Eight other New England harbors also make the list put out by USHarbors.com!
Boaters and coastal enthusiasts in Padanaram, South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, got out the vote this year to take the prize as our Grand Winner, returning to the top spot in US Harbors’ “Best Harbor” contest for the first time since 2022. Even with a late surge from Block Island, Rhode Island and Charlevoix, Michigan voters, Padanaram held on for the win. Top harbors across the country all brought their coastal communities together to support their special piece of the coast again this year, with Charlevoix, Michigan, and Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina among the top 10.
“Padanaram Harbor is a protected part of Apponagansett Bay, right off Buzzards Bay and is filled with beautiful wildlife, gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, many different types of boats, and people who love this village!” says local resident Lindsey Goodwin. “There is a bridge that opens for our friends with sailboats, there are restaurants, and shopping is right off the harbor. It is the perfect place to spend your spring and summer if you want beautiful views of the water with small-town coastal charm!”
Top 10 Results:
Padanaram, South Dartmouth, MA (2026 Grand Winner; 2022 & 2019 Grand Winner)
Block Island, RI (2024 & 2025 Grand Winner)
Charlevoix, MI (2021 Grand Winner; 2024 & 2025 Great Lakes regional winner)
Depoe Bay, OR (2022 Grand Winner)
Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island, SC (2025 Southeast regional winner)
A few comments from Padanaram voters
“Amazing sunsets, protected harbor, and access to Martha’s Vineyard and other islands and some of the best cruises and sailing areas in the Northeast!” – Michael C.
“Amazing serenity, great birdwatching in the harbor and marsh alongside it.” – Sulia J.
“Protected waters ideal for sailing and mooring, a classic New England harbor layout with docks, marinas, and a drawbridge, walkable streets lined with shops, cafés, and small businesses, with a strong boating and fishing culture centered around the harbor’s calm basin” – Julie T.
“It’s such a lovely community- the harbor is beautiful and quiet. Kids ride their bikes and explore on their own. It seems like it is from a time gone by.”- Dianne R.
“I was raised in this village. It’s beautiful, the sunsets are stunning, and the water is clean.” – Jane S.
