10 LATE-SUMMER BOATING DESTINATIONS

10 Late-Summer Boating Destinations

Soak Up Summer’s Final Cruise

Labor Day might be creeping onto the calendar, but don’t pack up the dock lines just yet. August is the sweet spot for late-summer boating—the crowds thin slightly, the water’s still warm, and those golden hour anchorages feel just a little more magical. Whether you’re chasing one last family adventure or planning a low-key solo cruise, there’s still time to make your mark on the season.

From tucked-away coves to full-service waterfront towns, this list of boating destinations is curated to help you squeeze every last drop out of summer. All five locations are ideal for day trips or overnight stays, depending on your range and amenities. Ready to throttle down into relaxation? Let’s go.

St. Michaels Marina – Chesapeake Bay, Maryland (Mid-Atlantic)

Positioned along the Miles River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, St. Michaels Marina offers one of the most charming and culturally rich experiences in late-summer boating on the East Coast. Located in the historic town of St. Michaels, Maryland, this marina combines nautical heritage, upscale amenities, and small-town hospitality in a way that’s hard to replicate elsewhere on the Bay.

With more than 50 slips available for transient boaters—including some that can accommodate vessels up to 220 feet—St. Michaels Marina serves as a full-service hub for cruisers, sailors, and trawlers exploring the middle Chesapeake. Boaters can walk straight from the docks into the heart of the town, enjoying dockside seafood, antique shops, and the renowned Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, which preserves the working-waterfront spirit of the region.

St. Michaels itself is a draw for boating destinations enthusiasts. The surrounding waterways offer protected coves, scenic anchorages, and historic lighthouses, while nearby destinations like Oxford, Cambridge, and Tilghman Island provide ideal day trips. August often brings warm breezes, picturesque sunsets, and the town’s signature Watermen’s Appreciation Day, a festival that celebrates the Chesapeake’s crabbing and oystering roots.

For those seeking a blend of culture, calm water cruising, and marina comforts, St. Michaels is more than a stopover—it’s a late-summer boating tradition on the Bay.

Clinton Marina – Clinton Lake, Kansas (Midwest)

Tucked just west of Lawrence in northeastern Kansas, Clinton Marina sits on the shoreline of Clinton Lake, a 7,000-acre reservoir prized for its clean, spring-fed waters and laid-back boating culture. This marina is a Midwest gem—offering more than just slip space, but a full-service boating experience shaped by resilience, innovation, and a strong community connection.

Named “Large Marina of the Year” in 2024 by Marina Dock Age, Clinton Marina earned national recognition for its environmental stewardship, outstanding customer service, and rapid recovery from storm damage in 2023. Their solar-powered docks, nearly 700 wet slips, and strong focus on transient boaters make this facility one of the region’s most dependable boating destinations for both weekenders and full-season cruisers.

Nearby options like Perry Lake and Hillsdale Lake attract regional traffic, but Clinton Marina stands out with its combination of modern infrastructure, onsite kayak and paddleboard kiosks, a floating event barge, and its own beer garden. Add in live music events and frequent lakefront programming, and it’s easy to see why Clinton remains a top choice for late-summer boating in the heartland.

Put-in-Bay Harbor – Lake Erie, Ohio (Great Lakes)

Known as the “Key West of the North,” Put-in-Bay Harbor on South Bass Island is one of the most vibrant boating destinations on the Great Lakes. Located in Lake Erie, just a short ride from mainland Ohio, this destination transforms into a festive boater’s playground every summer—and August is prime time for soaking it all in.

Put-in-Bay offers both municipal and private marinas, with Put-in-Bay Village Docks being the most centrally located. Boaters arriving for late-summer boating will find ample dockage, including raft-up space in the busy harbor. Once tied off, you’re a short stroll from live music venues, bars, historic wineries, and family attractions like Perry’s Cave and the Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, which towers 352 feet above the harbor.

Though the island gets lively on weekends, its midweek vibe is more relaxed—ideal for cruisers looking to explore without the party crowd. Neighboring islands such as Middle Bass and Kelleys Island offer more secluded anchorages and protected coves, adding variety to your Great Lakes itinerary.

For those seeking a mix of social energy, island charm, and easy access to protected Lake Erie boating, Put-in-Bay remains a standout choice for late-summer boating. The season stretches comfortably into early fall, offering warm water, colorful sunsets, and just enough breeze to keep things interesting.

Truman State Park Marina – Truman Lake, MO

Tucked within the scenic peninsula of Harry S. Truman State Park, Truman State Park Marina offers boaters access to Missouri’s largest flood control reservoir—a favorite for fishing, cruising, and laid-back late-summer days. Located on the western shore of Truman Lake, the full-service marina provides overnight and transient slips, fuel, fishing gear, pontoon rentals, and access to over 1,400 acres of protected public land.

