Part of the beauty of boating is that you don't need to wake up at the break of dawn, stuff the kids in the car, and drive for three hours...
Top Marina Destinations on the Florida ICW for Heading North in the Ditch
Post by Adrian Mott - Published on 03/09/16 22:23 PM
Many of the marinas on Florida’s Atlantic coast are great destinations for hopping ashore for part of a day. From end of February through early April, you can even catch a Spring Training baseball game if you’re so inclined.
Starting in the south and heading north, as many folks do this time of year, these are some of our favorite marinas as you head north toward the East Coast:
1. Turnberry Isle Marina
Starting our journey in Miami: Turnberry Isle Marina is as close to paradise as you can get while being able to sleep aboard hooked up to power. Located just north of downtown Miami, but still on the ICW, Turnberry is a great launching point whether you're migrating or just visiting the Miami area. With tennis courts, golf, Wi-Fi and of course a beach just minutes away, Turnberry Isle is an excellent option while you're cruising through the Miami area.
2. Delray Harbor Club Marina
Making your way north from Miami, Delray Beach is a great spot to stop along the Intracoastal Waterway. Located in the middle of town and just minutes from Atlantic Avenue, (gotta love the ICW!) makes Delray Harbor Club Marina a great place to tie up and sneak into town for dinner and drinks – perhaps part of the reason it was voted one of South Florida's Best Marinas on the ICW.
Book Delray Harbor Club Marina
3. Loggerhead Marina at Vero Beach
Loggerhead Marinas are plentiful along the Florida coastline, and their Vero Beach location is one of the spots that we loved when cruising down the ICW. In addition to the standard amenities, pool, and spa, this marina's proximity to downtown Vero and the Publix supermarket provides a good opportunity to stock up on provisions before continuing north.
4. Titusville Marina
Titusville Florida is known for it's proximity to the Kennedy Space Center, home to NASA rocket launches at Cape Canaveral. Florida's Space Coast is a fantastic and low-key beach spot (read: Florida beaches that are not built up!). The Canaveral National Seashore is a beautiful stretch of beach that runs all the way up to New Smyrna. When cruising through, make sure to explore the area as you continue your way north, and grab some rays along the Space Coast!
5. Conch House Marina
The Conch House Marina is located in St. Augustine, Florida, which is fairly far north up the coast. By now, you may already be dreaming of the Carolinas and points north, but we highly recommend you take some time in St. Augustine. We love the vibe at the Conch House – their website speaks for itself! If you're interested in a great party after days on the water, check out Conch House's Reggae Sundays during the summer! Explore ashore: check out St. Augustine Beach and the Old Town for a taste of Florida's past.
6. Fernandina Harbor Marina
Fernandina Beach and the Fernandina Harbor Marina are located on Amelia Island, just north of St. Augustine and Jacksonville, right on the Atlantic Coast. Right on the Georgia border, Fernandina Beach is home to some gorgeous beaches, like Fort Clinch Beach State Park. Staying at Fernandina Harbor Marina also puts you in the center of town, so make sure you get off the boat and check out the Green Turtle Tavern, it's awesome! The marina offers moorings for $20/night, so if you're sick of the wet slip scene, grab a ball in the protected harbor and enjoy the peace and quiet.
7. Bonus Marina: Charleston City Marina
One marina that we'd be remiss if we didn't mention is Charleston City Marina on the South Carolina side of the ICW. Charleston is well-known as an awesome destination for any boater heading north on the ICW, and Charleston City Marina is the spot to stay. Winner of Marina of the Year in 2005, Charleston City Marina is a great example of excellent customer service coupled with an ideal location. BoatUS members get $.10 off each gallon of fuel when booking through Dockwa!
Are you booking slips on Dockwa as you migrate north? Share your story! Email Becky at becky@dockwa.com.
