The 10 Most Beautiful Marina Towns in America
The 10 Most Beautiful Marina Towns in America
Nancy Pauwels/iStock
https://www.fodors.com/news/photos/the-best-marina-towns-in-the-us
Coast to coast.
It seems that humans are by nature, instinctively drawn to water—but of course, not all waterfront destinations are equal. Since it’s no secret that summertime is best spent near the shoreline, here (in no particular order!) are ten quintessentially classic marina towns perfect for planning an ideal waterfront day. Enjoy fresh caught seafood, sailing excursions, scenic sights, and sunny skies while you “seas” the day on an unforgettable coastal adventure.
PHOTO: TODD POWELL
1 OF 10
Frisco
WHERE: Colorado
Admire views of snowcapped Rocky Mountain peaks from the Frisco Bay Marina, which is perched above 9,000 feet in elevation on the shores of the scenic, alpine Dillon Reservoir in Frisco, Colorado. In wintertime, Frisco is known as a fantastic home base to explore the region’s half dozen nearby ski resorts (all within approximately 30 minutes’ drive!). But when the weather warms up, it’s all about sailing, kayaking, and motorboating from these docks that are just a few steps from Fricso’s quaint downtown. After a day on the water, enjoy a picnic on the grassy lawn of the adjacent Marina Park, and stroll down Frisco’s Main Street. Stop into one of the dozen-plus endearing local shops before winding down with a cold one at Highside Brewing, which features daily live music with rotating 16 taps, or an elevated (literally and metaphorically) meal at 5th Avenue Grille.
PHOTO: VISIT NEWPORT BEACH
2 OF 10
Newport Beach
WHERE: California
Newport Beach, California, is best known for its luxurious aura and first-class dining, shopping, and hospitality offerings — but it’s also the epitome of a classic sailing town, with a marina that’s home to roughly 9,000 boats (the largest recreational harbor on the West Coast). Its harbor once supported more “traditional” maritime activities like boatbuilding and shipbuilding, and the commercial fishing industry, but it can today be enjoyed as a hub for outdoor recreation. Explore across the city’s 10 neighborhoods, like Balboa Village, to feel a sense of nostalgia playing arcade games at The Fun Zone, or indulge in upscale, al fresco shopping and dining at the charming Lido Marina Village. But your time in town won’t feel complete without sightseeing, and people watching via a Duffy boat ride through Orange County’s most affluent enclave, Mariner’s Mile, which is home to seemingly countless dazzling million-dollar yachts and sports car collections.
PHOTO: NC BRUNSWICK ISLANDS
3 OF 10
Southport
WHERE: North Carolina
In North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, where the Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic, sits the storybook-esque town of Southport — with its laid-back pace, friendly locals, and picture-perfect waterside sights. This classic maritime town boasts a scenic waterfront dotted with sea vessels of all kinds, ranging from sailboats to fishing ships, and private yachts — all moored against a backdrop of peaceful natural coastline, and elegant historic architecture. The Southport Marina and nearby public docks are in an ideal location for boaters to drop anchor and head into town easily. Explore the walkable streets and the alluring array of locally owned boutiques, and step into a waterfront dining outpost steeped in Southern hospitality. Cruise along the Cape Fear River and the island for some island hopping along the nearby barrier beaches, or cast a line and hope for a fresh catch. Southport is a seamless blend of on-the-water adventures and community charm.
PHOTO: SONOMA COUNTY TOURISM
4 OF 10
Bodega Bay
WHERE: California
The Sonoma County region of California is traditionally best known for its wine and peaceful rolling valley vineyards — but this coastal county also features an open gateway to the Pacific Ocean. Just an hour from the famed wineries and farm-to-table restaurants, the picturesque harbor town of Bodega Bay and Spud Point Marina showcase a more relaxed, down-to-earth (or rather, water?) side of the region. The marina can be an ideal jumping-off point for outdoor adventures such as wildlife watching, salmon fishing, kayaking, and crabbing in the calm waters of the bay. Admire sweeping coastal views from a perch on the majestic bluffs (you might even spy some whales!), or dine at a casual local seafood shack like the Fishetarian Fish Market for a fresh bite to eat. It’s not just for show — this genuine fishing village is still considered to be a working waterfront buzzing with maritime energy.
