You’ll love these lesser-known boating destinations!
Beyond the popular rivers and well-traveled lakes in our country lie many hidden waterways that offer peaceful exploration for enthusiastic boaters. These lesser-known boating destinations will provide you with incredible encounters with nature, from secluded coves to forgotten canals.
So whether you’ve been dreaming of piloting a pontoon, paddling a kayak, or steering a small motorboat, these 12 beautiful lesser-known boating destinations offer the perfect escape from crowded places and the chance to discover your very own private paradise.
… What are we waiting for? Continue reading to begin your next adventure!
New London, Connecticut
Mystic and Bridgeport offer a lot, but many travelers say that this Thames River town has been experiencing a comeback since the 1980s. The city put a lot of work into developing the waterfront facilities for boaters. And this lesser-known boating destination has a great launch ramp close by.
Downtown New London has all kinds of shops and restaurants you can’t miss if you’re in the area. There’s even an Amtrak station right there on the waterfront if you don’t want to drive here. It has lots of history, as well. New London is a vast whaling port. So you can immerse yourself in everything it has to offer.
Little River Canyon, Alabama
This lesser-known boating destination courses through one of the deepest canyons east of the Mississippi, offering picturesque scenery for paddlers.
The canyon walls are carpeted by spring wildflowers, while in the summer, you’ll find perfect swimming conditions in deep pools between rapids. We should mention that local knowledge is highly recommended for safely navigating the various rapid classes throughout the canyon.
Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard, California
The California Coast has over 650 miles of beautiful waterfront. Between the famous San Francisco and San Diego harbors, you’ll find gems like Oxnard’s Colorado Islands Harbor.
It has 2,150 boat slips and quite a few other marina facilities, including commercial boatyards and places to buy supplies and boats.
Captains can repair, fuel up, or wash their boats in the marina of this beautiful, lesser-known boating destination.
Apostle Islands, Wisconsin
Lake Superior touches on Wisconsin, and Bayfield is the way to go if you wish to reach this lesser-known boating destination, most of which is unpopulated. You would leave from Bayfield, which has restaurants, marinas, and everything you would need if you were visiting by car or boat.
Bayfield is a considerable town, and then you can take motorboat tours from there. There’s a populated island called Madeline Island, which isn’t too far from Bayfield. Besides the stunning views, you can take a nice tour and visit a museum on that island.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
If you head a little inland off the West Coast, you’ll find a gorgeous canyon that cuts through the Cascades. Boating on the bottom of this canyon gives you a glorious view.
This lesser-known boating destination likely hasn’t even changed much since Lewis and Clark crossed it. We love it any time of year, but the gorge offers a vibrant foliage background in the fall and majestic waterfalls, including the 620-foot Multnomah Falls.
Port Lewes, Delaware
This colonial port is still sort of a haven, and it’s worth docking at this lesser-known boating destination. Far enough from the big cities to be more than a day trip, you won’t have a hard time spending a week or more on the hook here or tied up in a marina.
The ferry from Lewes to Cape May even offers a day trip to the Victorian-like town at the southern tip of New Jersey or the possibility of visiting what’s known as the Las Vegas of the East: Atlantic City!
San Juan Islands, Washington
Around 172 islands make up this lesser-known boating destination that many boating magazines recommend on the way up north to Canadian waters.
You can dock or anchor out at Friday Harbor or many other lovely marinas and tour lighthouses, go whale-watching or hike amongst sheep, cows, and alpacas.
Other than that, you’ll get to sail around the horseshoe-shaped Sucia Island and visit the museums and historic sites at stops like Rosario Resort on Orcas Island or Roche Harbor.
Lake Powell, Utah and Arizona
Boating magazines also recommend this reservoir perching Utah and Arizona. Lake Powell’s primary channel branches off into more peaceful bays. Water sports are popular in this area, but the fluctuating water levels make them a bit risky.
The red cliffs give Lake Powell’s waters a very unique look, and the lake is also home to the sandstone Rainbow Bridge. Lake Powell has also benefited from a recent record snowpack after lengthy drought conditions. So all in all, you’re headed for a fun adventure!
The Inland Sea of Lake Champlain, Vermont
On the US side of Lake Champlain, Must See Places recommends visiting The Inland Sea. It’s the northern section of Lake Champlain, with many stunning islands to explore up there. It’s not necessarily a harbor per se. But more of an island with a remarkable part of the lake.
It’s also very well protected. In this area, you’ll find fantastic kayaking, sailing, and fishing opportunities. And there are even several launch ramps that you can use. Even though there aren’t many marinas in this area, you can still park on several islands and even camp there if you choose.
Jackson Lake, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park’s Jackson Lake is one of the most majestic places in the US. Surrounded by spectacular mountain views, the lake is popular for boating and fishing for salmon, trout, and pike.
We should mention that there’s a permit fee of $75 for motorized craft and also a $25 fee for non-motorized boats. And even though this lesser-known boating destination is open most of the time, make sure you check their website for restrictions.
Jackson Lake is also popular for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and kayaking around the lake’s beautiful 15 islands.
Bristol Harbor, Rhode Island
If you’re looking for an interesting spot to sail in New England, we highly recommend checking out Narragansett Bay. We’ve always been enamored with Bristol. They recently opened a maritime center where visiting boaters can rest, wash their clothes, use Wi-Fi, and shower. It has an extraordinary vibe.
You’ll find this lesser-known boating destination historic and laid back, and it’s home to the nation’s oldest-running Independence Day parade.
Locals are very proud of their patriotic place. While here, you’ll want to check out Bristol’s Main Street with its beautiful, old Victorian homes.
Cape Charles, Virginia
This Delmarva Peninsula port in the southern US has a combination of state history and modern tourism. Initially a transit point for train cars that were going to Norfolk by barge, the charming town has reinvented itself as a major tourist hot spot, according to the Maryland School of Sailing.
The municipal marina on the central waterfront has floating docks and excellent facilities for any visiting boater. On a little river north of town, there’s a private marina with many resort amenities.
This lesser-known boating destination is in transition, and fancy clothing shops stand next to a hardware store that has been around for more than 100 years! So make sure you pack up a comfortable pair of shoes to explore the area!
Did you know about all these beautiful lesser-known boating destinations? Be sure to share your experiences in the comments if you’ve ever visited any of them.
And if you enjoyed this article, we also highly recommend reading: Top 10 Most Beautiful Piers in the US
