25 Best Boating Destinations

Lake Powell, AZ

I was born in Newport Beach, California, and spent months on the Pacific in a variety of vessels. I moved to South Florida in 1974 and went from sailing most of the time to power boating. I was running one of the most active marinas in the region, where megayachts (not a widely used term at that time) like Blackhawk, Passage II, Monkey Business, and A&Eagle were berthed. Don Aronow, Richard Bertram, and many other legends in the boating industry were regulars. I was able to experience many wonderful cruising sites in the Caribbean and Florida during this period. Even so, Lake Powell in September is my favorite boating destination. It’s the combination of the sights, the warm dry air, and the purity and temperature of the water. The feeling is one of being in the middle of nowhere on a vessel with all of the creature comforts. Days can go by when I don’t see another boat or person. I haven’t experienced anything this close to paradise. —Mark A. Rauch

Annapolis, MD

My favorite boating destination is Annapolis, Maryland, with its rich, early American history. It’s also home to the U.S. Naval Academy and many other places of interest. Good food and friendly people make this a favorite place. —Mark Bertacchi

Baltimore, MD

For our family the best destination is Baltimore. The cruise up the Patapsco River, where we watch the ships and anticipate going under the Francis Scott Key Bridge, is always something special. The charms of the Charm City are amplified when you arrive by water, and