Best Marinas in the US

By Peter15 mins read

If you’re wondering where you should sail on your precious time away from any responsibilities, then look no further. Whether you want a week’s break away with the family or just sailing overseas, I’m here to help you. As a matter of fact, there are about 12,000 marinas and 1.1 million boat slips in the United States. I am here to inform you about the best ones in terms of services, amenities, and location. In this article, I’m going to give you a list of the best marinas in the US for all types of cruisers.

Here Are Some Of The Best and Largest Marinas To Liveaboard In The United States

Safe Harbor Stirling, Greenport, New York

The marina is on the inner coast of Long Island’s North Fork and offers all kinds of amenities that you would expect from a historical maritime village. For example, nautical activities, maritime museums, B&B’s, and old-timey entertainment. Furthermore, the marina has 10 acres and 200 berths for boaters who seek a sheltered location, safe from the wind. Greenport is also known for its vineyards and awarded restaurants, so don’t miss a wine tour and a traditional dinner at Sterlington Deli. Furthermore, the area is nearby the Long Island Sound and gives sailors easy access to explore Shelter Island and the Hamptons. This marina is also liveaboard friendly and they have built a very nice community among them. So, if you plan on being a liveaboard this marina should be on your shortlist.

Moonbeam Gateway Marina, Brooklyn, New York

This is the largest marina in New York with over 560 slips for boat sizes between 20 feet and 150+ feet. There are also plenty of liveaboards in this marina and people living on small sailboats is pretty common and there are many amenities for them like free parking, BBQ area private bathrooms and showers, free WiFi, individual power pedestals, water connection, and much more. I guess it makes sense in a city that tiny old apartments go for around $2,000 per month. Also, Gateway Marina has tow service, lift travel and pump-out services, a supply store, a marine servicing facility, and of course, 24-hour security.

Moonbeam Gateway Marina, Brooklyn - Best Marina in New York

Duncan L. Clinch Marina – Traverse City, Michigan

Grand Traverse Bay is one of the favorite sailing areas in the country. The place distinguishes itself for its tranquil atmosphere, especially in the spring and summer. This is due to the numerous cherry trees, lush vegetation, and beaches. Moreover, the city combines a small town’s atmosphere and big-city amenities including shops, breweries, local restaurants, and festivals. The marina has 130 berths and provides electricity, water, boat launch, among others. Don’t forget to visit Torch Lake which is one of the most beautiful lakes in the area.

Regatta Pointe Marina – Palmetto, Florida

If you want to enjoy the Gulf without paying an arm and a leg then Regatta Pointe is a great place to moor. Palmetto is a wonderful location and has easy access to the Gulf on the Manatee River. Moreover, you can benefit from getting away from the hustle and bustle of Florida. The marina has a lot of amenities and great restaurants, such as the Riverhouse Reef & Grill.

Elliott Bay Marina, Seattle, Washington

The marina offers spectacular views of the Seattle Skyline and the Olympic Mountains and is definitely a tranquil place to moor. Furthermore, Eliott Bay offers several country club amenities and services for both permanent and temporary moorage guests. There are 1200 berths and 60 of these are for guest moorage. The marina can accommodate boat sizes from 28 to 300feet. There are also some fine restaurants like Maggie Bluffs for casual dining and Palisade restaurant. You can also find a wide variety of different types of wine and beer.

Baltimore Baltimore Inner Harbor Marina, Maryland

Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is the best place to go if you’re keen on cultural tourism. There are many attractions to visit, including the Baltimore Maritime Museum and the Maryland Science Centre, as well as the Baltimore Aquarium. The harbor also has many great restaurants, where you can enjoy the local seafood. Maryland Marina has 360 berths and room for more than 600 sailboats in the water facilities or trailered spaces.

Baltimore Inner Harbor Marina in Maryland

Orleans Marina, New Orleans

Orleans Marina is within proximity to the city centre and from three national wildlife parks. There are restaurants, grocery stores, boat repair yards, and a ship’s store. Moreover, the Harbor’s office provides local maps, bus routes, and tourist information. There are also many great festivals such as the Sugar Bowl, Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and others.

Roche Harbor Marina – San Juan Island, Washington

When mooring to Roche Harbor you can understand and feel the magnificence of the Pacific Northwest. It’s far away from the craziness of the city and offers a unique charm for both sailors and tourists. In addition, the island is great for fishing, sailing, hiking whale watching, and wine tasting. In general, you can truly experience the Northwest culture when sailing there. This is because Roche Harbor is situated on the Northwest side of the island and close enough to the town of Friday Harbor.

Berkeley Marina – California

Berkeley Marina offers great water and outdoor activities. This is one of the largest marinas in the US; it unfolds in 100 acres of park space and in 7 miles of trails and has over 1,100 berths. Furthermore, there are picnic areas, bird-watching activities, and educational programming at the Shorebird Park Nature Center. You’ll enjoy the views of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge. Finally, Berkeley Marina is a shelter for many sailboats on the West Coast and you can benefit from taking part in a variety of sailing activities.

Shelter Island, San Diego, California

Shelter Island is one of the few marinas in San Diego Bay with a deep harbor suitable for megayachts. In September there’s a YachtFest that takes place each year. In this event, you’ll see mock gun battles between two 19th century tall boat replicas from the collection of the San Diego Maritime Museum. Furthermore, in December Shelter Island hosts the Parade of Lights, where sailboats are decorated with holiday lights on the Bay that can be viewed from the coast. The marina can accommodate up to 300 vessels and offers all basic mooring services.

Conch Harbor Marina, Florida

The marina is situated in the historic bight area, where the magnificent scenery unfolds upfront. Its entrance is just outside the historic downtown district of Key West in Florida and welcomes you to enjoy the southern way of living. Conch Harbor Marina is a must-visit for those who want to explore the Conch Capital. The marina has more than 50 berths available for vessels up to 200ft with a draft of 10ft. Whether you have a small or large sailboat you’ll find shelter in this resort-style marina. Don’t forget to dine at two distinguished restaurants, Blue Heaven and Dante’s restaurant, walk around the city and experience the vibrant rhythms of the city!

Marina Bay, Richmond, California

The Richmond Riviera has 850 berths available and offers sailors a safe and comfy place to dock their boat. You can enjoy viewing and walking around downtown San Francisco, Oakland Marina Bay, as well as the San Francisco Bay area. The marina is situated in the East Bay and provides water, electricity, restrooms and showers, shore-side storage units, pump-out stations, and a launch ramp.

Yacht Haven Grande, St.Thomas, US Virgin Islands

This is a marina that offers high-end services for boaters. It’s located in a tropical place but offers a wide range of amenities. Moreover, there are a lot of outdoor and water activities such as diving, snorkelling, fishing, among others. It’s a nice and tranquil place where you can relax and enjoy strolling around the island. The marina has a 90 berth capacity, a max draft of 7.6m, electricity and 24h security.

Marina Del Rey, California

This marina is the largest harbor in North America and is considered to be one of the most expensive ones. As a result, you’ll find all kinds of services and amenities there. A large sandy beach, many bars, restaurants, shops, and events. Moreover, if you keen on watersports and outdoor activities, then this is a paradise for you! You can do anything from paddle/canoe to parasailing and from whale watching to diving.

Charleston City Marina, Charleston, South Carolina

The marina of Charleston City hosts the famous Mega Dock one of the most prestigious yachts in the world and was named the Marina of the year 2019. Thus, it’s a preferred boating destination for luxurious customers and offers state-of-the-art facilities. The city of Charleston is located nearby where you can do your shopping, have your lunch or dinner and walk around the city.