Heading South: Dockwa’s Top Destinations for Snowbirds

Post by - Published on 10/03/22 16:24 PM

Snowbird-11Now, where you decide to snowbird is not always synonymous with where you choose to vacation. Therefore, your lifestyle should generally reflect the one you’d have up north. There are a lot of factors you’ll want to consider, like your budget, what you want your day-to-day activities to look like, what provisions you will need on land, etc. 

Dockwa's has always made finding marinas that fit your and your family's specific needs easy, whether you’re looking for showers, restaurants, wireless internet, laundry, and more! Just filter your search by the service or amenity. Below are over 50 of our favorite marinas in popular snowbird destinations, Arizona, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and the Caribbean!

 

Jump to State: Arizona| California |North Carolina | South Carolina | Georgia | Florida | Caribbean

Arizona

If you live on the west coast, Arizona is a beautiful southwestern destination for snowbirds who want to escape their hometown's frosty winter wonderland. You'll find plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures, superb restaurants for foodies, and of course, a vibrant community and culture.

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Lake Havasu Marina

Lake Havasu Marina, located on the Island off McCulloch Boulevard, features 1,000 wet slips and floating docks available to long-term tenants and transient boaters. In addition to long-term and transient dockage, Lake Havasu Marina also offers a wide array of state-of-the-art facilities, amenities, and services.

Havasu Riviera Marina

The Havasu Riviera Marina is a brand new state-of-the-art marina facility in Lake Havasu City. The Marina will provide a wide variety of lakefront amenities for visitors and residents of Lake Havasu City. Amenities include a six-lane boat ramp, an assortment of slip sizes, a marina store, fuel dock, day-use beach areas, and a restaurant, bar, and dry boat storage facility.

Stone Bridge Pier Marina

Stone Bridge Pier Marina is centrally located at the base of the London Bridge in the village and is within walking distance of many shops, restaurants, and more.

 

California

Southern California is a beacon for the west coast and Canadian snowbirds. There are many gorgeous and surprisingly affordable warm-weather communities and exciting urban cities to explore, like Los Angeles, San Fransico, and San Diego, with an ideal year-round climate.

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Antioch Marina

Antioch Municipal Marina offers one of the best locations on the California Delta. Upon the merger of the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers, you will enjoy our prime sporting location and tremendous value at the gateway to the California Delta. In addition, great fishing areas nearby, such as Sherman Lake and Winter Island, make Antioch Marina a true fishing paradise.

Vallejo Municipal Marina

The City of Vallejo Municipal Marina is at the north end of the Downtown Marina Waterfront, close to the Mare Island Causeway. Located in a prime location between the San Francisco Bay and the Delta, the Vallejo Marina is the perfect place to berth for short-term, long-term, and more permanent stays.

Marina Village Yacht Harbor

Marina Village Yacht Harbor offers a serene park-like setting, protected by the calm waters of the Oakland Estuary. Graced by moderate weather and dramatic views of the Oakland skyline, it's a retreat for enthusiastic and passionate boaters. Marina Village Yacht Harbor offers a boating experience like no other on the San Francisco Bay.

Safe Harbor Ballena Isle

Just moments from unblemished views of the San Francisco skyline and some of the finest sailing on the bay, Safe Harbor Ballena Isle offers a boating oasis complemented by the camaraderie and welcoming culture of the local boating community.

Safe Harbor Ventura Isle

A charming mix of oceanfront lifestyle and southern California culture embodies Ventura Harbor’s spirit. Whether setting sail for the extraordinary Channel Islands or dining in the lively Ventura Harbor Village, Safe Harbor Ventura Isle is the gateway to it all.

Safe Harbor Cabrillo Isle

Safe Harbor Cabrillo Isle, Harbor Island’s go-to marina for outstanding personalized service and meticulously maintained docks. Centrally located in the heart of San Diego, it is a hub for boating enthusiasts and vibrant social activity.

Safe Harbor South Bay

Welcome to San Diego's finest marina! The single slips at Safe Harbor South Bay offer boaters a peaceful, quiet atmosphere away from noise and traffic congestion while enjoying the best boating in the South Bay. 

Harbor Island West Marina

Experience the warm, friendly community of Harbor Island West Marina, your gateway to the bay. Situated at the west end of Harbor Island, our guests have immediate access to the bay and are just a few minutes voyage from the Pacific Ocean.

 

North Carolina

While it may be a lesser-known destination for snowbirds, North Carolina is popular due to its milder winter weather without the crowds and high prices of Florida. The North Carolina coast is genuinely the perfect winter oasis as it offers a wide selection of active adult communities, popular beach towns, and championship golf courses.

