With international holidays still on shaky grounds, many are looking for the best way to spend their summer break within the US. Renting a boat may just be that perfect way to replace a foreign holiday, for all its uniqueness, tranquility, and escapism.
This article will look at a few places on the East Coast of the US that are fantastic to rent a boat in.
Lake Champlain
It is possible to rent a boat on Lake Champlain, the nation’s 6th largest lake. Whilst ice fishing is popular here in the winter months, it’s, of course, best to visit during the summer, where the diving and watersports opportunities present themselves in full force.
Lake Champlain has over 50 public beaches to have a picnic on. Shelburne Town Beach and Bayside Beach are two of the most popular ones, which have all-day lifeguards. The lake is situated near Burton Island, a 253-acre park with plenty of hiking trails and camping spots.
There’s plenty to do in Lake Champlain, and it all becomes all the more adventurous when sailing on your own boat.
Chesapeake Bay
Being famous for its seafood production and diverse sea life, boat rentals on the Chesapeake Bay are a popular choice for sailing. In fact, nearby is Annapolis, America’s sailing capital, with a grand history and its very own powerboat shows. If you have a sailing addiction of your own, this is a must-see.
Otherwise, Smith Island is a cultural haven in which Captain John Smith founded and settled around 350 years ago. Elizabethan accents are still prevalent, which are remnants of regional English settler accents.
When visiting the Chesapeake Bay, Chestertown is a great choice for a day out due to it being a thriving arts town with plenty of history and culture. There’s a traditional Tea Party Festival in May, in which 1774 reenactments of dumping tea in the Chester River take place.
Maine
Maine is a popular sailing destination due to the incredible fishing potential along with popular beaches and warm weather – though breezy foggy weather can always be around the corner. Camden in Maine is home to Penobscot Bay, in which two mountains meet in the Atlantic seaboard.
There’s a reason why the Gulf of Maine is used in a number of film settings, because of its postcard picture material and gloriously clear waters. There is also a Camden Yacht Club which has been running for over 100 years, along with stunning architecture and plenty of hiking trails.
Boating holidays are often overlooked by those who have never tried them, often forgetting that owning your own boat isn’t necessary as boat rental is available. Boating can be family-friendly too, with children learning the responsibility that the uncompromising waters can teach, along with developing essential life skills. The East Coast is absolutely perfect for a boat trip, with an abundance of island hopping potential and cozy, cultural coastal towns. Given that some East Coast cities can be very expensive for accommodation, boating in comparison doesn’t seem too pricey either considering it’s a place to spend both your days and nights.