The NYC weather has officially hit peak sticky season, which means summer is here, and you’re overdue an Upstate NY getaway!
Especially for the long, patriotic weekend.
If you aren’t sticking around NYC for the nation’s 250th birthday/July 4th celebrations, there are plenty of wonderful state destinations calling…especially for those who love boating.
Enter the gorgeous Thousand Islands region.
Tucked right along the New York and Canadian border, this watery wonderland is officially calling your name for the upcoming holiday weekend.
In fact, it just secured a top spot as one of the absolute best boating destinations in the US for the 4th of July, and we are already packing our bags.
Here’s why it’s catching headlines and how to plan a last-minute trip north this weekend.
A top-tier boating paradise
A recent ranking by Rightboat highlighted the absolute best spots across the country to hit the water this Independence Day, and our very own Thousand Islands snagged an impressive third place overall with a stellar 22 out of 25 points.
Straddling the St. Lawrence River, this incredibly lush area offers a refreshing change of pace from our bustling city streets. It is the ultimate New Yorker getaway for anyone looking to trade crowded train cars for a breezy speedboat ride.
Even if you don’t own a boat, the region is incredibly accessible for out of towners.
You can easily rent a pontoon or a speedboat for the day at local spots like Mac’s Boat Rentals or Wagoner Pontoons in Alexandria Bay, or Bayside Marina in neighboring Clayton.
The boating conditions here are an absolute dream too.
Thanks to the sprawling network of islands, the St. Lawrence River features relatively calm, protected channels with incredibly clear, deep water.
You can spend the afternoon cruising down “Millionaires Row” to gawk at massive waterfront mansions, drop anchor to swim in a quiet cove, or dock right at the historic Rock Island Lighthouse for a quick climb to the top.
It’s the kind of pristine, easy going boat day that city dreams are made of.
Historic castles and epic island hopping
You read that correctly, there are actual European style castles right here in New York.
The Rightboat ranking specifically called out the area for its incredible mix of island hopping and historical landmarks accessible only by boat.
The absolute crown jewel of the region is Boldt Castle on Heart Island.
Once completely abandoned, this breathtaking stone structure was meticulously restored after more than 50 years of neglect. Cruising up to a towering castle on the water is exactly the kind of main character energy we are looking for this summer.
Make sure to keep your eyes peeled while you sail, too.
The region is a massive hotspot for wildlife, offering incredible bald eagle and osprey sightings right from the deck of your boat.
The ultimate 4th of July experience in Alexandria Bay
There is no better time to visit than this very weekend!
Alexandria Bay is the beating tourist heart of the Thousand Islands, and their Independence Day celebration is nothing short of legendary.
According to the boating experts, the absolute best way to experience the holiday fireworks is right from the water.
Picture yourself anchored between lush islands with the river current quietly running beneath you while colorful explosions light up the night sky over the castles.
It’s a completely unique, peaceful experience that a crowded rooftop viewing in NYC simply cannot beat.
Why you need to plan a trip ASAP
Beyond the holiday weekend, Thousand Islands serves up endless summer charm that makes the upstate road trip entirely worth it.
You can explore the Antique Boat Museum in the neighboring small town of Clayton, grab a fresh seafood dinner by the docks, or simply rent a pontoon and let the St. Lawrence River wash away your commuter stress.
It is the perfect small town escape that trades skyscrapers for towering pine trees and loud sirens for the sound of crashing waves.
The full list of top boating destinations
Curious about who else made the cut?
Here is the complete list of the best US boating destinations to visit this 4th of July according to Rightboat:
- San Juan Islands, WA
- Fontana Lake, NC
- Thousand Islands, NY
- Apostle Islands, WI
- Moosehead Lake, ME
- Isle Royale National Park, MI
- Chesapeake Bay, MD
- Lake Powell, UT
🛥️ To read more about each individual destination, head to the full Rightboat list here.
