The Most Instagrammable Marinas in the US
Driving The News
The US boasts a stunning array of marinas, each with their own unique charm and photo opportunities. But which ones truly reign supreme on Instagram?
A new study by travel experts Lake.com has uncovered the ten most Instagrammable marinas in the US, based on the number of tagged posts each marina has on Instagram.
The most Instagrammable marina in the US is Pier 39 in California, with 684,318 tagged Instagram posts.
Pier 39 is known for its bustling shops, restaurants, and iconic views of Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a top attraction and one of the must-see locations in the state. Tourists can capture sea lions basking on the docks and immerse themselves in the lively pier atmosphere. Sweeping bay views make it irresistible for people to capture the perfect sunset shot for Instagram.
Ranking second is Inner Harbor in Maryland, with 462,248 tagged Instagram posts.
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor blends history with modern charm. The area, steeped in maritime history, features museums, the National Aquarium, and many historic boats. From museum tours to harbor cruises, each corner is filled with unique moments and Instagram-worthy views that showcase the spirit of Maryland.
Placing third is Dana Point Harbor in California, with 229,466 tagged Instagram posts.
Dana Point Harbor is a beloved spot for boating and outdoor recreation in Orange County. Its stunning coastal views, numerous dining options, and easy access to whale-watching tours make it ideal for capturing Southern California’s laid-back coastal vibe.
The Wharf is fourth in Washington, D.C., with 47,473 tagged Instagram posts.
Located along the Potomac River, The Wharf is a vibrant marina and entertainment hub. It offers a stunning array of restaurants, shops, and performance venues. It’s a top choice for tourists looking to capture the spirit of the nation’s capital.
Ranking fifth is Marina Del Rey in California, with 45,716 tagged Instagram posts.
Marina Del Rey is an upscale marina nestled near Los Angeles, renowned for its luxury yachts, scenic harbor, and surrounding upscale dining and shopping options. The marina’s relaxed yet sophisticated setting makes it a perfect spot to embrace the Southern California lifestyle and capture a luxurious snap for the ‘gram.
In sixth place is Port Everglades in Florida, with 34,133 tagged Instagram posts.
A major hub for cruise ships and international shipping, Port Everglades combines exciting maritime activity with impressive coastal views. The vibrant marine life and the excitement of docked cruise liners make this marina an ideal backdrop for unique Instagram moments.
Miami Beach Marina in Florida ranks seventh with 12,422 tagged Instagram posts.
Located in the heart of Miami Beach, this marina offers breathtaking views of the Miami skyline and easy access to the city’s best beaches and nightlife. Its dazzling waters and bustling atmosphere make it a popular spot for capturing the energy of Miami.
In eighth place is Fishermen’s Village in Florida, with 7,293 tagged Instagram posts.
Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda is a marina known for its colorful architecture, boutique shops, and waterfront dining. Its quaint architecture and friendly, warm atmosphere make it a top choice for those looking to capture an authentic taste of Florida’s coastal lifestyle.
San Diego Marina in California ranks ninth with 6,097 tagged Instagram posts.
Set against the backdrop of downtown San Diego, San Diego Marina is a bustling destination for locals and visitors. With the scenic skyline in the background and the Pacific up close, this marina offers Instagram shots that highlight the best of both.
Rounding out the top ten is Port of Everett in Washington, with 5,114 tagged Instagram posts.
Nestled along the scenic Port Gardner Bay, the Port of Everett in Washington is the largest public marina on the West Coast, offering 2,300 permanent boat slips and an additional 5,000 lineal feet of guest moorage.
Known for its vibrant marina, waterfront parks, and easy access to saltwater and freshwater adventures, the Port of Everett offers many photo opportunities, from sunsets over the mountains to tranquil reflections in calm harbor waters.
