From Cape Cod to Key West, there are thousands of miles of coastline just waiting to be explored. Moorings, marinas and private boat dock rentals make it easier than ever to experience natural attractions, coastal cities and waterways such as the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and every bay, sound and river along the way.

Whether you’re launching a cabin cruiser, a bass boat or a 50-foot luxury motor yacht, boating provides a way to bond with family and friends and enjoy watersports like snorkeling, diving and tubing. Not to mention all the fish you’re going to catch.

If you’re looking for the perfect boating locations and activities, read on to check out our picks for the Top 10 Boating Destinations in America.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Maybe it’s the year-round sunshine and warm weather, or maybe it’s the offshore reefs and wrecks, but the Sunshine State typically comes in at the top of any boating destination list.

With 300 miles of inland waterways and canals, Fort Lauderdale lives up to its nickname of “Venice of America.” A Fort Lauderdale boat dock rental puts you near Atlantic Ocean diving and fishing where you can explore shipwrecks and cast for snapper, grouper and yellowtail. Cruise past the million-dollar mansions on the ICW or spend the day snorkeling the reef near Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. Take to the trails or go kayaking at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, enjoy shopping and dining on trendy Las Olas Boulevard or visit the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk, which winds along the New River.

Looking for a boat? Check out The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, which is one of the largest in the world.

 Top Sites and Attractions

• International Swimming Hall of Fame
• Broadwalk at nearby Hollywood Beach
• Jungle Queen Riverboat tour
• Everglades airboat tours

Miami, Florida

From the glitz and glamour of South Beach to the laid-back and natural setting of Biscayne National Park, a boat dock rental in Miami gives you access to coral reefs, mangroves and secluded islands. The Maritime Heritage Trail, located in Biscayne National Park, is an underwater trail with several shipwrecks (including the Lugano that sank in 1913) and marine animals such as sea turtles, pelicans, dolphins and seabirds. Fowey Rocks Lighthouse is also part of the trail. The trail can only be accessed by boat, which puts another check mark on the pro side of boating

Virginia Key, just north of Key Biscayne, makes a nice secluded getaway. For a party on the water, head to the Haulover Sandbar. Haulover Inlet allows access into the Atlantic. It's used by many to get to the Bahamas. Miami private boat slip rentals can be found in Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and Biscayne Bay.

Top Sites and Attractions

• Everglades National Park
• Biscayne National Park
• Boca Chita Lighthouse
• Shops, restaurants and cafes of Lincoln Road
• Miami International Boat Show
• Hard Rock Stadium – home of the Miami Dolphins
  
  
  

Destin, Florida

Destin is known for gorgeous emerald green water and sparkling white sand that “squeaks.” Whether the squeaking is true or not, this northwest Panhandle location is one of the most beautiful in all of the Gulf of Mexico. You might even get lucky enough to catch a flyover by the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels.

Visit the Flora-Bama region of Orange Beach, Alabama and Perdido Key, Florida or spend the day at Gulf Islands National Seashore. Crab Island has bands that perform on floating stages as well as floating restaurants, volleyball games and a sandbar with crystal clear shallow water. Leave your Destin boat dock rental and head to Joe’s Bayou for tubing and waterskiing. This spot is quite popular as it’s a protected inlet without any no-wake laws. The seaside towns of Grayton Beach, Seaside, Seacrest and Rosemary Beach, located along the scenic Route 30A, are within close proximity to Destin boat dock rentals. 

Top Sites and Attractions

• Panama City Beach
• Destin Harbor Boardwalk
• Santa Rosa Island
• Blackwater River State Forest
• Apalachicola National Forest
• Pensacola Beach

Key West, Florida

You can’t go far in Key West without running into a sportfishing boat, a Jon boat, a trawler or a luxury mega-yacht. Take a walk down the docks and you’ll find fishing charters, sunset cruises (Key West is the sunset capital of the world, after all), dolphin watching excursions and wine and dine cruises. Of course, with a private Key West boat dock rental, you’ll have your very own boat at your service.

Key West is the perfect location for cruising, snorkeling and diving in the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean. Go fly-fishing in the back country or deep-sea fishing out in the Atlantic. Discover and explore secluded islands like Constant Key or float the day away at the sandbar at Marvin Key. One of the most memorable Key West excursions is a visit to Dry Tortugas National Park, which is only accessible by boat, seaplane or high-speed ferry. Aren’t those the best kind of places? 

