Explore five of America's top boating destinations
by Riviera Australia 8 Jul 2024 21:12 BST
For those passionate about boating, there are some incredible destinations around the US that should be on your bucket list.
Here are five of our favourites.
1 - Lake Superior borders Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan
Lake Superior is the world's largest freshwater lake. Bordered by Ontario in Canada and by Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan in the US, Lake Superior's waters and beaches are packed with tourists and locals each Summer, looking to enjoy its almost endless deep waters and epic fishing spots.
Pictured Rocks is one of the standout Lake Superior destinations, located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Its wild, rocky coastline is surrounded by lush woodland and striking cliffs, and with 72 kilometres (45 miles) of shoreline, it is a stunning destination. The area's sandstone cliffs are covered in vibrant colours created from mineral deposits and rise 60 metres (197 feet) from the water.
Another drawcard is Isle Royale, 15 nautical miles from both Canada and Minnesota, known for its forests and amazing hiking. Make sure you leave time to visit the Rock of Ages Harbor Lighthouse Museum. It's a great way to spend a few hours.
Make sure you bring your fishing gear. At last count, Lake Superior boasts 78 species of fish and hundreds of tournaments to test your skills with the rod.
Rivera representatives Onekama Marine Lake Michigan Yacht Sales general manager Matt Mrozinski says: "Although I may be a little bit biased, Little Traverse Bay is my favourite destination on Lake Michigan for boating and probably all of the Great Lakes. In one relatively small area, you have Caribbean blue waters and multiple, diverse ports to cruise to. Harbor Springs provides the charm of an old northeastern town, while Bay Harbor is a sheltered port with luxurious lodgings and amazing restaurants. Just a few miles away is Petoskey with eclectic shopping and classic Michigan beaches to search for famous Petoskey stones, and Charlevoix on the far west end of the bay provides a sheltered port in a quaint and charming town. There's no place better than Little Traverse Bay."
2 - Seattle, Washington
Calm waters constantly brush up against Seattle's green cityscape. Despite its reputation for grey skies and rainy days, Seattle is a boating paradise.
Connected by canals to Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Lake Union - within the city limits - is a great place to start your aquatic adventure. There's no doubt though, that you will soon end up on Puget Sound.
The Pacific Northwest has many great places to explore, including Gig Harbor, which is a gentle 32-kilometre (20 miles) journey from downtown to this charming marine village. The waterfront is dotted with great restaurants and independent shopping boutiques, so it is an easy place to spend a few days. Lovers of whiskey and gin should make time to tour Heritage Distilling Co. to discover why it is the most award-winning craft distillery in the United States.
The best tip you can give anyone planning to go boating in Seattle though, is to make sure you get a good weather app. And check it regularly. Or drop into Riviera's representative Emerald Pacific Yachts to ask for their expert advice on the best places to visit according to the weather conditions.
3 - Portland, Maine
People are often seduced by Portland, Maine's, natural attributes.
Its working fishing wharves stretch along a peninsula that extends into the picturesque Casco Bay. Its West End is full of Victorian-era homes and its almost 70,000 residents enjoy some of the best culinary delights available anywhere in the United States.
This quaint New England city on the water produces 80 percent of the lobster eaten in the United States.
Wander along almost any of its cobblestoned streets and you will get lost following the enticing smells that come from the many award-winning restaurants.
The city is surrounded by water. To the west you can explore the Fore River. Casco Bay, to the east, is dotted with island adventures and to the north, there's Back Cove. The harbour is a buzzing hive of activity with ships of every shape and size constantly on the move.
4 - New York, New York
Long Island is home to endlessly long white sandy beaches, peaceful bays and celebrity-filled restaurants. It is where New Yorkers go to escape. It is also a destination that is best appreciated by boat.
This timeless retreat, about a three-hour journey from the city, has myriad opportunities for those lucky enough to have access to a Riviera.
You can stop at Shelter Island, home to century-old inns, a nature reserve, and wondrous hikes. Or Port Washington on the North Shore, with its stately homes, tree-lined streets, and decadent day spas. And then there's Huntington Bay with its 1.6 kilometre-(mile) long bay and its unique architecture, reflecting its links to Germany.
Long Island extends west-to-east from Manhattan's East River to Montauk Point, more than 190 kilometres (118 miles) long and 37 kilometres (23 miles) wide.
Rivera representatives OneWater Yacht Group Sales Consultant Nathan Trevena says: "My favourite place to go boating in the New York area would be heading to Sag Harbor in the Hamptons for a great lunch or dinner and exploring the beautiful Main Street. I'm also a fan of heading to Greenport on the North Fork of Long Island and exploring that town and checking out a number of wineries in the region, like Macari Vineyards."
5 - San Diego, California
San Diego boasts three harbours - Oceanside, Mission Bay and The Big Day.
It also offers boat owners a rare dining opportunity. For a real culinary treat, and the ultimate boating experience, why not try a dock-and-dine restaurant. There are 60 to choose from if you include Mission Bay in the San Diego catchment area.
No reservations are needed. It operates on a first-in first-served basis and you get to cruise your yacht straight to the docks of some of the best restaurants that San Diego has to offer. Some of the best dock-and-dine options include Bali Hai, Bluewater Boathouse Seafood Grill, Joe's Crab Shack, Quarterdeck, Humphreys, Pizza Nova and Island Prime.
From a boating perspective, San Diego is famous for its biological diversity. On any day trip around the harbours, you can expect to see blue whales, grey whales, humpbacks, and minke whales, as well as a plethora of dolphins around sunset.
If you need some advice on cruising the area, why not drop into Riviera's representative Sun Country Marine Group and tap into their expert local knowledge.