The marina is also a hub for anglers—Truman Lake is well-known for crappie, bass, and catfish, drawing visitors from across the Midwest. With easy access to public recreation areas, scenic coves, and a strong reputation among sportsmen, Truman State Park Marina stands out as a top-tier destination for those looking to combine boating with the best of Missouri’s natural beauty.

Beyond the water, boaters can enjoy a variety of shoreline experiences. The adjacent state park features shaded hiking trails, two sandy swimming beaches, campgrounds, and picnic shelters—perfect for winding down after a day on the lake. As August temperatures begin to drop, the setting becomes ideal for quiet cove exploration or an early evening paddle.

For panoramic views and a dose of history, the nearby Truman Lake Visitor Center, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, offers educational exhibits, an observation deck, and insights into the region’s hydrology and wildlife.

Take a scenic drive to Joe Dice Swinging Bridge, explore local shops in nearby Warsaw, or catch live music at the Truman Lake Opry. What sets this marina apart is its seamless connection to Missouri’s preserved outdoor spaces—making it a standout on any late-summer boating itinerary.

Charleston City Marina – Ashley River, South Carolina (Southeast)

Located along the Ashley River and just minutes from Charleston Harbor, Charleston City Marina is one of the most prestigious boating destinations on the Southeastern seaboard. With over 19,000 feet of dock space—including the famed 1,530-foot “MegaDock”—this facility is a top choice for everything from 30-foot cruisers to superyachts making their seasonal rounds.

Named Marina Dock Age’s National Marina of the Year in 2005, Charleston City Marina has built a legacy on excellence in service, hurricane preparedness, and thoughtful harbor design. The award-winning marina is a strategic stop for late-summer boating, especially as August heat meets the start of the Atlantic hurricane migration patterns.

Charleston’s popularity surges in the fall, making it a strategic stop for late-summer boating just ahead of the Atlantic hurricane migration patterns. August in Charleston is hot but manageable, with frequent breezes off the harbor and a dynamic blend of local festivals, dockside seafood shacks, and downtown charm within walking distance.

Charleston City Marina offers more than location—it delivers services like diesel and gasoline on every dock, concierge provisioning, laundry, and top-rated mechanical support. It’s also a favorite of long-range cruisers preparing to transition south via the Intracoastal Waterway.

Nearby alternatives like Bohicket Marina or Isle of Palms Marina offer beach-town flair, but Charleston City Marina remains the flagship harbor for those seeking reliable, amenity-rich dockage with a cultural backdrop. For boaters ending their season on the Atlantic Coast—or staging for hurricane season—this marina blends Southern elegance with world-class waterfront access.

Campbell Point Marina – Table Rock Lake, Missouri (Ozarks)

Situated on a wide peninsula in the Shell Knob area of Table Rock Lake, Campbell Point Marina offers a picture-perfect blend of tranquility, convenience, and full-service operations—ideal for families looking to extend the season with a late-summer boating getaway. Surrounded by the rolling hills of the Ozarks and clear, warm lake water, this marina has long been referred to as a regional “destination marina”—and with good reason.

Table Rock Lake is a sprawling 43,000-acre reservoir famed for its calm surface, scenic coves, and excellent water clarity—making it a haven for swimming, tubing, and barefoot boating even into September. Campbell Point Marina caters to this lifestyle with covered slips, fuel service, water toy rentals, and a floating ship’s store. Events like their cardboard boat race and live music add a sense of festivity to the marina culture.

Beyond its services, the location itself is part of the appeal. Nestled between Branson and Eureka Springs, boaters can easily make side trips to floating restaurants, shoreline hiking trails, or overnight anchorages in quiet arms of the lake. Whether your crew wants action-packed days or peaceful evenings, Campbell Point delivers on both ends of the spectrum.

Among Ozarks-region boating destinations, Campbell Point Marina stands out as a scenic, accessible, and community-driven hub for late-summer boating before the season changes gears.

Scorpion Bay Marina – Lake Pleasant, Arizona (Southwest)

Set against the dramatic desert backdrop of central Arizona, Scorpion Bay Marina on Lake Pleasant offers one of the most unexpected—and unforgettable—boating destinations in the Southwest. Just 45 minutes from downtown Phoenix, this marina provides a cool escape in the heart of the summer heat, attracting wakeboarders, jet skiers, houseboaters, and weekend cruisers looking for wide-open water and big-sky views.

Lake Pleasant is a 10,000-acre reservoir in the Sonoran Desert, and August marks the tail end of its busiest boating season before temperatures begin to dip in early fall. Scorpion Bay’s late-summer boating scene is fueled by its full-service offerings: double-wide boat ramps, a fuel dock, rental fleet, slip rentals, and its popular floating restaurant and cantina—ideal for sunset cocktails or shaded lunch breaks.

What truly sets Scorpion Bay apart is its accessibility. With no need for a multi-day commitment, Phoenix-area boaters can trailer in for the day, rent a pontoon, or enjoy full-season slip access—all with the benefit of mountain-framed shoreline and calm afternoon water for tubing, paddleboarding, or anchoring in solitude.