Top Sites and Attractions

• Shops, bars, restaurants and live entertainment on Duval Street
• Nightly sunset and entertainment at Mallory Square
• Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
• Ernest Hemingway House and Museum
• Key West Lighthouse

St. Petersburg, Florida

Located south of Tampa, St. Petersburg boat dock rentals provide excellent access to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Tampa Bay, Boca Ciega Bay and Hillsborough Bay. Gulf Coast barrier islands make this a popular snorkeling spot, and the shallow water is a kayaker and canoers dream. Visit Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve and Fort DeSoto Park for swimming, snorkeling and nature watching. Treasure Island and Clearwater Beach are to the north.

Top Sites and Attractions

• Caladesi Island State Park
• Honeymoon Island State Park
• Weedon Island Preserve
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium
• Siesta Key
• Raymond James Stadium – home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Marathon, Florida

Marathon is the starting point for the world famous, and incredibly beautiful, Seven Mile Bridge. A boat dock rental in Marathon allows you to take your time and explore the Keys. The barrier reef just off of Marathon is the third largest in the world (and the only one in North America). It’s made up of about 30 acres of water ranging from two to 30 feet deep. You’ll be able to snorkel or dive among tropical fish, colorful coral and playful sea turtles at sites like Sombrero Reef and Lighthouse.

Other boating activities with a Florida Keys boat dock slip include discovering the mangroves of Curry Hammock State Park and snorkeling and swimming at American Shoal Lighthouse and Bahia Honda State Park. Sunset Grille & Raw Bar, located at the base of Seven Mile Bridge, is a lively spot to enjoy tropical drinks, float in the pool and catch the nightly sunset.

Top Sites and Attractions

• Dolphin Research Center
• Turtle Hospital
• Robbie’s Marina
• Bahia Honda State Park
• Sombrero Beach

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Well known for golf courses, Hilton Head also has a strong hold in the boating world. Spend the day deep-sea fishing for grouper, bass and snapper, go kayaking and birdwatching or cruise along the ICW. There are lots of bike paths and walking trails all around the island for when you want to stretch your sea legs. Visit nearby Tybee Island, in Georgia, or go horseback riding on the beach on Daufuskie Island. The May River Sandbar has great views of the Carolina Low Country.

Top Sites and Attractions

• Birdwatching tours at Audubon-Newhall Preserve
• Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
• Harbour Town Lighthouse
• Loggerhead turtle educational programs at the Coastal Discovery Museum

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Located on eastern Long Island, Cape Cod has long been a popular getaway for NYC residents. The coastal beaches, interior villages and 18th-century architecture make a picturesque backdrop for kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing. Explore the scenic Cape Cod Canal, go whale watching or check out the seafood restaurants in nearby Provincetown. A ferry excursion to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket makes a memorable trip.

Top Sites and Attractions

• Cape Cod National Seashore
• Nauset Lighthouse
• Race Point Lighthouse
• Nickerson State Park

The Hamptons, New York

The Hamptons are known for grand estates, wineries, sailboats and mega-yachts. The Atlantic coast destination has long been associated with wealthy city-dwellers who want to get out of the city. Whether you’re famous or not, a Hamptons private boat dock rental gives you access to fishing adventures, sailing excursions and kayaking around Long Island Sound, Block Island Sound, Fishers Island, Sag Harbor and Amagansett. Visit Cold Spring Pond and Peconic Bay for kayaking, windsurfing and kiteboarding.

Top Sites and Attractions

• Cedar Point County Park
• Shelter Island
• Gardiner’s Bay
• East Hampton and Montauk
• Sand dunes and million-dollar mansions of Cooper’s Beach

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport offers New England charm in the Ocean State. One of America’s oldest resort towns, the Rhode Island town is located on Aquidneck Island and provides access to waterways such as Easton Bay, Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The sailing bug goes way back as Newport has been the starting point for several America’s Cup sailing regattas. You can even take a private charter on an America’s Cup boat.

With yacht-filled harbors, stately lighthouses and Gilded Age mansions such as Rosecliff Mansion, The Elms and The Breakers, Newport mixes nostalgia with natural attractions and historic structures. Use your Newport private boat slip as a starting point for visits to the beach and cliffs at Cliff Walk, the mansions of Narragansett Bay and Ocean Drive, Brenton Point State Park and Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge

Top Sites and Attractions

• Beavertail Lighthouse and Castle Hill Lighthouse
• Jamestown Windmill
• Fort Adams State Park
• Fort Wetherill State Park
• International Tennis Hall of Fame

PierShare has docks for rent in these locations!

If you're going to be exploring these great locations, you're going to undoubtedly need a place to keep your boat! We at PierShare are building the first ever secure docking platform. Come check our our latest docks for rent, and we can't wait to see you out on the water!