Cruising New Jersey to Maine

This tiny Victorian town is the nation’s oldest seaside resort and lies at the southernmost point of the Garden State and is popular year-round. South Jersey Marina in Cape May, New Jersey provides first-class accommodations and services for boats up to 140 feet. In addition to hosting some of the East Coast’s largest sportfishing events, the marina is geared for the transient boater with outstanding spa-like bathrooms, showers and a state-of-the-art laundry facility. The marina is the closest destination to the downtown historic district of Cape May.

From high rollers to hayseeds, people come from all around to experience the electrifying atmosphere of Atlantic City. Recognized with an AAA Four Diamond Award for hospitality — Atlantic City’s revitalized Marina District, the Golden Nugget is one of the best-known casinos in the world. Since 2011, it has seen a $150 million property wide renovation and expansion project that added signature eateries, a retail corridor, a poker room, a spa and salon and fully remodeled rooms. The new H2O Pool + Bar is a great place to soak up some sun and recharge, while The Deck restaurant has casual fare and outdoor entertainment in season. The Chart House restaurant is located right on the water and allows diners to watch the sun set over the water, with unparalleled views of the attached 630-slip Senator Frank S. Farley State Marina, managed by Golden Nugget. The marina can accommodate vessels up to 300 feet (8-foot dock depth).

The pages of a thesaurus would be worn ragged finding enough adjectives to describe New York City. It’s anything and everything and no specific thing. Any description will be passé by the next day in this dynamic environment, especially when it comes to restaurants. The variation in dining is staggering, and over the last few years the restaurant scene has undergone a seismic shift as Old World giants give way to more accessible food in casual atmospheres. Dockage is available in Manhattan at MarineMax at Chelsea Pier for vessels up to 320 feet (18-foot dock depth.

Brewer Yacht Haven Marina is located on the East Branch of Stamford’s Y-shaped harbor. This is the less commercial of the two branches, although new development for recreational boaters is radically changing the waterfront everywhere. The marina offers transient slips. On the way in, look for the 19th-century replica Schooner SoundWaters, the education vessel of a Stamford nonprofit that works to protect Long Island Sound.

Old Saybrook, 27 miles west of Mystic, sits where the Connecticut River meets the Long Island Sound. Saybrook Point was the site of a prominent fort and an important coastal trade center during the 1700s and 1800s for vessels from river boats to ocean ships. Present day Old Saybrook is as charming as ever, dotted with clapboard houses, boutiques, antique stores, galleries, and cafes that brim with history. The town’s coastal location a ords ample opportunity for water activities. To the southwest is Harvey’s Beach, a perfect spot for the entire family to cool off on a hot day. Kayakers will love exploring the North Cove and South Cove, both very protected. And there’s plenty of nonwater fun to be had too. In this bike-friendly town, cycle along the 10-mile loop out to Saybrook Point for breathtaking views, meandering along Long Island Sound as you go. Be sure to make a detour to check out Lynde Point Lighthouse, which sits at the mouth of Connecticut River. Ready for a game of golf ? Stop by the Fenwick Golf Course, completed in 1896, to play a round. The waterfront Mini-Golf at Saybrook Point will make everyone in the family happy.

The site of world-class festivals — music, seafood, tennis, polo and more. . Visit Cliff Walk, the 3.5-mile path that traces the edge of the sea, the famous mansions of the Gilded Age, and the storied Tennis Hall of Fame. Explore the Coastal Wine Trail, or visit Rhode Island’s only operating rum distillery before dining on dishes made from ingredients from local farmers, foragers and fishermen at such places as Midtown Oyster Bar, Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant, Tallulah on Thames, and Pasta Beach. Dockage is available right in the heart of town at the Newport Yachting Center for vessels up to 180 feet (22-foot dock depth).

Martha's Vineyard, known for it's crystaline green shores, Atlantic breezes, fabulous shops, eateries and pubs, scenic and historic towns. Vineyard Haven Marina is known for the numerous amenities and privacy it ensures its guests. Additionally, their deep water moorings and dockage can accommodate vessels up to 200ft in length. The marina will arrange shore side accommodations, dining reservations, special Island tours, and air or ground transportation, to name a few.

