8 Cool Coasts to Cruise in the United States This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to set sail and explore some of the most stunning coastal regions in the United States. Whether you’re looking to cruise with breathtaking scenery, explore quaint seaside towns, or enjoy warm weather and cool waters, the U.S. offers an abundance of unforgettable coastlines. From the rugged shores of the Pacific Northwest to the sun-drenched waters of Florida, here are eight cool coasts to cruise this summer.

1. Maine Coast: Bar Harbor to Acadia National Park

  • Location: Northeastern U.S.
  • Key Attractions: Lighthouses, whale watching, Acadia National Park
  • Cruising Experience: The Maine coastline is famous for its rocky shores, historic lighthouses, and charming seaside towns. A cruise from Bar Harbor to Acadia National Park offers scenic views of rugged cliffs, lush forests, and the iconic Cadillac Mountain.
  • Average Cost:
    • Charter Boat: $2,500–$5,000 per week
    • Fuel: $150–$300 per day (depending on boat size)
    • Docking Fees: $3–$7 per foot per night
  • Best Time to Visit: June through August for pleasant temperatures and clear skies.

2. Florida Keys

  • Location: Southern Florida
  • Key Attractions: Coral reefs, turquoise waters, vibrant nightlife, Key West
  • Cruising Experience: A cruise through the Florida Keys offers endless opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and exploring tropical islands. The journey from Key Largo to Key West is ideal for water enthusiasts, with stops at popular spots like Bahia Honda State Park and Dry Tortugas National Park.
  • Average Cost:
    • Charter Boat: $3,000–$6,000 per week
    • Fuel: $200–$400 per day
    • Docking Fees: $4–$10 per foot per night (higher rates in Key West)
  • Best Time to Visit: June to early September to enjoy warm waters and summer activities.

3. California Coast: San Francisco to Monterey

  • Location: West Coast, California
  • Key Attractions: Golden Gate Bridge, Monterey Bay, Big Sur coastline
  • Cruising Experience: Cruising along California’s coast, from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to the wildlife-rich Monterey Bay, offers a perfect mix of urban exploration and natural beauty. The coastline is dotted with sea lions, kelp forests, and dramatic cliffs.
  • Average Cost:
    • Charter Boat: $3,000–$7,000 per week
    • Fuel: $250–$400 per day
    • Docking Fees: $3–$9 per foot per night
  • Best Time to Visit: July and August for warm, sunny days and whale-watching season.

4. Outer Banks, North Carolina

  • Location: East Coast, North Carolina
  • Key Attractions: Cape Hatteras National Seashore, wild horses, historical sites
  • Cruising Experience: The Outer Banks offer a unique mix of historical sites, wild beaches, and natural beauty. Cruisers can explore the waters near Cape Hatteras, enjoy the secluded beaches, and even spot wild horses roaming freely on the shore.
  • Average Cost:
    • Charter Boat: $2,000–$4,500 per week
    • Fuel: $150–$250 per day
    • Docking Fees: $2–$5 per foot per night
  • Best Time to Visit: June through August for warm weather and calm seas.

5. Chesapeake Bay, Maryland & Virginia

  • Location: Mid-Atlantic
  • Key Attractions: Historic towns, crab feasts, protected waterways
  • Cruising Experience: The Chesapeake Bay is one of the largest estuaries in the U.S., offering calm, sheltered waters ideal for a leisurely summer cruise. You can visit historic seaport towns like Annapolis and St. Michaels and enjoy the local tradition of crabbing and seafood feasts.
  • Average Cost:
    • Charter Boat: $2,500–$5,500 per week
    • Fuel: $100–$200 per day
    • Docking Fees: $2–$6 per foot per night
  • Best Time to Visit: June to early September for warm temperatures and long days.

6. Pacific Northwest: Seattle to the San Juan Islands

  • Location: Pacific Northwest, Washington
  • Key Attractions: Orcas, secluded coves, temperate rainforests
  • Cruising Experience: This coastal route takes you from Seattle to the idyllic San Juan Islands, where you can experience the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty, from towering forests to protected marine life. Whale watching is a highlight, as orcas frequent these waters during the summer.
  • Average Cost:
    • Charter Boat: $3,000–$7,500 per week
    • Fuel: $200–$350 per day
    • Docking Fees: $2–$7 per foot per night
  • Best Time to Visit: July and August for the best chance to see wildlife and enjoy mild weather.

7. Gulf Coast: Alabama and Mississippi

  • Location: Southern U.S.
  • Key Attractions: White sandy beaches, fishing, wildlife refuges
  • Cruising Experience: The Gulf Coast offers an ideal balance of nature and fun. Cruising from Alabama’s Dauphin Island to Mississippi’s Biloxi Bay, you’ll find quiet beaches, bird sanctuaries, and excellent fishing opportunities, along with casino resorts for a lively night out.
  • Average Cost:
    • Charter Boat: $2,000–$4,500 per week
    • Fuel: $150–$250 per day
    • Docking Fees: $3–$6 per foot per night
  • Best Time to Visit: June through September for warm, balmy weather.

8. Great Lakes: Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

  • Location: Northern U.S.
  • Key Attractions: Freshwater cruising, Mackinac Island, lighthouses
  • Cruising Experience: The Great Lakes offer a different type of cruising experience—freshwater sailing on massive inland seas. Cruising Lake Michigan’s shoreline, especially near the Upper Peninsula, includes stops at historic Mackinac Island, stunning lighthouses, and secluded anchorages.
  • Average Cost:
    • Charter Boat: $2,500–$6,000 per week
    • Fuel: $150–$300 per day
    • Docking Fees: $2–$5 per foot per night
  • Best Time to Visit: Late June to early September for warmer weather and clear skies.

Conclusion

Each of these coastlines offers its own unique beauty, from the tropical waters of the Florida Keys to the tranquil, wildlife-rich San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a first-time cruiser, these eight destinations will provide unforgettable summer adventures. Be sure to plan ahead, consider your budget, and enjoy the best of America’s cool coasts this summer!

Happy Boating!

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Read 10 Best Boating Destinations in the U.S. until we meet in the next article. 

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