The East Coast of the United States features some of the most spectacular sailing grounds, each one distinctive in its own way. Of course, there are bucket-list-worthy sailing places all around the globe, but none compares to these Eastside haunts. 

Furthermore, with so many gorgeous sites to anchor along the road, sailors and boaters may overlook some of these hidden jewels. Therefore, whether you want to get away from it all or enjoy some serious boat time, these prominent boating spots on the United States East Coast should definitely be ticked off your bucket list this summer if they haven’t already. 

Before starting your trip, get your boating essentials from Boat Outfitters.

Newport, Rhode Island 

Of course, Newport is usually at the top of the list when it comes to the best East Coast boating destinations. This yachting mecca boasts beautiful ports, the quaint charm of a little New England town, and so much more. 

Boaters may load up on incredible seafood, marvel at marinas, and experience one of America’s earliest resort cities, as Newport is popularly known. This small piece of boaters’ heaven is surrounded by water on all sides, providing visitors with plenty of things to see and do. 

Westhampton Beach, New York

Westhampton seems like an undisturbed paradise for boaters, with plenty of beaches and an overall quiet ambiance. Nonetheless, right off the Atlantic coast, this upstate region of the United States is filled with surf clubs, sailing schools, marinas, the tastiest seafood, and more. Cruise inland and take advantage of all this East Coast boating hotspot has to offer. 

As an extra benefit, several water sports are available, including jet skiing, parasailing, paddle boarding, crabbing, and fishing. So, come summer, be sure to check out these waterways.

Penobscot Bay, ME

Penobscot Bay provides easy access to wonderful seaside communities brimming with charm and is surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife. The geography and coastline of this region are diverse, featuring eleven major islands and numerous smaller islets and bays.

Several charming communities to launch your explorations include Rockland, Rockport, Castine, and Northhaven. Smith Cove is a typical harbor for the region, located near Castine, with a tree-lined shoreline. Nature preserves with walking paths, seals, porpoises, birds, and more. You could even be fortunate enough to share the anchorage with a schooner or tall ship from the East Coast.

Seal Bay on Vinalhaven is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for peace away from the grid. You’ll be in the middle of a forest, with just seals, birds, and other boats for company.

The anchorages in Penobscot Bay are many, numbering in the hundreds and range from crowded marinas to secluded coves. Use caution while docking at these out-of-the-way ports. The tides are high, so use care. To avoid most of the dangers and rocks that vanish at high tide, entering while the tide is rising but still low is advisable.

Portland, Maine 

East Coast boaters may sail past New York to see some classic sights and visit one of the most popular East Coast boating sites. Boaters approaching Casco Bay on their way to Portland may see the Portland Head Lighthouse in the distance. Once there, prepare to enjoy one of Maine’s diverse cultural scenes, incredible food, and the city’s picturesque shoreline. 

Notably, anchoring might be restricted in town, especially during peak season. However, slips and moorings are available, as well as anchorages close by.

Montauk, New York

Sailing a little farther down the coast, you’ll come upon Montauk, New York. Montauk, located near the easternmost tip of Long Island, is an excellent starting point for big-water ocean boating. Furthermore, this location is ideal for individuals wishing to fish. 

Boaters and inexperienced anglers will find plenty of pelagic, bass, albacore, and bluefish just beyond the mainland. Tuna, marlin, shark, swordfish, and cod and Pollock are plentiful farther offshore. So, if you consider boating season a perfect fishing season, this place can undoubtedly accommodate you.

Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Boaters may enjoy a little island accessible only by boat or air just off the southern coast of Cape Cod, MA. Once there, you’ll realize that Martha’s Vineyard is the stuff summertime getaways are made of. 

There’s virtually no wrong way to enjoy Martha’s Vineyard, particularly during the summer season when this renowned boating place is in full bloom, with stunning waterways, several beach areas, art-house theatres, film festivals, exquisite eating, and a lively tiny downtown area with patio bars.

Annapolis, Maryland 

Another boater’s paradise may be found just off the gorgeous Chesapeake Bay. The seas in Annapolis, Maryland, make this a great family vacation. Visitors may enjoy the tranquil waves off the coast and travel inland for extra fun in the sun at one of the neighboring state parks. 

This section of Chesapeake Bay is a must-see this summer, with plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, hiking, crabbing, boat racing, boating clubs, and other social events.

Charleston, South Carolina 

Charleston, a genuine city on the sea, is ideal for boaters and foodies. Boaters will be delighted by the abundance of inlets, ports, canals, twisting streams, Sea Islands, and marinas in this coastal city. 

Furthermore, this famed boating town has no lack of superb boating clubs, first-rate sailing schools, amazing restaurants, and intriguing history. 

Virginia Beach

If you’re searching for more than one kind of boating location, Virginia Beach is the place to go. This exciting section of the East Coast has it all, with convenient access to the coast, the bay region, and several rivers and lakes. 

As a result, guests may choose their chosen boating technique here and, when ready, dock for a terrific night out on the town. Visitors may explore the eateries, wander down the famed boardwalk, or relax on the pier, guaranteeing an unforgettable sunset.

Georgia’s Tybee Island

Tybee Island is another popular destination for boaters who want to explore the water and the land. As a result, tourists may anticipate witnessing more than a few white sand beaches crowded with sunbathers, swimmers, and dolphins playing in the sea, among other things. 

This is the ideal outdoor paradise for everyone, and if you can be in town towards the end of summer/early autumn, you must attend Tybee Island’s incredible weekend-long Pirate Fest.

Fort Lauderdale

Finally, Fort Lauderdale is an East Coast boating destination that will not disappoint you. With its many beaches, tourists will immediately notice that life here revolves around water in many ways. As a result, it’s no surprise that this East Coast city is recognized as the world’s yachting capital and is well worth ticking off your boater bucket list. 

As a bonus, the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (one of the biggest in the world) should be enough to entice both water and boat enthusiasts to visit.