If you are looking for the best places to introduce your kids or friends to paddle boarding or enjoy some rapids yourself, then we have a treat for you. Check out our list of the seven places to paddle board on the East Coast and start planning your own visits there!
Key West, Florida
Key West is the first on our list of the best places to paddle board on the East Coast. If you are familiar with the world of paddle boarding, you likely already know about this fantastic destination. Will you have to put up with tourists trying to crowd the place? Yes. Is it still worth it for the view, the beauty of the locale, and all the beautiful amenities built to pander to those same tourists in the first place? Double yes! The bustling nightlife of Key West will also keep you entertained well past the time you decide to retire your board for the day. Or you can stay out there well into the evening and see if you can take advantage of the time to board alongside dolphins.
Assateague Island, Maryland
Assateague Island in Maryland is honestly something special. It is considered a state and national park, and, as such, allows you to admire a whole host of different animals while doing paddle boarding. You will be able to see ospreys, manta rays, and even wild horses. Naturally, the setting of your adventure here is a rather enchanting place. Assateague Island offers a well-preserved view of nature’s beauty as a protected piece of land. Even being close to Ocean City, one of Maryland’s most popular vacation spots, does not ruin its sanctity. Interestingly enough, the island is not very well-known or popular among tourists. Much to your benefit since you can hang out and enjoy paddle boarding without the press of crowds!
Annapolis, Maryland
You may not associate the capital of Maryland with one of the best places to paddle board on the East Coast, yet it definitely is! The waterways and waters surrounding the city are ideal for beginners to slowly pick up the sport. Most of the paddle boarding opportunities are focused on Back Creek or the Chesapeake Bay, whose calm waters are perfect for leisurely activities. If you plan a long-distance move to Maryland, even if you don’t reach the place stress-free, a relaxing afternoon spent on your board is sure to wipe away all the ill feelings!
Amelia Island, Florida
Amelia Island in Florida is a unique location for two reasons. First, it is relatively unknown. Meaning that you won’t need to worry about fighting over the best places to paddle or even set up a small camp while you enjoy yourself. The second reason why it’s so special is the sheer scope of what it has to offer.
Whether a beginner or a pro, you’ll find something to enjoy here and take full advantage of the physical and mental benefits of paddle boarding. There are calm rivers, inlets, rushing estuaries, creeks, and even marshlands. You can also set out into the ocean and just drift among the waves. And all the while, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful sights, making the experience all the more memorable!
New York City, New York
New York City is the second large place to paddle boat on the East Coast. If Annapolis was surprising, NYC is likely a real shock. However, don’t count it off just yet! Just like the other city, NYC is perfect primarily for beginners. The waters here are calm, and you can sign up for guided tours that show off the city’s many waterways. And, as the experts from Dixie Movers like to point out, starting in a large city will also make it easier to properly move your paddle board and other equipment! You can even take the chance to teach your kids how to take care of it. The location is pretty neat for experienced paddle boarders, too. Seeing the city awash in light from the water in the late evenings is a unique experience.
Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Continuing with a more ‘traditional’ location to visit, we recommend Wrightsville Beach. This is one of the most popular vacationing spots in North Carolina and for a good reason! The weather’s great, the water’s blue and the amenities are stellar. You won’t go wrong by opting to come here, with the only drawback, of course, being the crowds. There are even some excellent restaurants in the city to visit once you’ve tired yourself out. Especially if you’ve decided to visit the intercostal waterways, which can get challenging even for some more experienced paddle boarders! There are even a few local breaks where you can enjoy SUP surfing to the fullest.
Washington, D.C.
Interestingly enough, making it to the final spot of our list of the best places to paddle board on the East Coast in Washington. And, unlike NYC and Annapolis, Washington does not primarily pander to beginners. There are sections of the Potomac River with everything from class one to class three rapids, along with tidal flats. Alternatively, you can enjoy the whitewater rapids of Mather Gorge.
This last location, in particular, offers an opportunity for advanced paddle boarders to experience the thrill of fully utilizing their skills. Of course, there are also some ‘tamer’ areas where kids and beginners can pick up the skills they need. If you mistime your visit, the only potential downside is dealing with cold weather paddle boarding due to the local climate.
Final comment
We hope our list of the seven places to paddle board on the East Coast will help you plan the perfect outing for yourself and your family! Just remember to stay safe while enjoying this wonderful sport to the fullest.