Boating offers the opportunity to see famous destinations from a different perspective. Regardless of experience level, travelers can find a boating experience in the United States to suit them. Choose from a guided tour or rent a kayak to paddle in protected waters, or go on an exciting boating adventure in open water.
Here are just 8 of the countless amazing boating spots in the U.S., from California to Florida, Colorado to Washington, D.C..
1. Desert Lake, Arizona
Sign up for a guided boating tour to explore northern Arizona's Lake Powell, zipping through deep, narrow valleys, including the flooded portion of the famous Antelope Canyon. You can admire towering sandstone cliffs or camp under the stars on an evening boat trip.
2. Florida's rivers run from springs
Rainbow Springs State Park, ninety minutes north of Tampa, Florida, is home to the purest spring water on the clear Rainbow River, perfect for boating.
There are towering cypress trees standing on both sides of the river, sea turtles basking in the sun and gorgeous water birds, and the beauty of Taoyuan is sure to take your breath away.
The river water remains a cool 22 degrees Celsius year-round and is crystal clear, giving you the illusion of being suspended in the air when you are in the water.
3. Colorado's alpine lakes
Paddle on Lake Ester in Ester Park, Colorado, a short distance from Rocky Mountain National Park. The snow-capped mountains are reflected in the clear blue lake water, and the scenery is picturesque. Pull the boat ashore, have an outdoor picnic, and take beautiful photos.
4. Iconic California Pacific Coastline
Paddle on Monterey Bay, south of San Francisco, and see Cannery Row, made famous by author John Steinbeck. There are also plenty of opportunities to see wildlife: adorable sea lions, seals and otters, as well as humpback and other whales that may swim past the shore.
5. Urban Rivers in Washington, D.C.
Visit the U.S. capital from the water: Paddle along the Potomac River, past Theodore Roosevelt Island, and see the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts along the way.
You can enjoy the Georgetown waterfront, the Washington DC skyline, and the cityscape of Arlington, Virginia.
6. Bioluminescent Bay in Puerto Rico
Near the easternmost Laguna Grande of the main island, paddle under a crescent moon to see the fantastic fluorescent sea. There is a tiny microbe in the water that fluoresces in calm waters when a boat or paddle is agitated.
Puerto Rico also has two other fluorescent bays for boating, including Mosquito Bay on nearby Vieques Island and La Parguera on Lajas, on the main island's southwest coast.
7. The Harbor Islands, Massachusetts
Paddle among the historic Boston Harbor Islands, which, while not far from the city, feel far away from the hustle and bustle. The inner harbour has many historic sites and calm waters to explore; the outer islands attract people's attention with their peaceful, untouched natural beauty.
Tour the lighthouse and fortress ruins and spend the night in a yurt.
8. Distant glacial lakes in Minnesota
Experience a unique time paddling in the wilderness of the Boundary Waters Rafting Area on a guided tour in Erie, Minnesota. Connected to countless glacial streams and lakes, this vast wilderness area is home to lush pine forests and a variety of wildlife including deer, moose, otters, bald eagles and loons.
