New England Ports Rank Among America’s Best Boating Destinations

The iconic Rowes Wharf is one of the centerpieces of Boston Harbor. Photo/Tom Richardson

A routine outing turned urgent on the Essex River Friday night when a sailboat found the wrong side of a shifting sandbar—and the clock started ticking.

After running aground near Coffins Beach, the vessel began to take on water, forcing two men and their dog into the river’s unforgiving spring temperatures. With darkness closing in, they activated an emergency beacon before abandoning the boat—staying together as they moved through chest-deep water, keeping their dog afloat in a container.

Most New England mariners know that the Northeast coastline boasts an incredible selection of ever-improving ports of call. Many of these towns have worked tirelessly in recent years to expand and welcome the recreational boating and fishing communities, and it is always rewarding to see those efforts recognized.

AEarlier this month, two distinct industry leaders sang praises of some of the region’s top maritime destinations. First, BoatUS Magazine included Gloucester, MA, and East Greenwich, RI, in its prestigious “Top Boating Towns” annual feature. To evaluate each location, editors analyzed critical lifestyle criteria. These included overall boating access, the availability of launch ramps, marinas, moorings and boat clubs, as well as proximity to open water, local real estate prices, major airports, medical resources, and vibrant community cultures. The total number of TowBoatUS ports in the area was also a factor.

AThe publication celebrated Gloucester as “a stunning harbor on a rocky, marshy cape equipped with 17 marinas.” Editors noted that while it remains home to a historic commercial fishing fleet, the port has made major strides to accommodate recreational boaters with excellent dock-and-dine options. Meanwhile, East Greenwich was lauded as a spacious, tranquil alternative to overcrowded boating hubs. The town, it stated, offers effortless weekend cruising to premiere New England destinations like Block Island,  Martha’s Vineyard, the Elizabeth Islands and even Cape Cod’s southern shore, with the added financial perk of Rhode Island’s tax exemption on boat sales and property.

ASimultaneously, a “Northeast Labor Day, 2026” report released by Their findings highlighted Massachusetts as the dominant state for holiday travel, with Boston and Chatham (Cape Cod) securing the top two spots. According to BoatBooker, “this surge underscores the massive, enduring appeal of the Commonwealth’s historic, high-capacity coastal destinations during major holiday weekends.”

Cheers to you, New England! And to East Greenwich, Glouster, Boston and Chatham, in particular. It’s great to see your maritime efforts are indeed paying off.

Written by Tom Schlichter