10 Places to Spend the Holidays on the Water

The holidays are upon us, and for many, the colder weather is the end of boating season. But, if you are looking to spend your holidays on the water, here are some excellent places to travel to. In this article, we focus on U.S. destinations to spend the holidays on the water. But of course, the world is your oyster. 

10 PHENOMENAL PLACES TO SPEND THE HOLIDAYS ON THE WATER 

1. KEY WEST, FLORIDA 

For someone who loves boating, fishing, or just being near beautiful water, Key West is basically a dream destination. The keys are considered by many to be the sportfishing capital of the world, but Key West has something doing for everyone. Whether you are looking to book a family trip, romantic getaway, or vacation with friends–you can’t go wrong with Key West.

2. ORLANDO, FLORIDA 

Magic Kingdom for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is one of the jolliest celebrations on Earth, jam-packed with all things Christmas: caroling, treats, fireworks, parades, costumed characters, and even “snow.” Outside the parks, there’s also the ICE! Experience the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee and beautiful holiday displays around Lake Eola.

3. ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA

Even Floridians flock to St. Augustine at Christmas time; it just doesn’t get merrier than this historic, charming city in northern Florida. The weather is cool enough to bundle up but the lights—all three million of them—shine bright each night through the end of January for Nights of Lights, St. Augustine’s annual festival of twinkling Christmas lights. It’s one of the top holiday light displays in the world, and best of all, it’s city-wide and completely free.

4. NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA

There’s no chance of a white Christmas in this mild-weathered Orange County beach town. Instead of watching the sky for snowflakes, you can scan the waves for migrating whales. Visit picturesque Balboa Island during the holiday season, the quaint homes and lovely downtown shopping street are festive and bright with Christmas finery.

5. ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 

Alexandria transports visitors with an old-fashioned sense of holiday wonder along Old Town’s centuries-old brick-lined streets, twinkling with holiday traditions and magical events. Head to Ice and Lights at The Winter Village at Cameron Run which features an ice rink, multiple holiday light displays perfect for Instagramming, a retail area, food, music, and more.

 6. SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 

You may not get winter wonderland vibes in San Diego, but it certainly has a major holiday spirit. Take your family on a drive around town to see the beautiful Christmas lights, and check out the holiday market or Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo. Jungle Bells spans over 3 weeks and during this event, the San Diego Zoo is transformed into a winter landscape with Christmas decorations. Here you can watch the tree lighting ceremony, animal shows, music, and, of course, the arrival of Santa Claus. 

7. CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA 

Take a trip back in time in this historic city. With mild temperatures during the holidays, it makes Charleston an ideal place to visit during the holidays. Enjoy winter festivals, holiday walking tours, parades, plays, concerts, and Christmas light displays. Holiday shopping on King Street is also a must. 

8. ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND 

Annapolis is a great place to enjoy time with family while soaking in the holiday spirit. Stroll through Annapolis alongside a festively attired colonial guide and learn about holiday traditions, drive-through holiday lights show beside the Chesapeake Bay, or take a holiday-inspired “sleigh ride” cruise aboard Watermark’s Miss Anne, adorned with reindeer spirit. 

9. NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS

Starting the day after Thanksgiving, hundreds of 7-foot Christmas trees, creatively decorated by local schools and businesses, line the streets of downtown Nantucket. But the king is the 20-foot tree at the top of Main Street. Each year, a local artist is chosen to decorate this tree, which also has magic powers: it talks to anyone who visits the Stroll on Saturday. Interested in more tree gazing, the Nantucket Whaling Museum is transformed into a winter wonderland for the Festival of Trees. The month-long event features more than 80 Christmas trees, decorated by local businesses and organizations. 

10. WASHINGTON, DC

The Nation’s Capital is beautiful all year round. However, it really shines during the holiday season. You’ll get to take part in everything from holiday movie nights, to candlelight tours, and Christmas light mazes. Visit one of the many museums that have special seasonal displays. Ice skate at the National Mall or Georgetown waterfront and don’t forget to stop and see The National Christmas Tree. Whether you’re there for just a weekend or have a whole week to explore, a trip to Washington DC at Christmas time is worth it!

All in All

It’s important to relax and recharge over the holidays and if you want to focus your holidays more on upgrading your property to better suit your lifestyle, then check out our floating docks.