For travelers seeking a scenic contrast to coastal or forested marinas, Scorpion Bay Marina delivers a uniquely Southwestern experience, where late-summer boating meets desert serenity.

Abbey Marina – Geneva Lake, Wisconsin (Upper Midwest)

Set within the historic resort town of Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, Abbey Marina is the crown jewel of southern Wisconsin’s boating scene. Tucked into a protected harbor on the western shore of Geneva Lake, this full-service facility is ideal for boaters seeking one last upscale getaway during the late-summer boating season.

Part of the sprawling Abbey Resort, the marina features over 400 slips, concierge fueling and pump-out services, winter storage, and private boater amenities—including gated access and on-site dining. Boaters docked at Abbey are within walking distance of lakefront bars, boutiques, and spas, as well as the famous Geneva Lake Shore Path—a 21-mile walking trail that traces the shoreline past century-old mansions.

Geneva Lake itself is a 5,200-acre glacial lake known for its deep, spring-fed clarity and architectural grandeur. While nearby lakes like Delavan and Lauderdale attract local weekenders, Abbey Marina is the regional standout for those who want comfort, access, and class all in one slip. It’s also one of the few inland marinas in the region with a resort-hotel connection, making it an ideal boating destination for families, couples, or groups looking to tie off in luxury.

For a refined late-summer boating experience in the Midwest, Abbey Marina delivers a seamless blend of lake life and leisure.

Hurst Harbor Marina – Lake Travis, Texas (Southwest)

Tucked into a calm cove along the northern shoreline of Lake Travis, Hurst Harbor Marina offers Austin-area boaters a serene, secure, and amenity-rich option for late-summer boating. Known for its manicured grounds, covered slips, and top-rated customer service, this marina has carved out a loyal following among both weekenders and full-season slip holders.

Lake Travis stretches over 60 miles through the Texas Hill Country and is one of the Lone Star State’s premier freshwater boating destinations. While the lake is dotted with public access points and smaller marinas, Hurst Harbor sets itself apart with gated entry, private parking, shaded pavilion areas, and clean, well-lit docks. It’s a preferred launch point for sunset cruises, cove-to-cove exploration, and watersports of every kind—even into early fall, when temperatures remain ideal for long lake days.

Within cruising distance are hotspots like Devil’s Cove for party boaters, or quieter anchorages along Sandy Creek for those seeking solitude. Hurst Harbor also offers a unique sense of community, with its boater events, seasonal decorating contests, and strong word-of-mouth reputation throughout the Austin boating scene.

Whether you’re a full-time Texan or just visiting for the end-of-season escape, Hurst Harbor Marina delivers a low-stress, high-enjoyment boating experience that’s hard to beat in the Southwest.

San Juan Island Marinas – Puget Sound, Washington (Pacific Northwest)

For boaters seeking cooler temps, wildlife encounters, and postcard-worthy anchorages, the San Juan Islands offer a perfect finish to the late-summer boating season. Located off the coast of Washington State in northern Puget Sound, this archipelago of more than 170 named islands is home to some of the Pacific Northwest’s most picturesque marinas—including Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor, and Deer Harbor.

Friday Harbor Marina, on San Juan Island, is the region’s central boating hub, with 130 transient slips, fuel services, pump-out, and easy access to grocery stores, galleries, and seafood restaurants—all within walking distance. Roche Harbor, on the island’s north end, is famed for its historic charm, evening flag ceremonies, and elegant resort grounds. Together, they offer a mix of rustic adventure and marina luxury.

August brings dry, mild weather to the region—ideal for cruising between islands, spotting orcas or bald eagles, and dropping anchor in remote coves. Boaters can hop between Lopez, Shaw, and Orcas Islands, or extend their journeys into Canadian waters (passport permitting). Protected by the Olympic Peninsula to the south and Vancouver Island to the north, the San Juans are unusually calm for coastal cruising—making them an accessible yet unforgettable boating destination.

For West Coast mariners or adventurous travelers trailering in, the San Juan Islands provide a storybook close to the late-summer boating calendar.

As the sun lingers a little lower in the sky and the back-to-school countdown begins, there’s still time to make the most of late-summer boating. Whether you’re drawn to the serene waters of Truman Lake, the salt-kissed charm of the San Juans, or the lively harbor towns of the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay, each of these standout boating destinations offers something worth untying the dock lines for. From luxury marinas with resort-level perks to hidden gems in the heartland, these ten locations prove that summer isn’t over until you say it is—and your next great boating memory might be just one anchor drop away.

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Maricorp is one of the largest floating boat dock manufacturing and construction companies in the United States, specializing in galvanized steel floating docks and boat lift systems. With projects spanning coast-to-coast, Maricorp provides marina consultation and design, marine construction, marina repair and renovation, and boat dock disaster response and demolition.