Key Highlights
- Pier 39 in California is the most Instagrammable marina in the US, with 684,318 tagged Instagram posts
- Inner Harbor, Maryland, ranks second, with 462,248 tagged Instagram posts
- California is the state with the highest combined total of tagged Instagram posts related to local marinas, with 965,597
Top 10 Most Instagrammable Marinas in the US
| Rank | Marina | Location | Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pier 39 | California | 684,318 |
| 2 | Inner Harbor | Maryland | 462,248 |
| 3 | Dana Point Harbor | California | 229,466 |
| 4 | The Wharf DC | Washington, D.C. | 47,473 |
| 5 | Marina Del Ray | California | 45,716 |
| 6 | Port Everglades | Florida | 34,133 |
| 7 | Miami Beach Marina | Florida | 12,422 |
| 8 | Fishermen’s Village | Florida | 7,293 |
| 9 | San Diego Marina | California | 6,097 |
| 10 | Port of Everett | Washington | 5,114 |
David Ciccarelli, CEO of Lake.com, commented on the study:
“Today, people are choosing destinations not just for relaxation or adventure but for capturing picture-perfect moments to share online. Marinas, with their natural beauty, nautical charm, and lively social scenes, provide an ideal backdrop for Instagram storytelling.”
“It’s fascinating to see California and Florida leading the rankings. Their unique waterfronts and breathtaking views resonate strongly with those looking to capture the perfect Instagram shot.”
Editors Notes
If using this story, please credit and link to https://www.lake.com/ who conducted the research for this study.
The Methodology and Data Visualizations
A seed list of marinas was generated based on popular tourist destinations in the US. The top five hashtags for each marina destination were found on Instagram, and the number of posts featuring each hashtag was returned.
The frequency for the five hashtags for each marina was combined to give an overall hashtag count for each location. The locations with over 100 tagged Instagram posts were then ranked based on overall hashtag count, with the most frequently tagged marina ranking first.
Full Table
| Rank | Marina | Location | Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pier 39 | California | 684,318 |
| 2 | Inner Harbor | Maryland | 462,248 |
| 3 | Dana Point Harbor | California | 229,466 |
| 4 | The Wharf DC | Washington, D.C. | 47,473 |
| 5 | Marina Del Ray | California | 45,716 |
| 6 | Port Everglades | Florida | 34,133 |
| 7 | Miami Beach Marina | Florida | 12,422 |
| 8 | Fishermen’s Village | Florida | 7,293 |
| 9 | San Diego Marina | California | 6,097 |
| 10 | Port of Everett | Washington | 5,514 |
| 11 | Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks | Florida | 4,214 |
| 12 | Shelter Cove Marina | South Carolina | 2,406 |
| 13 | Pier 66 Marina | Florida | 1,746 |
| 14 | Half Moon Bay Marina | New York | 1,686 |
| 15 | Elliot Bay Marina | Washington | 1,147 |
| 16 | Aqualand Marina | Georgia | 1,003 |
| 17 | Kelly’s Brighton Marina | Oregon | 906 |
| 18 | Havasu Riviera Marina | Arizona | 576 |
| 19 | Roche Harbor Marina | Washington | 517 |
| 20 | Herrington Harbour North | Maryland | 412 |
| 21 | Fishers Island Yacht Club | New York | 360 |
| 22 | Halifax Harbor Marina | Florida | 345 |
| 23 | Fan Pier Marina | Massachusetts | 284 |
| 24 | Harbor One Marina | Connecticut | 267 |
| 25 | Fisherman’s Wharf Marina | Virginia | 207 |
| 26 | Goat Island Marina | Rhode Island | 206 |
| 27 | Pensacola Marina | Florida | 198 |
| 28 | Herrington Harbour South | Maryland | 171 |
| 29 | Green Turtle Bay Resort | Kentucky | 164 |
| 30 | Grassy Key Marina | Florida | 142 |
| 31 | Hilton Head Harbor RV Resort & Marina | South Carolina | 137 |
| 32 | Lake Estes Marina | Colorado | 129 |
| 33 | Hingham Shipyard Marinas | Massachusetts | 125 |
| 34 | Orleans Marina | Louisiana | 118 |
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