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Shallowbag Bay Marina

Shallowbag Bay Marina is a 75-slip marina off the intercoastal waterway in North Carolina's outstanding Outer Banks. The Outer Banks recreational area is one of the fastest-growing coastal areas in the United States, which boasts barrier islands, natural beaches, dunes, and beautiful marshland areas.

Manteo Waterfront Marina

Manteo Waterfront Marina is located in a tranquil setting less than a mile from the Roanoke Sound and is within walking distance from Manteo's historic district with stores and restaurants. The Town of Manteo also provides free overnight tie-up with no services on a "space available" basis, or you may anchor in good holding between the Waterfront Gazebo and Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse and take your dinghy straight to the dock. 

Dowry Creek Marina

Dowry Creek Marina offers you much more than the typical marina you encounter on the ICW. Dowry Creek Marina strives to make you feel at home with its amenities. Relax and meet your fellow cruisers at a nightly get-together in the clubhouse, enjoy fabulous views from the porch of our ships' store, or cool off in their swimming pool.

Belhaven Marina

Belhaven Marina is centrally located in downtown Belhaven, NC, at mile 136 on the ICW. Amenities include private bathrooms, laundry room, high-speed internet, multiple decks with outdoor seating, outdoor grills, wooden walkways, solar lighting, corn-hole, croquet, putting green, beach volleyball, basketball court, and a large pavilion. 

Homer Smith Docks and Marina

Homer Smith’s is the go-to Carteret County marina for guests and locals alike. Located on Beaufort’s Towne Creek, their marina caters to recreational boaters, sailors, fishing trollers, area residents, and seasonal visitors looking to explore Beaufort, Morehead City, Atlantic Beach, or just about anywhere on Crystal Coast.

Port City Marina

The Port City Marina is a protected, deep-water, full-service marina in Wilmington, North Carolina, with over 200 floating concrete wet slips and a full complement of first-class amenities and services for boats and boaters. The marina is situated in the heart of downtown making it easy to walk to restaurants, check out the thriving downtown art scene, or explore the boutique shops. 



South Carolina

Neighboring South Carolina is another snowbirding haven with miles of pristine beaches, award-winning golf courses, excellent seafood restaurants, dynamic shopping, and romantic escapes. Snowbirds will enjoy a relatively low cost of living here and a mild climate during the winter months.

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Heritage Plantation Marina

Heritage Plantation Marina is a deep water marina located six miles north of Georgetown, SC, on the ICW and Waccamaw River. Intertwined throughout the community is the Heritage Plantation Golf Club, one of the area’s premiere public courses with breathtaking views of the river, marshes, and stately live oaks.

Safe Harbor Charleston City

Previously named “Marina of the Year” by Marina Dockage magazine, Safe Harbor Charleston City is home to the famed Mega Dock, which hosts some of the most prestigious yachts in the world. However, as a premier boating destination, the marina’s facilities and unmatched southern hospitality are merely the beginning. Charleston’s world-renowned dining, shopping, and historical destinations are only seconds away.

The Harborage at Ashley Marina

The Harborage at Ashley Marina is a large, professionally managed marina capable of accommodating vessels up to 125 feet in length. The marina consists of approximately 230 wet slips and is located in the district of historic downtown Charleston. 

Safe Harbor Bristol

Sitting on a quiet stretch of the Ashley River neighboring Charleston’s historic district, Safe Harbor Bristol bestows boaters with easy access to open water and the rich culture of one of the top cities in the country. So take your boat out for a day of wakeboarding, then come home to a meal in the heart of Charleston.

Bohicket Marina

A short, scenic drive from historic downtown Charleston and smack-dab in the middle of tranquil Kiawah and Seabrook Islands, Bohicket Marina boasts world-class golf courses and beautiful beaches. The market at Bohicket Marina provides a wide variety of restaurants, activities, and stores to shop at, such as Fischer's Sports Pub & Grill, The Salty Dog Cafe, Blue Water Tackle Shop, Salty Dog Ice Cream, and more. 

Lady's Island Marina

Lady's Island Marina in Beaufort, South Carolina, is known for its natural beauty, convenient location, and friendly management.

Safe Harbor Beaufort

The historic streets of Beaufort, South Carolina, are lined with grand oaks and vintage homes, creating a distinctive venue for Safe Harbor Beaufort. Spend a day sailing along the Beaufort River or enjoy a leisurely picnic at the tranquil Waterfront Park. 

