06/16/2025
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ON-THE-WATER TRENDS
2025 Summer Travel Trends: The Season of Spontaneous Water Adventures
Written by Gabriela dos Santos
May 19, 2025
Last Updated on June 5, 2025 by Boatsetter Team
Key takeaways
Americans are embracing transformative experiences close to home, with boating becoming a top choice for meaningful domestic getaways (1).
Groups are booking spontaneous water adventures, thanks to ready-to-go boats and trip planning product features like filtering by Amenities and Instant Book (2).
Summer events are shaping when and how people get on the water and are influenced by fandom travel, cultural celebrations, and major sports events (3).
Americans are staying local & getting on the water
With the rise of budget-conscious travelers in 2025, U.S. travelers are rediscovering the joy of staying closer to home and local businesses are reaping the benefits (4). Domestic travel is no longer just a money-saving decision; it’s becoming a cultural movement. From road trips to being a tourist in your own city, Americans are seeking more value-packed ways to scratch their travel itch while feeling more connected to the places they call home. And that includes getting on a boat.
In more than half of our key markets, bookings made by locals or domestic travelers make up over 50% of total activity (5). In some cities, that number climbs closer to 70%.
Whether it’s an eco-cruise to learn about local wildlife or a hands-on sailing trip with a pro skipper, boating is becoming the preferred choice for those seeking local, guided, and culturally meaningful experiences.
Top U.S. summer destinations for local escapes
With U.S. travelers leaning into staycations and nearby getaways, these trending destinations prove you don’t have to go far or go international for an unforgettable trip.
Miami, FL: Explore vibrant city waters with an easy detour to the Palm Beaches
Fort Lauderdale, FL: Known as the “Venice of America” with miles of scenic boating canals
Tampa, FL: Cruise the bay for dolphin sightings or go north for the largest Greek village in the U.S.
Chicago, IL: Lock-in a private boat tour on Chicago Architecture or sail Lake Michigan with a pro-sailor
Seattle, WA: Set off on Puget Sound for mountain views, wildlife spotting, and salty breezes
Mobile, AL: A jumping-off point for the Gulf Shores and Emerald Coast, with boat rentals near Destin
Los Angeles, CA: Depart from LA to a Euro summer dupe with Amalfi Coast vibes, or opt for a day trip to San Diego
Coeur d’Alene, IL: A Lake Geneva lookalike in the Pacific Northwest
Atlanta, GA: Escape the city with a boat day on nearby Lake Lanier, a local favorite for quick getaways
Charlotte, NC: Explore the city’s historic waterfront by boat or cast a line for a relaxing day of freshwater fishing
Find boat rentals & on-water experiences near you
Rise of spontaneous travel plans
Groups are embracing spontaneous travel like never before, whether it’s exploring a destination by boat or locking in a last-minute July 4 outing (6). With 57% of Boatsetter rentals ready in 12 hours or less (most come with essentials like stocked coolers, Bluetooth, and water toys), planning a group trip is as easy as picking the day and showing up (7).
Summer events making next waves
From local festivals to global sports tournaments, U.S. travelers are increasingly planning trips around major cultural moments and looking for unique ways to extend the experience once they arrive (8). That’s where boating comes in.
Chicago ranked as the second-largest market for summer holidays in 2024. This year, with the Great Lakes sailing season officially underway, boat rental searches in the city have surged 111% around Black Yacht Week, underscoring how cultural moments continue to fuel regional boating demand.
Pacific Northwest begins to open up for the summer season, Seattle is emerging as one of the nation’s top markets for on-the-water activity. Interest around cultural staples like the Seafair Air Show is surging—searches are up 121% year-to-date (9).
We anticipate surges around the FIFA Club World Cup tournament in Miami and for SailGP in New York City this June, where travelers are already looking for on-the-water seats for the action.
Tips & tricks for spontaneous water adventures
With Boatsetter, getting on the water can be just as easy as brunch out with friends. Here’s how to plan your next on-the-water escape with minimal effort and maximum payoff.
Tip #1: Split the cost with the group
A cozy boat with a stocked cooler and Bluetooth for 8 people averages just $100 per person. Round up the crew, split the cost, and luxuriate in the boating lifestyle for less than a fancy dinner out.
Tip #2: Embrace last-minute plans with Instant Book
As we mentioned previously, the majority of boat rentals are ready-to-go in 12 hours or less making weekend getaways or even same-day outings totally doable. Filter for Instant Book to find boats ready to be booked right away.
Tip #3: Filter by Amenities
Around 70% of boats on Boatsetter come with trip essentials like coolers with ice, and even fun extras like water toys. These little details make it easy to grab a few snacks, pack a bag, and go. No overthinking required. Filter by Amenities to find boats that give you the best value.
Tip #4: Download the app for unique experience drops
This summer, we’re dropping limited-edition water adventures exclusively on the Boatsetter app like $100 yacht days with catered lunch and dining experiences with private Michelin-star chefs you’ll talk about all year. Each one is designed for spontaneous, carefree fun and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