PHOTO: TRAVERSE CITY TOURISM
5 OF 10
Traverse City
WHERE: Michigan
Traverse City is set in a unique location, nestled between two peninsulas — which means it’s protected from the harshest waves and ideal for a working waterfront, with plenty to do on land and water. Enjoy the waves with an educational excursion with the Inland Seas Education Association along nearby Suttons Bay via their 77’ schooner Inland Seas, to learn about Lake Michigan’s fascinating natural ecosystem — and even have a chance to steer the ship. Drop anchor and pop into one of the local restaurants dotting the lakeshore to grab a bite to eat or drink with a view. Try Delamar Traverse City’s hyperlocal farm-to-table restaurant, Artisan, or the Alexandra Inn, which offers private beach access and a rooftop bar showcasing views of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay. Those visiting during the National Cherry Festival must embark on a seasonal Wind Dancer’s special sailing excursion to celebrate Michigan’s iconic, prized crop.
PHOTO: DISCOVER LONG ISLAND
6 OF 10
Greenport Village
WHERE: New York
Thoughts of a “classic marina town” conjure up visions of a destination with the look and feel of real-life Greenport Village. What once served as a working maritime hub has since evolved into a spirited destination for travelers seeking fresh seafood and quality local wines from local vineyards. This classic harborfront destination is set along the scenic North Fork of Long Island, offering a sense of laid-back coastal charm, effortless elegance, and unparalleled access to the water. Dock at Mitchell Park Marina, which sits in the heart of downtown, just steps from countless shops, restaurants, and attractions, and is an ideal first stop for visiting boaters. Or, drop anchor at Safe Harbor Greenport — a full-service marina featuring modern amenities and easy access to the North Fork’s famed wining and dining scene. Either way, don’t miss the village’s bustling downtown district and its selection of independent restaurants, shops, and boutiques.
PHOTO: VISIT PORTLAND
7 OF 10
Portland
WHERE: Maine
The charming, quintessentially New England marina town of Portland, Maine, exudes a sense of “authentic coastal fishing village meets contemporary coastal city.” Cobblestone streets and historic architecture, like brick building facades and repurposed warehouses, come together to create a lively modern destination with a welcoming local community. A working waterfront still exists at the heart of the Old Port, ensuring you’ll get the freshest caught lobster of your life at any nearby seafood shack. Get “hands on” and become immersed in a real lobstering experience with seasoned lobstermen of Lucky Catch Cruises, and encounter the day’s catch before going ashore to Portland Lobster Company, where it’s cooked and served (as close to “sea to table” as you can get). Finish the day with a visit to one of the area’s scenic lighthouses, such as Portland Head Light, the oldest lighthouse in Maine, for an unforgettable sunset.
PHOTO: NORTH CAROLINA'S CRYSTAL COAST
8 OF 10
Beaufort
WHERE: South Carolina
The former fishing village of Beaufort is South Carolina’s third-oldest town, making it an ideal retreat to experience a modern blend of culture, community, and coastal cuisine. Stroll the storied streets to admire the centuries-old cottages flanked by centenarian status oak trees, or take a Beaufort Historic Double Decker Bus Tour on a red 1967 English double-decker bus to learn about the town’s harrowing local lore. Embark on a Beaufort Ghost Walk to encounter the town’s haunted history firsthand. Soak in the beautiful waterfront views, including sights of sailboats and 100-foot yachts along the serene Taylor Creek. Refuel for another day of excursions at one of the local eateries, highlighting local ingredients like 34° North Restaurant or Blue Moon Bistro, both of which embrace the Crystal Coast’s “dock-to-dish” dining philosophy.