Palmetto Bay Marina

Palmetto Bay Marina, featuring all new docks and amenities, offers boaters the safety, convenience, and comfort of a full-service marina on the warm Carolina coast. 

Safe Harbor Skull Creek

Lowcountry charm meets convenience and southern hospitality at Safe Harbor Skull Creek. Amid the sprawling oaks and southern breezes of Hilton Head, the marina is host to a complete lineup of modern amenities, and the area’s sought-after beaches, resorts, golf courses, and shopping are within reach with ideal access to the open ocean, the port is idyllic for sailors and anglers alike.

Shelter Cove Marina

Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina offers year-round waterfront dining, shopping, and entertainment, plus spectacular views of Broad Creek. This laid-back Mediterranean-style village combines the Island's best shops, restaurants, and waterfront activities in one stunning location. 

Harbour Town Yacht Basin

For more than 40 years, the red and white striped Harbour Town Lighthouse has welcomed visitors to one of the most unique and beautiful places on earth. Located in the heart of The Sea Pines Resort and ideally situated on Hilton Head Island's captivating Calibogue Sound, the Harbour Town Yacht Basin is recognized as a premier yachting destination on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. 

 

Georgia

Many snowbirds flock to Georgia for its southern charm, cuisine, and history. With quite a large snowbird population, Savannah, Tybee Island, and Jekyll Island provide great beaches and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.

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Hinckley Yacht Services 

It is conveniently located on the Intracoastal Waterway in Thunderbolt, Georgia, just 4 miles from the beautiful Historic District of Savannah. Hinckley Yacht Services offers easy access to the ocean through the Wassaw Sound and the Savannah River.

Bull River Marina

Bull River Marina is in the middle of a boating and fishing paradise and offers a wide range of services to accommodate your needs. Their professional and dedicated staff try to anticipate and cater to every boaters’ needs. 

Safe Harbor Bahia Bleu

Outside of historic Savannah, Safe Harbor Bahia Bleu sits on the Wilmington River. Whether you’re cruising the ICW, tubing on the river, fishing Gray’s Reef, or just relaxing by the river, Bahia has everything you need to make the most of your time on the water.

Thunderbolt Marine

Thunderbolt Marina is conveniently located just outside Savannah on the Wilmington River. A long-standing tradition of fresh Krispy Kreme doughnuts delivered to your vessel each morning makes their marina a favorite stop along the ICW, just a short distance from Historic Downtown Savannah.

Delegal Creek Marina

Nestled at the southernmost end of Skidaway Island and adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway is one of The Landings' greatest treasures. Marina guests will enjoy Delegal’s convenience and amenities, as well as dining and golf privileges offered by The Landings Club during their stay.

Brunswick Landing Marina

Brunswick Landing Marina is located in the heart of downtown Brunswick, Georgia. Just steps away are shops and restaurants that offer marina customers an exclusive 10% discount on their meals. The marina has a very active liveaboard community attracted by the neverending daily social activities, free laundry, free beer (yes, free beer), and free water on all the docks. 

Jekyll Harbor Marina

Nestled amongst centuries-old oak trees draped in Spanish moss, Jekyll Harbor Marina is a step back in time to a place when life was a lot slower and simpler. With a mission to offer only top-notch Southern Hospitality, their staff will provide you with a stay you will not soon forget. 

 

Florida

Florida and snowbird are almost synonymous as the Sunshine State has long been a favorite for its steady warm weather and sparkling coastline.

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Marker 8 Marina

Positioned at an important gateway into historic downtown St. Augustine, Marker 8 Hotel & Marina is the perfect location along the bayfront and has magnificent views of the downtown skyline. Through a series of intimate garden spaces, a cantilevered boardwalk, and a new poolscape, the design seeks to activate the waterfront edge and create a relaxing yet high-end experience for guests.

Halifax Harbor Marina

Halifax Harbor provides year-round docking facilities for boaters seeking permanent slip and seasonal or overnight accommodations. Enjoy easy access to nearby shopping, restaurants, and entertainment just minutes from Daytona International Speedway, Daytona International Airport, the World’s Most Famous Beach, and the quaint, picturesque waterfront Downtown.

Clearwater Harbor Marina

The Clearwater Harbor Marina is a beautiful marina with state-of-the-art concrete floating docks located in the Downtown District of Clearwater, Florida, just across from Coachman Park. 

Clearwater Beach Marina

Clearwater Beach Marina is ideally located on world-renowned Clearwater Beach. The marina offers access to all boating activities, including the finest fishing charters, sailing charters, sightseeing boats, dinner cruises, dolphin tours, and parasailing. 

