provide a safe and enjoyable boating experience for all ages.
Additionally, the Ozarks feature a variety of entertainment options, from amusement parks and water parks to golf courses and live music venues. The surrounding Ozark Mountains offer opportunities for hiking, caving, and exploring natural springs. The combination of water-based activities and diverse attractions makes the Ozark Lakes a fantastic destination for a summer family vacation.
11. Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks, a chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, offers a vast expanse of open ocean, pristine beaches, and protected sounds. With its diverse range of boating experiences, it provides families with ample opportunities to enjoy the water. You and your kids can navigate the calm waters of the Albemarle Sound, explore the remote islands of the Pamlico Sound, or venture offshore for deep-sea fishing excursions in the Atlantic Ocean.
Here you will discover secluded beaches, sand dunes, and maritime forests accessible only by boat, providing a sense of seclusion and tranquility away from the crowds. Families can also visit iconic landmarks such as the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, explore historic shipwrecks along the Graveyard of the Atlantic, and observe wild horses roaming freely on the uninhabited islands of the Outer Banks.
12. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod is renowned for its charming coastal towns, pristine beaches, and picturesque harbors, making it an ideal family boating destination. With its gentle waters and protected bays, Cape Cod offers a safe and enjoyable environment for families to explore the coastline by boat. Families can cruise along the Cape Cod Canal, which connects Cape Cod Bay to Buzzards Bay, taking in the stunning scenery and spotting local wildlife such as seals and seabirds along the way.
Visit quaint seaside villages like Provincetown, Hyannis, and Chatham, where you can dock and explore charming shops, enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, and learn about the area’s rich maritime history at local museums. Additionally, this destination offers a variety of family-friendly activities such as fishing, swimming, and beachcombing, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether it’s a leisurely cruise along the coast or an adventurous day of exploring hidden coves and islands, Cape Cod provides endless opportunities for families to create lasting memories on the water.
This summer is the perfect chance to break free from the endless grip of screens and gadgets and enjoy the weather and company of your loved ones. Embrace the wonders of nature as you detach from your day-to-day lives and dive into the delight of boating. Whether you're yearning for peaceful serenity or exhilarating aquatic adventures, there's an experience out there for everyone. So, pack your bags, gather your family, and embark on a summer escapade brimming with precious memories waiting to unfold