PHOTO: COREY FAVINO
9 OF 10
Newport
WHERE: Rhode Island
Rhode Island isn’t nicknamed the “Ocean State” for nothing, as it boasts over 400 miles of coastline. Visit Newport, Rhode Island, and become immersed in the character of this classic historic sailing hub, with its walkable waterfront streets, inspiring Gilded Age architecture, and lively town atmosphere. Learn about Newport’s meaningful maritime history at the Sailing Museum, with its interactive exhibits and endless opportunities to become educated about boating and Newport’s own hometown narratives. Those who want to get out on the water in real life can get started by taking a private sailing lesson with Sail Newport. Or, sit back and let someone else do the navigating, on an excursion with Coastal Queen Cruises, where your only responsibility is to soak in the salty air and enjoy the sights of the local lighthouses and scenery along Newport Harbor and lower Narragansett Bay.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF VISIT FLORIDA KEYS & KEY WEST
10 OF 10
Key West
WHERE: Florida
Key West, Florida, claims the nautical crown when it comes to embodying the epitome of laid-back, southern fishing village vibes. There are multiple marinas to drop anchor, but since it’s such a walkable island, the possibilities of experiencing The Conch Republic in its full glory are seemingly endless, no matter where your adventure begins. It wouldn’t be a proper trip to Key West without a stroll down the debaucherous Duval Street, a photo at the Southernmost Point Buoy marker, and a trip to the historic Hemingway Home and Museum. Questionably unforgettable (but definitely memorable) spots to stop in and enjoy the iconic nightlife scene include Sloppy Joe’s Bar for some live music, and the original Margaritaville (you’ll feel Jimmy Buffett’s presence urging you to indulge in a cheeseburger in paradise). No matter what you do, just don’t leave without attending at least one sunset celebration at Mallory Square.
This 5-Year Thailand Visa Doesn’t Require a Job or Income — But There’s a Catch
Alejandro Cartagena/Unsplash
https://www.fodors.com/world/asia/thailand/experiences/news/this-5-year-thailand-visa-doesnt-require-a-job-or-income-but-theres-a-catch
You don’t have to work online or even hold down a job to score Thailand’s “Digital Nomad” visa.
Thailand’s generous free 60-day tourist visa for most nationalities has been used and abused for decades by Western travelers looking for a long-term stay in Southeast Asia. These “immigrants” faced border runs, passport pages filled with blue re-entry stamps, and the ever-lingering anxiety that one day the customs agent standing in front of them won’t be so willing to look the other way.
To them, living in Thailand was worth the hassle. Until recently, there were few, if any, alternatives for those seeking a long-term stay in the country, and no official cap on the number of times you could enter Thailand in a given year. Enter the DTV (Destination Thailand Visa). A long-term visa for Digital Nomads and online earners.
Since moving to Thailand in early 2025, my days have been full of Isaan grilled pork, spicy plates of Pad Kra Pao, wandering the night market, ample pool time, and savoring the balmy heat of the tropics—with some freelance work peppered in, of course. Life in the land of smiles is idyllic for the remote worker. While globally, most Digital Nomad visas hinge on proving you earn a somewhat substantial income online, there is a lesser-known loophole to Thailand’s version of the very popular visa.
Not only is there no income requirement, but you don’t even have to work online at all to escape to Thailand. You can sign up for a “soft power” activity like Muay Thai instead and earn your stay by contributing to the dissemination of Thai culture.
Muay Thai Can Be a Gateway to Extending Your Stay
In exchange for teaching you the basics of this two-thousand-year-old martial art, Thailand is handing out 5-year DTV’s, effectively making this one of the easiest digital nomad visas in the world to qualify for. No proof of income, no job required.
