US Harbors Announces “Best Harbor” Contest Winners

Over 2,500 people voted in this year’s “Best Harbor in the U.S.” contest that ran online from mid-April through May 31. Local communities vied for the top spot up until the final moments of the contest.

Out of the 1,400 harbors for which US Harbors, the sponsor of the contest, provided coastal weather, tides, and boating/fishing information, 335 different locations received votes. In addition to a Grand Winner, this year US Harbors is recognizing new Regional Winners.

• 2021 GRAND WINNER:Charlevoix, Michigan (Region: Great Lakes)
• REGIONAL WINNERS:
  • PACIFIC: Depoe Bay, OR(2020’s “Best Harbor” Grand Winner)
  • NORTHEAST: Padanaram, South Dartmouth, MA(2019’s “Best Harbor” Grand Winner)
  • MID ATLANTIC:Oyster Bay, NY
  • SOUTHEAST:Hilton Head, SC
  • GULF COAST:Englewood/Lemon Bay, FL
• FINALISTS:
  • Harbor Springs, MI
  • Beaver Island, MI
  • Onset Beach, MA
  • Red Brook Harbor, MA
  • Princeton/Pillar Point Harbor, CA 

The Grand Winner and Regional Winner harbors will receive commemorative plaques marking their achievement, and finalists will receive certificates of recognition. In addition, one of the winners will receive a free tide station, supplied by Divirod, maker of next-generation water-level sensors. A special awards ceremony will be conducted online to recognize the winners on June 22 at 3:00 p.m. EST. Email us harbors to link to the celebration.