10 Hidden Summer Destinations to Discover by Boat
Last Updated on May 7, 2024 by Boatsetter Team
With thousands of waterfront destinations, discover islands, natural parks, coves, and more all by boat.
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- Biscayne National Park
- Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
- Choctawhatchee Bay
- Santa Catalina Islands
- Weedon Island State Preserve
- Gaillard Island
- St Andrews State Park Aquatic Preserve
- Fort Pickens
- Fort Walton Beach
- Lake Travis (Austin, TX)
Biscayne National Park
Not too far away from Miami’s iconic skyscrapers is Biscayne National Park, a 172, 971 acre park 95% made up of water. Go for a quiet cruise down one the several scenic water trails or head over to the 1930s Boca Chita Lighthouse for the best views of Miami city skyline.
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Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
With several unique boats to choose from like the only Van Dutch 40 in the West Coast or the Koehler Kraft 28, hop on a boat and anchor down at Sunset Cliffs Park to see incredible cliff formations and caves.
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Choctawhatchee Bay
There may be no better honey hole in the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village than Choctawhatchee Bay. Teeming with redfish, speckled trout, black drum, sheepshead, and flounder, find a local angler to show in the top fishing spots.
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Santa Catalina Islands
Only accessible by boat, Catalina Island is known for diverse wildlife, dive sites, and Mt. Orizaba, the highest peak on the island. Ask the captain to head to the south, for views of Avalon’s art deco casino and swaying palm trees of Descanso Beach.
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Weedon Island State Preserve
Weedons Island Preserve is a 3,190-acre predominantly natural area made up of wetlands and flatwoods. Paddle through mangrove tunnels on the scenic South Paddling Trail, a 4-mile, self guided kayaking loop with several bird and wildlife watching opportunities.
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Gaillard Island
Gaillard Island is an important nesting site for seabirds and shorebirds in coastal Alabama. While this island is off-limits to visitors, you’re more than welcome to cruise the shores to birdwatch and take portrait-worthy pictures.
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St. Andrews State Park Aquatic Preserve
You may fall in love with St. Andrew State Park and spend the next 25 years living on a boat like Theodore Tollofson. Having survived a shipwreck, you could say he knew how to make the best out of a bad situation. But, since it is a rental, maybe tap the heart icon on the listing to add the boat to your Favorites. Make trips to St. Andrew State Park a tradition.
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Fort Pickens
Visit Fort Pickens, a strategic military fort protecting the Pensacola Bay from European Powers in the 1830s. It’s also a great place to see bottlenose dolphins. Spend the first hour exploring this fort by foot, then go for a dolphin spotting cruise.
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Fort Walton Beach
Looking for quiet? Come to Fort Walton Beach, a charming little seaside community with no skyscrapers, no honking horns, and less people. Catch up with a good book, meditate on the deck of the boat, or just enjoy the silence.
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Lake Travis
Like most things in Texas, Lake Travis is big. The lake covers 18, 929-acres. The limestone floor of this lake gives it its rich blue waters. Yes, you can swim here. And you should. With roughly 100 points to access this lake, you can easily add a lake day to your Texas trip itinerary.
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