Muay Thai, or the “Art of Eight Limbs,” is the national sport of Thailand, and many tourists are familiar with the sometimes bloody and raucous fights in Rajadamnern Stadium or Lumpinee Stadium. But don’t fret, your beginner-level Muay Thai course will look nothing like this.
Same shorts, same gloves, but a very different intensity level and purpose. According to Bashir Ahmad, owner of Tiger Eye in Bangkok, “the vast majority of participants at most Muay Thai gyms are training recreationally.” In fact, it’s unlikely you’ll end up doing anything riskier than some mild sparring with a Muay Thai professional. During the nearly two years since the visa’s introduction, Bashir has had only one DTV holder fight competitively in the ring. Most are in it for fitness, community, and fun.
His outdoor gym in the heart of the trendy Ari neighborhood is among the most popular in the Thai capital, among locals and expats alike. It’s also one of the only programs to offer female-only Muay Thai courses.
It’s not just martial arts that qualify you for the DTV, either. You can also opt for a Thai cooking course if that’s more your speed.
Pierrick Lemaret/Dreamstime
Getting the “Soft Power” DTV Without Working Online
The requirement checklist is simple — even when the application process is not. This is why most long-term applicants use a visa agent when wading through government bureaucracy. Priscilla from ISSA Compass helps travelers nab the soft power DTV with ease by pre-screening you through an efficient app and handling all the complicated filing for a small fee. You’ll submit proof that you’ve maintained a balance of 500,000 Thai Baht or currency equivalent ($17,000) in your bank account for at least three months, pay a non-refundable application fee dependent on your nationality (typically around $400-$500), and show proof of enrollment in a 6-month “soft power” approved course in Thailand.
This 6-month Muay Thai course is all that’s required to obtain the 5-year visa. According to Priscilla, “after your initial course is complete, you can stay in Thailand for the remainder of your visa without continuing your training if you so choose.” Six months of fitness in exchange for five years of sunshine-drenched island-hopping and Pad Thai.
It’s good to keep in mind that with any long-term visa in Thailand, there are required check-ins, and with the DTV specifically, you must leave the country once every 180 days. A task that’s easy to accomplish with Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Vietnam right next door.
A “Soft Power” Visa Offers Immediate Community Integration
While yes, Muay Thai is a gateway to the Thailand life you’ve been dreaming of, there are some surprising benefits you may not have considered besides earning the visa.
In between my own sweaty heart-pumping rounds at Tiger Eye, I noticed large groups of women filtering into the class together, bantering with the ease of long-time friends. These were largely DTV holders who had joined the same months-long Muay Thai course to stay in the country. As an immigrant to Thailand, or anywhere in the world for that matter, the biggest challenge is making genuine friendships with people in a similar phase of life as you. A severely underrated benefit of the Muay Thai DTV is that you’re thrown into an activity filled with like-minded souls who also just moved to a new place and are itching for companionship.
But as Bashir from Tiger Eye notes, it’s not just the expat community you’ll become a part of. The Muay Thai coaches are largely from working-class backgrounds, a subsect of the Thai community you won’t often have the opportunity to interact with, let alone become close friends with. But thanks to these one-on-one training sessions and jovial gym atmosphere, it’s practically guaranteed. You’ll immediately learn a lot about Thai culture, have someone to practice your likely abysmal Thai with, and become a part of a community. This sets you up for success long-term in Thailand.
Joining a Muay Thai gym in Bangkok totally changed my experience within the country. The expat bubble was punctured, and at the same time, my social circle expanded.
iammotos/iStock
Take Advantage of This Novel Nomad Visa Before It Changes
While around 60 countries offer a “digital nomad” visa, Thailand is among the few with a path to long-term stays that doesn’t require an income. There’s no promise this pathway will last. Learning to cook Thai food really well, or how to land a proper roundhouse kick, is a fun cultural skill to cultivate and will, overall, really enhance your stay in Thailand. Whether you’re a traditional digital nomad or in between jobs and looking for a change, the Thai DTV soft power route is an excellent option for those willing to dive deeper into Thai culture.