Nantucket is noted for its dune-backed beaches and stunning shingled buildings. Steepled churches, designer boutiques and phenomenal eateries line the cobblestone streets and old wharves. Visiting yachts have many restaurant options, such as CRU and Slip 14. The centrally located Nantucket Boat Basin can handle boats up to 300 feet (12-foot dock depth). Grab a bicycle to explore the island or catch a cab to visit Cisco Brewers, Triple Eight Distillery and Nantucket Vineyard. Rent a 4x4 SUV for an off-road adventure along the 16 miles of sand roads and beach at Coskata Coatue Wildlife Refuge.

This historic village has been dubbed the heart of Cape Cod and is the gateway to the beautiful waters of Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard and more! All summer long there are activities for the entire family. Just stroll the vibrant village sidewalks, and walk to nearby beaches, restaurants and town. On the bustling Hyannis Main Street you’ll find lively nightlife, specialty shops, fine dining, fun attractions and much more. Hyannis Harbor is beautiful, well-protected and one of the few natural deep water harbors in the area and Hyannis Marina can accommodate everything from small boats, to deep draft sailboats and mega-yachts up to 220 feet in length. Hyannis Marina offers boaters world-class amenities and marine services, a large private pool, and two harborside restaurants serving fresh local seafood and libations.

Known as P-Town for short, this enclave is a haven for artists in every medium: painting, sculpting, theater, writing and music. It prides itself as America’s oldest continuous art colony, and welcomes visitors of every stripe. Diversity is an essential part of life in P-Town, and it has grown into a welcoming place largely built around, and by, the gay and lesbian community. In fact, there is a Provincetown-Key West axis. Boaters who visit the Keys in the winter should not be surprised when they find their favorite Key West bartenders and wait staff working in P-Town in the summer. Arriving by sea, the Pilgrim Monument is the first thing seen on approaching Provincetown. Standing at 252 feet tall, this granite tower commemorates the first landfall in the New World by the Mayflower in 1620. In the harbor, below the monument, Provincetown Marina offers transient guests 100 slips accommodating vessels up to 300 feet and 85 moorings with a launch service.

Founded in 1630, Boston is a fascinating city where the historic and the futuristic are in ongoing conversations. Skyscrapers meet cobblestone streets, and the historic Freedom Trail passes trendy hotspots. The dining scene is equally eclectic, with ethnic eateries and traditional New England fare in abundance. Each neighborhood has its own unique character. Back Bay’s ornate Victorian townhouses are a short distance from the college vibe of Cambridge and the narrow 17th-century North End streets, where red checkered tablecloths magically appear for Sunday sidewalk suppers. Constitution Marina on the Charles River accepts vessels up to 150 feet (20-foot dock depth

About 45 miles north of Plymouth is Gloucester, the center of New England’s fishing industry. The city is home to the oldest seaport in the country. Ever seen the popular National Geographic show Wicked Tuna? That’s exactly what this town is all about: bluefin tuna. Soak up the rays at Good Harbor Beach or Wingaersheek Beach, both of which are kid friendly. Bring your appetite to take advantage of one of the state’s best seafood restaurants: the Gloucester House . Prefer to dock and dine? Head to Rudder Restaurant, known for its “wicked-cool” atmosphere and creative yet affordable menu. Visit during the 33rd annual Gloucester Waterfront Festival (Aug. 17–18) for crafts, live music and food. Whenever you visit, tie up at Cape Ann Marina Resort, which provides transient dockage for vessels up to 150 feet.

Newburyport, a historic seaport 17 miles north of Gloucester that was the birthplace of the coast guard in 1965. Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is teeming with more than 800 species of birds, plants, and animals. Plum Island, 11 miles long, is great for birding and swimming. Hit Ten Center Street for a quick bite. Michael’s Harborside has great seafood and a lively outdoor bar. If you can, visit Newburyport during the annual Yankee Homecoming ( July 28–Aug. 4) for concerts, sidewalk sales, food vendors, and magnificent fireworks.

