Summer is coming and it’s almost time to get on the water. At some especially fun marinas around the Bay, you scarcely have to leave your slip to have a blast. This year, why not gather with friends for a few nights in a marina that brings the party to you. Just grab some poolside drinks at one of the great dock bars and tiki bars that dot our favorite creeks. Or choose a happening marina where you can easily get to great bars, restaurants, and nightlife nearby! Here are a few sweet spots to enjoy a good party atmosphere this summer. Grab your friends and have a great summer.
Harbor East Marina
Baltimore
Visiting Baltimore by boat is one of the most fun ways to explore the city, and Harbor East Marina is located in the heart of it all. During the day you can wander the Harbor East neighborhood, which has loads of great shops, nice restaurants and fun events like artisan markets and sidewalk sales. In the evening, grab your friends and head to dinner, listen to music at one of Fells Point’s bars, or reserve the Harbor East Marina’s tented party pad for your boating club to enjoy. You can visit any spot along the city waterfront by walking along the eight-mile-long promenade or catching a water taxi to your destination.
Safe Harbor Great Oak Landing
Fairlee Creek, Md.
Fairlee Creek is one of the best spots on the Bay for a good raftup and a lot of fun. But you can keep the party going on land at Great Oak Landing on the creek’s north shore. There you’ll find the marina pool, beach, and both The Landing restaurant (casual fun food) and Jellyfish Joel’s Beach Bar, one of the most well-known tiki bars on the Bay.
The Wharf Marina
Washington, D.C.
It’s high time that visiting Washington, D.C. by boat got a little easier, and way more exciting. At The Wharf, you can dock right in the heart of one of the city’s liveliest new areas that is home to fresh restaurants, hot nightspots, hotels, shopping and the Anthem, one of the best music venues in town. In addition to being in the heart of the Wharf district, you can also grab a water taxi to National Harbor, Alexandria or Georgetown; rent paddleboards, kayaks and bikes to explore the city by water and land; or walk to the metro to explore more of the city.
Bluewater Yacht Center
Hampton, Va.
Hampton is an exciting town with a ton to do on your visit, including concerts, shows and conventions at the Hampton Coliseum, summer concerts on the beach, and a fun downtown with some good restaurants, bars and breweries. Bluewater Yacht Center is an excellent spot to stay while enjoying the town. In addition to being close to all the action, the marina has a pool, picnic area, and group pavilion if you’re gathering with friends or your yacht club. Then there’s the Surfrider Restaurant, which is known for its excellent seafood. You can also catch the water taxi for a ride just up the creek to downtown Hampton. Bonus point for Bluewater, if you need repairs, they’ve got a world-class service center, too.
Tidewater Yacht Marina
Portsmouth, Va.
Portsmouth is a delightful town, with a lively arts community, music venues, restaurants and more. At Tidewater Yacht Marina, you can enjoy the nearby attractions or just stay on site and enjoy the amazing views of the Elizabeth River and the Norfolk waterfront across the river. While there, lounge at the pool or grab drinks and seafood at Fish N Slips bar and grill. While planning your visit, make sure to check in with FestEvents, which hosts a wide variety of events and parties along the Norfolk/Portsmouth waterfronts year-round. From wine festivals to concerts and the annual Norfolk Harborfest, there’s bound to be just the party for you!
Need more ideas? Our brand-new Marina Guide offers the latest information on the best marinas up and down the Bay, each with its own unique vibe and options for every boater. Check it out today, and let’s make 2024 the best year of boating yet!