Muay Thai not only helped whip me into shape, but also introduced me to some of the most amazing people in the early days of my move to Thailand. And you never know when you might need to know how to land a proper punch.
Hotels aren’t selling wellness but the illusion of it. Has the industry lost the plot?
https://hotelsmag.com/news/hotels-arent-selling-wellness-but-the-illusion-of-it-has-the-industry-lost-the-plot/
by Yvette Jong
All too often, something new emerges in our industry, and we treat it as something we should all be doing, or aspire to offer, or position as the next great thing. And it isn’t always necessary. Or appropriate. Or honest.
So, let’s talk about wellness. What it is. What it isn’t. And what it’s becoming in hospitality—for better and for worse.
I grew up with two doctors for parents. I grew up with Jane Fonda, the Hawaiian landscapes behind Gilad and his sister, stepping, spinning, body pump, P90x, yoga, pilates. I’ve done a 10-day Vipassana silent retreat. I’ve researched and written about medical tourism for twenty years. And when the mood is right, I will absolutely book a 4-hand massage (if you’ve never had one, stop what you’re doing and fix that).
But here’s what I’ve learned from all of it: the massage is a treat. The retreat is a reset. Neither will make me healthy. Only you can do that through unglamorous, uninstagrammable, boring daily habits.
That distinction—between a treat, a reset, and genuine wellness— is one the hospitality industry has almost entirely lost. And it matters, because brands are starting to put serious capital behind the confusion.
What Happened to the Spa?
Not long ago, a spa was a spa. A place to be pampered, to exhale, to have someone take care of you for an hour or a day. It’s a legitimate and wonderful thing that might be short-lived but can have a lingering effect if the experience is memorable.
A real wellness retreat isn’t just about pampering. It’s about building awareness —experiencing, even briefly, a way of living you might not sustain when you go home, but that stays with you in a way that a massage never quite does. The 10-day Vipassana I attended didn’t make me a different person, but it showed me something about my own mind that I haven’t forgotten: that I could be without my phone and computer for 10 entire days. That I could sleep for 10 hours. That I could eat a healthy vegetarian diet that was neither boring nor left me hungry. The meditation was a bonus. That’s the promise of genuine wellness: not transformation, but reflection. Not a shortcut, but a mirror.
But genuine wellness is hard to sell. It asks something of the guest. It doesn’t photograph well. And it rarely justifies a premium rate. So, the industry found a shortcut that fed on people’s sense of insufficiency. Biohacking.
The ‘Confession Booth’ Problem
Not all biohacking is created equally. Cold plunges, red light therapy, cryotherapy—these sit in a gray zone between pampering and performance. The science behind some of them is reasonable, the risks are minimal, and nobody is going home worse off for having tried them. They’re enhanced spa treatments dressed up in the language of optimization. Harmless enough—but let’s not call them wellness.
The real confession booth is what comes next.
IV therapy is where most properties start—it’s the easiest treatment to add to a menu because it requires almost no infrastructure. Bring in a nurse, set up a drip, and suddenly you have a “wellness offering.” For a few hundred dollars, a guest can have an infusion delivered straight to their veins, designed to boost energy, reduce inflammation, or flood their body with vitamins it may or may not need in as few as 30 minutes. And it’s easy to see the appeal. It’s fast. It’s painless. If you can afford to come back, you can keep the cycle going. No lifestyle changes required.
But that’s precisely the problem. The confession booth model goes something like this: live however you want, eat whatever you want, sleep as little as you can get away with, run on fumes — and then check into a property that will “fix it” in as little as 30 minutes. And it gets more serious from there. Stem cell therapy will extract and then reinject your own cells back into your body to slow aging, in some cases, not even your own cells, but those from umbilical cords or placental tissue, marketed as “young blood therapy.” You may leave feeling like you’ve done the work—without having done any of it. That’s not wellness. That’s an expensive offset.
