Marina Bay is the place to go outside of Boston for a laid-back atmosphere where you can dine, drink, and relax. Grab some ice cream and enjoy a gorgeous New England sunny day.

Located approximately 20 miles northwest of Ft. Meyers is Cabbage Key. It’s the ideal destination for a romantic getaway for just mom and dad or bring the whole family and explore the nature trails. Relax – old Florida style. Enjoy a book by the water, bring an easel and paint, or bring your own fishing pole and fish off the dock.

Three-Rooker Bar is a small, semicircular island bar just off the coast of northern Pinellas that has emerged within the last decade. On weekends boaters gather to enjoy Caribbean-blue water and the white, sugary-soft sand. This island is accessible only by boat or personal watercraft. The closest ramp is the Dunedin Marina and Anclote Park. Tip: No glass or pets allowed on the beach.

I know we said no brunch spots, but we’d be amiss if we did not include Maynards on Lake Minnetonka. Head by boat and enjoy their Mother’s Day brunch while sitting lake-side. 

Ingram Cove is a bay located just .5 miles from Hopatcong, in Sussex County, New Jersey. Don’t forget the fishing rods, as this spot is known to hook up.

Osborn Island is frequented by river traffic as a nice place to relax and have a drink. The island itself offers multiple trails crisscrossing the woods, beach areas that allow anyone to come ashore, and a nice relaxing atmosphere.

With its intriguing history and outstanding geologic features, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is one state park that should not be missed. Access the park from the Lake of the Ozarks within the Big Niangua arm at the 14-½ mile marker. There are docks on both the castle ruins and spring side of the cove. The boat length limit for docking at the park is 24 feet.

Peanut Island Park is located on the Intracoastal Waterway, near the Lake Worth Inlet, Riviera Beach, and a top boating destination for those in Palm Beach County. Amenities include a dock, designated swimming area, snorkeling, sandbars, picnic areas, restrooms, showers, camping, and even a presidential nuclear bomb shelter. Fun fact: it got its name from a peanut oil shipping terminal that at one time was to be built there.

West of the Norwalk Islands is one of the prettiest little coves on the Sound, Zieglers Cove. It’s a wonderful, undeveloped spot. However, there is very little room to anchor close in. Stay away from boats on mooring since they swing at a different rate. Since there are numerous charted rocks, use compass bearings off the various points on your way in and out, and keep your speed under 2 knots.

A shore secret along Northport, NY, is Sand City, a popular boater’s beach and swimming hangout that was home to a sand-mining operation from 1925 through 1964. The fine sand here was used to make cement, and much of it can still be found in New York City’s sidewalks and buildings. The sand bottom here is great for anchoring, and the protected cove is a popular spot to overnight.

Visit the iconic Morris Island Light House by boat from offshore, but make sure the tide is high. Visit land and go shell-seeking on the island. Bonus points if you see dolphins on your way!