6. Destin, Florida
Amid the high-rises, the outlandishly themed minigolf courses, and all the other resort-town enticements that have proliferated in the past couple of decades, the hardworking heart of the “world’s luckiest fishing village” still beats at the harbor. Fine-dining restaurants and rollicking bars predominate these days, but Destin’s Old Florida heritage also lives on at such classic no-frills joints as Dewey Destin Seafood. Near the harbor entrance, just north of the bridge, boaters congregate at the submerged Crab Island for a continuous floating party that lasts all summer; 800/322-3319 or destin-fwb.com.
7. Brookings-Harbor, Oregon
Harbor is an unincorporated community just southeast of Brookings—not to be confused with the Port of Brookings Harbor, which is a great place to visit if you’re a boater or a lover of seafood. The big commercial fleet supplies both retail seafood markets and a variety of restaurants. The heavy recreational-boat traffic provides many of the customers. Travelers on busy U.S. 101 also find this an excellent spot to rest and refuel, especially because of the moderate climate. Average temperatures stay between 40 and 70 year-round; 800/535-9469 or brookingsor.com.
8. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston possesses so many historic attractions that some consider it a giant museum, frozen in time. In fact, dozens of huge, modern cargo ships load and unload here every day. The city provides lots of terrific vistas for watching them (as well as pretty sailboats and other more-playful vessels). Some of our favorites: Battery Park, Charleston Waterfront Park, and the wonderful South Carolina Aquarium; 800/774-0006 or charlestoncvb.com.
9. Noyo Harbor, California
The harbor sits under the big Highway 1 bridge on the south end of Fort Bragg—scenic in a rugged sort of way. Despite its industrial feel, thanks to the large commercial-fishing fleet, Noyo shelters some excellent seafood restaurants. Charter boats offer fishing, whale-watching, or sunset cruises. Several small inns and bed-and-breakfasts nestle in the hills overlooking the water; 707/961-6300 or fortbragg.com.
10. Ketchikan, Alaska
This rugged frontier town hadn’t changed all that much since Gold Rush days—until massive cruise ships started calling here a few years ago. The ship-borne influx of gentility (and money) smoothed out some of Ketchikan’s rough edges, though history still feels as palpable as the frequent rains. Totem Heritage Center, for example, displays totem poles retrieved from abandoned villages. Many buildings stand on pilings over the water, a consequence of steep hills and the lack of flat land. Those hills also contribute to the profound, soul-nourishing natural beauty that greets the eye in every direction; 800/770-3300 or visit-ketchikan.com.
(published April 2007)