Where Does It Belong?
Equinox Hotels is arguably the only mainstream hospitality brand that has genuinely earned the brand permission to offer this kind of programming—because their entire identity is built around high-performance living. Members live and breathe physical wellness by putting in hard work. For everyone else, the honest question is whether this kind of programming belongs to your brand at all. We’ve sat across the table from some of the world’s most respected wellness brands and asked exactly that question. Sometimes the answer is no, and the most valuable thing an advisor can do is say so before the capital is committed.
The Broken Body Problem
There’s a second, quieter concern—and one with real mental health implications. The entire language of optimization, lifespan, longevity, biomarkers, repair, DNA, performance—all of it implicitly tells guests, employees, and the public that our bodies, in their natural state, are a problem to be solved; that, without intervention, we are declining. That’s a profoundly anxious message to deliver in a space that is supposed to make people feel whole, and for guests already vulnerable to anxiety, body image issues, or the relentless pressure to perform, it can do real harm. An environment designed to heal should not make guests feel broken. Like we’re in Gattaca.
It connects directly to the broader culture around weight loss interventions that aren’t medically necessary, driven not by health need but by body image anxiety that the wellness industry has partly created and is now profiting from. When a treatment implicitly says your body needs fixing, and that fix is available for a price, it isn’t wellness. It’s a product built on insecurity. It’s buying bottled water when you’re in the Alps.
And for those who can’t afford it —the $10,000 longevity retreat, the $200 IV drip, the quarterly stem cell protocol—the message is equally clear: your health has a price tag. Wellness has always had an aspirational dimension. But there’s a meaningful difference between aspiring to feel better and being made to feel that health is a luxury product available only to those who can afford to optimize.
The Investment Question
For owners and investors, there’s a harder conversation underneath all of this. The properties best positioned to deliver this kind of programming are the ones that have built their entire concept around it, with the infrastructure, the clinical expertise, and the brand permission to operate at that level. For everyone else, the math is worth examining very carefully before the capital is committed.
The Conversation Worth Having
Wellness is one of the most important things hospitality can offer—and one of the most easily corrupted by the pressure to monetize it. The industry is at a fork on the road: one path leads to genuinely restorative, responsibly designed experiences that create real value for guests and sustainable returns for investors; the other leads to expensive programming that overpromises, underdelivers, and in some cases makes guests feel worse about themselves than when they arrived. What side of this do you want to be on?
So, here’s my question: when you look at your property’s wellness offering—or the one you’re planning to build—are you genuinely creating conditions for people to be well? Or are you building a very beautiful confession booth?
DUHC&S | Strategic Hospitality Consulting & Advisory
We transform hospitality and tourism businesses through strategic solutions, operational efficiency, and comprehensive renovation. With over 40 years of experience working with brands like Hilton, Hyatt, Sheraton, and Sonesta, we enhance asset value and profitability through:
*Operational excellence and brand standards (GSI +90%)
*Market penetration and commercial strategies
*Key partnerships and disruptive innovation
*Hotel openings and repositioning
Proven results :
✅ 48% GOP |
✅ +120% asset valuation growth
✅ Successful projects across 6 Latin American countries
🔹 Let's connect :
📩 Email: diurugeles@gmail.com
📱 WhatsApp: +57 3153259968
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diur_2000/
https://viajes-noticias-duhospitality.blogspot.com
https://viajes-duhospitality.blogspot.com
https://travel-duhospitality.blogspot.com
Disclaimer
DUHC&S shares this information for educational and informational purposes only. The news articles reproduced here are sourced from public and recognized media outlets. We are not the original authors of this content but rather distributors of it. All credits go to the original sources cited in each article. If you are the legitimate owner of any material and wish to have it modified or removed, please contact us immediately at diurugeles@gmail.com, and we will address your request promptly.
Comments
Post a Comment