Gulfport Municipal Marina

Gulfport Municipal Marina lies on approximately eleven acres of land and about seven and one-half acres of water. Clam Bayou is adjacent to the East side of the marina channel. The park offers several fishing docks, passive walking trails, dock walks, kayak launches, and Osprey nests.

Harborage Marina

The Harborage Marina is the only full-service mega yacht port on Florida’s west coast and features 1000 feet of protective fixed breakwater and full-length floating concrete docks. Located in downtown St Petersburg, their facility provides easy access to boundless area attractions. 

City of St. Petersburg Municipal Marina

Stay in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg! The  City of St. Petersburg Municipal Marina is within walking distance of dining, shopping, and entertainment. 

Longboat Key Club Moorings

Dock your boat in our full-service 291-slip, deep-water marina and spend a few days relaxing on the white-sand beach. Treasure the harbor views from our Portofino Ristorante & Bar, serving classically inspired Northern Italian cuisine, or dine in any of our the other seven restaurants and lounges at The Resort at Longboat Key Club.

Marina Jack Yacht Basin

Marina Jack is an iconic marina-based hospitality center that boasts 298 wet slips for boats up to 185 feet and over 20 boat lifts for vessels up to 40,000 lbs. On-site amenities include a full-service fuel dock with after-hours fueling, in-slip pump out, ship's store, Yacht Services department, and four restaurants, all within walking distance to the heart of downtown Sarasota.

Safe Harbor Burnt Store

As the second largest saltwater estuary in Florida, Charlotte Harbor’s famed waters are home to Safe Harbor Burnt Store. With wet slips and a dry stack, the marina provides access to endless beaches, restaurants, anchorages, and fishing, all complemented by a vibrant community of boaters. 

Pink Shell Beach Marina & Resort

Pink Shell is the premier choice among Fort Myers Beach hotels for guests seeking beachfront relaxation, fun, and adventure.

Salty Sam's Marina

A water-bound recreation destination for all ages, Salty Sam’s marina offers powerboat and kayak rentals, charter boats for fishing or sightseeing, unique gifts and souvenirs, boat services and repairs, wet slips, and dry storage.

Dockside Marina and Resort

Dockside Marina and Resort has been family owned and operated for over 25 years. Relax in a pristine tropical environment where you will enjoy one of the most diverse ecosystems in the country while unwinding under swaying palm trees; that's the Dockside Marina and Resort's memorable stay promise.

Safe Harbor Old Port Cove

A five-star yachting and cruising resort destination, Safe Harbor Old Port Cove sits elegantly on a gorgeous 60-acre peninsula in the heart of North Palm Beach. Accommodating run-a-bouts to luxury mega yachts, the marina’s boaters and crew are treated to cutting-edge dockside features and impeccable personalized service.

Playa Largo Resort

Ideally situated on 14.5 acres of secluded beachfront across the Overseas Highway, Playa Largo offers sweeping views of Florida Bay. Discover island life's charming luxuries and style in a glimmering oceanfront haven surrounded by the pristine white shoreline.

The Galleon Marina

This premier Florida Keys Marina is located at the luxurious Galleon Resort, and just a short walk away from the world-famous Duval Street. Outside of being the most highly protected harbor for your vessel, they offer exclusive marina and resort amenities when renting a boat slip.

 

The Caribbean

Besides the favorable climate, many snowbirds are attracted to the Caribbean for its fun activities. As a result, travelers will find plenty of outdoor activities ranging from scuba diving and snorkeling on coral reefs to sports fishing, hiking, and more. You'll also find some of the best food in the world and plenty of cultural and community activities and festivals to keep you busy.

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The Yacht Club Marina at Palmas Del Mar

The Yacht Club is a unique marina offering unparalleled service in a relaxed, family-oriented environment. It is the only marina in Puerto Rico that sits in a complete resort community, the renowned Palmas del Mar.

Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina

Naturally, being located in the sailing capital of the world means Scrub Island’s marina is a jewel in the sparkling Caribbean Sea. Scrub Island's marina offers 55 deep-water slips for short- or long-term docking, including five specifically for larger mega-yachts up to 160 feet in length.

Saint Francis Resort and Marina

St Francis Resort and Marina offers short and long-term boat storage in one of the best hurricane holes in The Bahamas. The marina offers a full-service resort with a restaurant and bar on site.

 

Did we miss your marina? Shoot us an email at marketing@dockwa.com with the name of your marina and a short description. We’ll add you to our list if the information matches our criteria!

Check out our other blog posts to look inside our favorite destinations, marinas, liveaboards, and tips for boaters. Then, join the conversation on Flipboard, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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