Boating Destinations: South Central United States

[#1]

Boating is all about adventure, and if you’re looking for some new destinations to explore, you’ve come to the right place. In the next year, we’ll explore various regions of the United States and highlight some of the best boating destinations in each one. First up? The South Central United States. Here are five spots in the area to put on your “must-visit” boating list:

1) Corpus Christi, Texas

Halfway between Houston and the U.S./Mexican border, you’ll find this semitropical bay (mean temperature: 71 degrees) with more than 100 miles of Gulf Coast beaches and small islands to explore and fish. Corpus Christi Marina has more than 500 wet slips, with amenities galore and plenty of restaurants and attractions within walking distance. For nature lovers, the “Birdiest City” in the nation for the last nine years offers hundreds of species for watching.

Check out: The USS Lexington Museum. Learn about the role of the 910-foot, 16-deck, 33,000-ton USS Lexington in our nation’s naval aviation history, get behind the controls of a virtual battle station, or be wowed by “The Blue Ghost” at night.

Closest MarineMax location: MarineMax Seabrook (189 miles)

2) Lake Charles, Louisiana

In the mood for a little Cajun-inspired adventure? Lake Charles, which boasts the only white-sand inland beach on the Gulf Coast, offers a selection of state parks and recreational areas for your boating pleasure. From marinas to museums, hiking trails to historic districts, and gators to gaming, there’s never a dull moment in “The Cajun Riviera.”

Check out: The Creole Nature Trail. There are beaches, bayous and birds aplenty along this 180-mile-long trek into Louisiana’s Outback, and it’s an excellent place for freshwater fishing, shrimping or crabbing.

Closest MarineMax location: MarineMax Seabrook (120 miles)

3) Lake Tenkiller, Oklahoma

Located in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, there’s a reason some call Lake Tenkiller “Oklahoma’s clear water paradise.” Dogwood forests and hilly terrain flank the rock bluffs that adorn the area, and the locale is a flyway for migratory animals such as bald eagles, monarch butterflies and Canadian geese. And with 10 marinas and 24 launching ramps, it’s easy to explore the 13,000 acres of water and 130-plus miles of Lake Tenkiller shoreline.

Check out: Goat Island. A good spot for scuba diving, it’s also the home of—you guessed it—several goats.

Closest MarineMax location: MarineMax Harbor’s View (51 miles)

4) Hot Springs, Arkansas

The only town in America set within a national park boasts a colorful history, 47 thermal springs and three “Diamond Lakes” where you can fish for bass, crappie, walleye and more. The pristine waters are ideal for exploring, and when you want a break from the water there’s plenty of golf, horseback riding and sightseeing to be had.

Check out: Bathhouse Row. Get a unique glimpse of history and architecture—and see where FDR, Babe Ruth and Al Capone used to hang—within this grouping of bathhouses that peaked in popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 

Closest MarineMax location: MarineMax Kimberling City (148 miles)

5) Houston, Texas

Use the nation’s fourth-largest city as a jumping-off point for exploring nearby fresh and saltwater options such as Lake Conroe (150-plus miles of coastline, good fishing and watersports, plenty of coves), Kemah (bustling boardwalk, waterfront dining) and Galveston Bay (fish or cruise en route to the Gulf).

Check out: Space Center Houston. Take the Level 9 tour, a four-hour behind-the-scenes look at NASA, or sample whichever of the center’s 200-plus family-friendly exhibits tickles your fancy.

Closest MarineMax location: MarineMax Seabrook (31 miles)

What are some of your favorite boating destinations in this region? Post your thoughts below.

More Boating Destination Articles:

1) "Top Boating Destinations: Hilton Head, South Carolina"

2) "5 Football Games You Can Take Your Boat To"

[#2]

Fun! I don't normally think of Arkansas when I plan vacation, but Hot Springs sounds really cool. Your link was broken, though. Here's the page to Bathhouse Row: http://hotspringsattractionguide.com/bathhouse-row-salon-spas-hot-springs-arkansas?pid=4&sid=35:Bath... The buildings are beautiful... 

[#3]

Thanks Jamie! The original Bathhouse Row link was working, then down, then up and apparently back down again, so I've replaced with your suggested URL, which should hopefully do the trick.