The town of Kennebunkport and neighboring Kennebunk are located on the Kennebunk River, some 30 miles north of Portsmouth and nearly the same distance south of Portland. A few hundred feet upriver of the resort, the orange-topped pilings and roof of Chicks Marina come into view. The transient-friendly Chicks was once known as the boaters’ party spot, thanks in large part to the personality of its former owner and namesake, but is now a much quieter but no less convivial place. The marina really rolls out the welcome mat for visiting boaters, and has a long face dock that can handle yachts up to 165 feet. Fuel, water, Wi-Fi, electric, ice, a ship’s store and pretty much any type of service you might need are also available.The staff can also give you a lift into town, although it’s not a long walk. a short stroll into downtown Kennebunkport/Kennebunk and its many shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants. If you travel with kayaks aboard, don’t miss the opportunity to paddle upstream past the bridge and explore the bucolic upper reaches of the river. This trip offers a pleasant respite from the frenetic atmosphere of downtown. For a fascinating and entertaining tour of the surrounding area, hop aboard the Intown Trolley for a look at Kennebunkport’s interesting historic sites, including Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church, the Colony Hotel, various ship captain’s homes, the Customs House, the St. Anthony’s Franciscan Monastery, Gooch’s Beach and, of course, the Bush estate.

The classic seacoast town of Portland has a cosmopolitan edge with museums, galleries, and the charming Old Port district. Historic buildings have been revitalized into boutiques, brewpubs and restaurants. Portland was recently voted America’s Foodiest Small Town by Bon Appetit magazine. Try Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room, Liquid Riot Bottling Company, or David’s Opus Ten. Dockage is available at DiMillo's Old Port Marina offering fuel and accommodating vessels up to 250 feet (25-foot dock depth).

With its stunning rocky coastline and quaint seaside village, Boothbay Harbor characterizes Maine’s mid-coast. An abundance of mom-and-pop style stores and restaurants preserve the destination’s small town charm. Discover excellent clam chowder, lobster stew, ice cream, chocolate oose (yes, moose) and salt water taffy. Some of the best can be found at the Lobster Dock. Hop on a harbor tour to explore nearby islands and have close encounters with puffins, seals and whales, or take to the water by kayak. The Maine State Aquarium and Boothbay Railway Village are both crowd pleasers. Tie-up is Brown's Wharf Restaurant, Hotel & Marina. Family owned and operated this resort facility is a great place to wrap up your weekend adventure. Amenities are abundant, including an on-site restaurant.

Rockland is a popular destination for cruisers heading north during the summer, and Journey’s End quickly became one of the premiere places to stop. The deep-water marina can accommodate vessels up to 275 feet and offers everything a boater may need, including WiFi, well-lit ramps and docks, water and electric, a ship store, clean shower and bathroom facilities, laundry and both diesel and gasoline fuel. The marina has the largest indoor boat storage facility in Maine, and the service crew happily works on everything from the smallest boats to the largest mega-yachts. The heart of quaint Rockland is just a stone’s throw from the marina. Browse through the many shops and art galleries and grab a bite to eat at one of the excellent restaurants, including the award-winning Primo, which offers farm-to-table cuisine by celebrated chef Melissa Kelly. Tour the Rock Harbor Brewing Company, sample one of the many beers on tap, and kick back to the soulful beats of the live bands. The many festivals throughout the summer include the North Atlantic Blues Festival (July 11-12), the Maine Lobster Festival (July 29-August 2) and the 13th Annual Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show (August 14-16). What’s more, Rockland is home to many historic schooners, including the magnificent Victory Chimes.

There are ample opportunities for kayaking, hiking and biking in stunning Acadia National Park. If you have never been whale watching, this is the place to do it. You will have the opportunity to see all different creatures- land and sea. The animals most often seen are Humpback, Finback and Minke whales, seals, otters, dolphins, porpoises, puffins and eagles. You will also get a chance to see some of Maine's famous lighthouses on your journey. Maine cuisine is almost synonymous with seafood, and for a good reason! Traditional fare found in Bar Harbor includes steamers, mussels, clam chowder (pronounced chow-DAH), and of course juicy, buttery lobster. Wash all that goodness down with some famous local craft beers or a glass of wine from Bar Harbor Cellars and a slice of wild Maine blueberry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. No worries if seafood is not your favorite, you won't have to look too far for a juicy burger, the perfect cut of steak, or a variety of vegetarian options. Guests visiting Bar Harbor by yacht or sailboat can enjoy all of the amenities of the Bar Harbor Regency while docking at the marina in Frenchman's Bay