Two Top Yachting Destinations in the U.S.

With over 12 million people owning a boat in 2020, you may want to be one of them. But you may be more interested in a yacht to be able to travel around while living on it.

But where would you go? Where could you go to hangout on your boat and explore the surrounding areas of the country?

Although there are tons of places to go around the country and around the world, we’ve narrowed it down to two of the top yachting destinations in the United States where you can take your yacht!

Rhode Island

One of the best yachting destinations in the United States is Rhode Island.

When you first sail up to it, you’ll be in one of Americans oldest ports dating back to the 1700s. You’ll also probably notice some super yachts surrounding you as you pull up as well.

Once you settle, you have so many things to do at your fingertips. You’ve arrived at a quaint, charming port that has endless restaurants, shopping areas, and other things to do.

From where your boat stays in port, you’ll be able to see the Newport Harbor and some of the surrounding mansions that are worth millions of dollars.

Once you head into the port and get off the boat, you’ll be making your way around Bowen’s Wharf. Here you’ll find some of the best restaurants in Newport, like 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille and Diegos, a hopping Mexican taco joint.

After your belly is full, you can take the rest of your time in port exploring Bowen’s Wharf’s shops. There are small boutiques with candles to more known shopping stores with clothes and bags. If you need to stock up on anything like accessories or some candles to keep your yacht smelling fresh, this is the place to do it!

If you’re spending all day in port, you can wander around further into Newport to tour some of the mansions like the Elms or the Breakers. When you’re done doing that, head on over to the Cliff Walk to take in some of the gorgeous views from higher up! It’s about 3 miles from one end to the other – so you may want to Uber back to the start unless you have a 7 mile walk in you (keep in mind there are some rocky parts, too!).

Newport, Rhode Island is the perfect yachting destination if you enjoy history, cobblestone roads, harbor views, crisp weather, and quaint shopping areas.

Florida

On the opposite end of the sailing spectrum, Florida is another great destination to go with your yacht. Although you most likely will not be getting cobble stone roads, you’ll be experiencing some of the best beaches in the United States as well as some top-tier shopping areas and restaurants depending on where you go.

Tampa, Florida

One option for you to choose to go sailing would be Tampa, Florida. There are endless things to do in this area from fishing, trying out some classy restaurants or dive bars, shopping at some of the best malls, or relaxing at the white, sandy beaches.

If you choose to go to Tampa, here is a list of some of the spots you should check out while in port:

Sparkman Wharf
Clearwater
Downtown St. Pete
Tampa Bay Riverwalk
Pinellas Trail

These are just a few of the areas! The first three are some of the more popular places for locals and tourists alike – they have many restaurants and bars to hop around to. If you’re in Clearwater, make sure to hit up Frenchy’s pub crawl!

The Tampa Bay Riverwalk and Pinellas Trail are options if you enjoy spending time outdoors biking or running. The Pinellas Trail offers over 45 miles of trail around the Tampa area, while the Riverwalk brings you along downtown Tampa right along the river.

Key West, Florida

Sailing to Key West is a great option because you don’t need to sail into one specific port. With so many islands around, you’ll be island hopping for days.

Make sure to make time for exploring Biscayne Bay National Park, Key Largo, and Marathon Key. Oh, and don’t forget to bring your snorkeling gear here! You’ll see some of the clearest waters around.

Palm Beach, Florida

If you’re looking for a more upscale, active area to visit, Palm Beach is another great option.

From some of the best golf courses (since it is the golf capital of the world) around to great fishing, and high-end boutiques to glamorous dining experiences, Palm Beach won’t disappoint as one of the top yachting destinations in Florida.

Explore some of the lighthouses and museums around or spend the day at the zoo. If neither of those options are for you, go to Rosemary Square to spend your day stepping in and out of cute boutiques and shopping stores.

And, of course, make sure to spend some time at one of the many pristine beaches in the area.

Time to Get a Yacht

We hope you’re finally convinced that getting a yacht is the next step for you! You know that you can take it to some of the best places around the country, and if you’re up to it eventually, around the world.

And you’ll for sure be adding Rhode Island and Florida to the sailing bucket list.