Best East Coast Boating Destinations

Diehard sailors and casual hobbyists alike know that when the hot weather hits, it’s time to visit their boat storage locations and pull their crafts out for the season. If you’re one of the many who love the spray of the salt water and the rush of the wind from aboard your personal vessel, then you likely already know how to prep your boat for summer and get ready for months of fun and sun. What you might not be aware of, however, is the amazing amount of East Coast boating destinations just waiting for you and yours to enjoy.

While there are hundreds or even thousands of wonderful sailing locations around the world, we decided to focus on the East Coast because of its variety and accessibility. For those readers looking for details on storage for a boat (or boats) during off-time, there’s plenty of that info included as well.

Most Popular East Coast Boating Destination

So, keep scrolling to check out our top seven picks for East Coast sailing destinations. The East Coast has so many tremendous options, it can be hard to narrow them down!    

1. Penobscot Bay, Maine

The most northern choice on our list is Penobscot Bay in Maine. Measuring just 40 miles long and 15 miles wide, the bay has more than 200 islands and countless harbors and villages to explore. Thanks in part to these islands, the bay is known for quiet, still mornings and predictable afternoon breezes. It’s a perfect spot for sailors with a soft spot for wildlife, including puffins and seals, and an interest in investigating small villages and enjoying beautiful sunsets. Sign us up!

2. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts (Vineyard Sound)

Boating around Martha’s Vineyard, Buzzards Bay, Nantucket, and the Elizabeth Islands is a summer idle enjoyed by many residents and visitors alike. The area can be challenging for beginning boaters, however, thanks to its choppy waves, tidal variations, and seemingly ever-present fog. While fog can make for some great fishing, it is also likely not worth the hassle if your boat isn’t equipped with a chart-plotting GPS unit and radar capabilities. Reserve a mooring at Edgartown in Martha’s Vineyard and spend a day or two enjoying the fine dining, sandy beaches, and endless recreational activities of the island. 

3. Narragansett Bay (Rhode Island Sound)

Spanning 147 miles, Narragansett Bay is located on the north side of Rhode Island Sound. It is labeled the largest estuary in New England and even includes an archipelago. Water sports enthusiasts find the area easy to boat – and hard to beat – thanks to its easy breezes, plentiful marinas, and amazing fishing opportunities. The waters abound with bluefish, tautog, fluke, striped bass, and more tasty options. Check out this helpful article on 5 great Narragansett Bay day trips for more information – and then get ready to visit your boat storage, because you’re not going to want to wait a day longer than you must to hit the waves!

4. Long Island Sound

A mix of freshwater and saltwater, Long Island Sound covers 110 miles between Connecticut and Long Island, New York. Known as a complicated area to sail, Long Island Sound can be shallow and quite windy at times. It is also filled with thousands of lobster traps – and many, many rocks – which require a skilled captain to avoid. That said, it can be a lovely place to boat with many appealing spots to dock, including Block Island, Sag Harbor, Old Saybrook, and Montauk Point.

5. Barnegat Bay, New Jersey

Measuring 42 miles long and about two miles wide, Barnegat Bay is an extremely shallow (six feet or less) estuary perfect for a day trip or short excursion. Nestled between the Pine Barrens on the west and barrier islands on the east, it is a mix of saltwater and fresh water that attracts a seemingly endless array of birds. The bay is clean with calm breezes and low tidal changes, which makes for perfect sailing conditions. The lack of commercial boats also adds to the experience.

6. Chesapeake Bay

No list of East Coast boating destinations is complete without mentioning Chesapeake Bay, the country’s largest estuary fed by more than 150 major rivers and streams. Measuring about 200 miles long, the Bay boasts an amazing 11,600 miles of shoreline to explore and enjoy. Must stops include Rock Hall, known as the “pearl of the Chesapeake,” Wye Island, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Maryland, and – of course – America’s sailing capital, Annapolis. If you’re feeling up for a little friendly competition, you can even enter (or just watch) the sailing races that happen every Wednesday night from April through November in Annapolis. 

7. Biscayne Bay, Florida

Last, but certainly not least, is the most southern location on our list: Biscayne Bay. This subtropical estuary covers more than 400 square miles, offering visitors crystalline water, an amazing variety of fish and wildlife, and the third largest coral reef system in the world. You can also enjoy the shoreline mangrove swamps (keep an eye peeled for manatees). The area is encompassed by Biscayne National Park, the largest marine sanctuary in the National Parks System, which includes the underwater Maritime Heritage Trail of dive sites, so be sure to pack your snorkeling or SCUBA equipment!

Getting excited yet? Once you’ve found the right storage for a boat and know that it will be protected until the sailing season arrives, the sky’s the limit in terms of where you can explore. (As you might’ve guessed, we love sailing the East Coast.) Make sure you’ve got your boat prepared and stocked, and study navigational maps, apps, and other resources before your trip to provide the best and safest time possible for you and your sailing companions.

If you’re searching for “boat storage near me,” or something similar, skip the inconvenience of endless online advertisements and go straight to the source by calling CubeSmart directly or checking out our storage location map. Many locations offer 10’ x 25’ boat storage perfect for ​​a Carolina Skiff, Sea Chaser, Fun Chaser, VR6 Bowrider, and many more boat types. Be sure to talk to the on-site manager to find the best option for you and your craft. Happy sailing!