Florida Boating Destinations: Inspiration For Your Travels

canal in Florida with calm waters and empty docks on each side

Get inspired by Florida boating destinations! Headed to the Sunshine State for some fun in the sun? You aren’t the only one! Florida has more registered recreational boats than any other U.S. state and welcomes at least 100,000 out-of-state boating vessels on any given day. Why? A broad range of destinations, unique experiences and beautiful locales.

From Pensacola to the Keys, Florida is the boating capital of the world – and we’re here to make a big impact on the way you dock during your travels as the #1 platform for private dock rentals. Check out a few of our favorite Florida boating destinations below!

1. Fort Lauderdale

Three people on a boat in pristine blue water of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

This waterfront mecca is most known for its 24-mile span of golden beaches, arts, culture, shopping, attractions, and events. With more than 300 inland waterways, Fort Lauderdale is called the Venice of America and one of the top Florida boating destinations. Spend the day cruising the canals and enjoying world-class dock and dine fare at Boathouse at The Riverside or The Historic Downtowner (just two of our team’s faves). One of the area’s most popular destinations is Las Olas Boulevard, chock full of boutique shopping, hotels, art galleries, museums and more.

Ft. Lauderdale is calling! As one of our largest hubs in Florida, we’ve got plenty of docks for you to choose from, including these:

Large boat on private dock behind home in quiet residential area. Blue skies, deep blue water and vibrant green grass. — **Nobsmarina 50′ Dock**

Large yacht docked at private home in the desirable Las Olas neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale, one of Florida's top boating destinations. — **Nobsmarina 50′ Dock**

2. Cape Coral

Cape Coral's turquoise waters and clean, empty coast.

A nature lover’s DREAM! With more than 1,500 acres of parks, unique barrier islands and ample access to wildlife, Cape Coral is our recommendation for the ecotourist or outdoorsperson looking for a uniquely Florida experience. Our favorite locations include Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, Sirenia Vista Park and Sanibel Island. Bonus: a quick cruise to Fort Myers doubles the fun with great restaurants, museums, accommodations and shopping!

Ready to make the leap? Here’s just a few of the 30+ docks we have in the area:

3. The Florida Keys

With more boating opportunities than any other place on earth, The Florida Keys stretches from Biscayne National Park 125 miles to Key West in the southwest. Home to world-class fishing, diving, snorkeling, and cruising, the Florida Keys are the perfect destination for water sport and adventure enthusiasts.

Our favorite thing about the Keys is…the variety! Every community has its own flavor, quirks and characters to enjoy. Our favorites include Bahia Honda Key’s state park and No Name Pub on Big Pine Key.

Ready to find your fit in the Keys? Our selection of docks is growing rapidly in this area!

4. Miami

Oh, Miami – the city with 10 personalities in one. Whether you prefer to post up on a sandbar all day, check out historic sites, disappear to quiet islands or live it up with world-class dining and entertainment, Miami has you covered!

We’re partial to sandbarring with friends at Haulover, Bear Cut or Nixon Sandbar. Post up, enjoy the turquoise waters and play all day. Then, head to Boaters Grill in Key Biscayne for a unique dock and dine experience.

Looking for something ultra unique? Snag a permit from the National Park Service and check out Stiltsville – the remnants of what was once a sprawling town on stilts, accessible only by boat. In its heyday, this was the place to see and be seen during winters in Florida and embodied the spirit of lawlessness of the Prohibition-era US.

Ready to dive in to Miami? Check out these stellar docks:

Miami is one of Florida's top boating destinations because of its vibrant culture, quick access to the Atlantic and ample warm fishing grounds. — **Slip with Lift**

5. The Emerald Coast

Pensacola is part of Florida's Emerald Coast, one of the top boating destinations in the Sunshine State.

Three of Florida’s prime sailing and fishing destinations include Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, and Destin – the gems of Northwest Florida. Known as the Emerald Coast, this region is one of the top boating destinations in the state.

Fun Fact: All US Naval pilots train in Pensacola – home to the National Naval Aviation Museum and Blue Angels Naval aerobatics team. Explore a little off the water at the various museums, zoos, and historic sites that dot the coastline. Or, escape it all to some of the best fishing the Gulf has to offer – including red snapper and king mackerel, for which the area is well known.

Stay & play on the Emerald Coast at these great docks!

Florida's Emerald Coast - Destin, Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach - is a prime boating destination primarily for its laid back culture and fishing grounds. — **Miramar Beach Boat Lift**

It’s clear why Florida is the boating capital of the world. Are you a Floridian with a dock to rent out part or full time? Join our community of more than 200 Florida dock owners earning passive income daily on their empty docks, slips and moorages at https://dockshare.app/list-your-dock/.