Winners of the 2022 "Best Harbor in the US" Contest Announced

People around the country voted for their best-loved harbor.

Published: Tuesday, June 21, 2022 12:00 pm
By: US Harbors

Rockland, ME — After 6 weeks of online voting the 4th annual “Best Harbor in the U.S.” contest has been decided! Over 2,500 people voted for their favorite harbors, and by popular vote the following harbors claimed this year's title as the "Best Harbors" in the US:

2022 Grand Winner -- Padanaram, Massachusetts (2019 Grand Winner) - "Small, not crowded, great food, great views, awesome birds.", Ben H.
Gulf Coast Regional Winner -- Fort Myers, Florida - "I have never met a more welcoming group of people. On C dock there are nightly docktails where you discuss the days events with 4-40 of your neighbors! Walking distance to many great restaurants and grocery. A wonderful place to stay!", Vicki F.
Mid-Atlantic Regional Winner -- Gowanus Bay, NY -- "Gowanus Bay is a fantastic intersection of maritime commerce, municipal facilities, industry, nature, and recreational paddling." Captain Brad V.
Great Lakes Regional Winner --- Charlevoix, Michigan (2021 Grand Winner) - "This beautiful little harbor is a Gate way to both Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix. It has all the amenities you could need.", Julie S.
Pacific Regional Winner -- Depoe Bay, OR (2020 Grand Winner) -- Best things include "US Coast Guard Motor Lifeboat Station (Hole in the Wall), world’s smallest navigable harbor and I’m told the largest charter fishing fleet, whale watching capital of the Oregon coast. I love living here!", Karen A.
Southeast Regional Winner -- Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - "Views are fantastic!", Toni L.

About the "Best Harbor in the US" Contest:
Now in its 4th year, the purpose of the annual contest is to promote the strength and vitality of coastal communities: past winners have been harbors whose residents are passionate about where they live and work and have strong communication networks. These kinds of networks are vital in supporting the resilience—and sustainability--of coastal communities as they face the impacts of climate change and other events.

Participation is limited to one vote per user for any of the 1,400+ harbors US Harbors provides coastal weather and tides for, from Maine to Hawaii, Florida to Alaska, and the Great Lakes. Special commemorative plaques recognizing their win will be given to the Overall Winner, and each of the 6 regional winners (e.g., Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Gulf Coast, Pacific, and Great Lakes). Additionally, US Harbors celebrates with a live online Awards Event with harbormasters and residents of the winning harbors. Previous “Best Harbor” winners have included Charlevoix, Michigan (2021); Depoe Bay, Oregon (2020); and Padanaram, Massachusetts (2019).

About US Harbors: US Harbors is a weather data and media company in Rockland, Maine that specializes in “tides, weather, & local knowledge™” for people who love the coast. The company has data on 1,400+ harbors across 30 coastal states and the Great Lakes. The company’s primary website, https://usharbors.com, has been helping people make good decisions about their time on--and near--the water since 2009. The mission of the company is to promote the sustainability and resilience of coastal communities, both economically and environmentally. US Harbors started the “Best Harbor in the U.S.” contest in 2019, using crowdsourcing to determine the harbor best loved by its community. The company also sponsors National Harbormaster Appreciation Day (celebrated every year around the country on Oct. 8^th – www.harbormasterday.com). The demographic is primarily ages 25-65, 55% male | 45% female, with interests in boating, fishing, paddling, swimming, and other activities on or near the water.