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2026 Best Harbor Contest Winners

by US Harbors 25 Jun 05:27 PDT
Grand Winner, Best Harbor in the U.S. for 2026: Padanaram, MA © US Harbors

Here are the winners of the 2026 "Best Harbor" Contest!

Grand Winner, Best Harbor in the U.S. for 2026: Padanaram, MA

Boaters and coastal enthusiasts in Padanaram, South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, got out the vote this year to take the prize as our Grand Winner, returning to the top spot in US Harbors' "Best Harbor" contest for the first time since 2022. Even with a late surge from Block Island, Rhode Island and Charlevoix, Michigan voters, Padanaram held on for the win. Top harbors across the country all brought their coastal communities together to support their special piece of the coast again this year, with Charlevoix, Michigan, and Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina among the top 10.

Top 10 Results:

2026 Regional Winners:

  • Northeast: Padanaram, South Dartmouth, MA
  • Mid-Atlantic: Oyster Bay, NY
  • Southeast: Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island, SC
  • Great Lakes: Charlevoix, MI
  • Gulf Coast: Punta Gorda, FL
  • West Coast: Depoe Bay, OR
  • Alaska: Homer, Kachemak Bay, AK

About Padanaram, South Dartmouth, MA - 2026 "Best Harbor" in the US
"Padanaram Harbor is a protected part of Apponagansett Bay, right off Buzzards Bay and is filled with beautiful wildlife, gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, many different types of boats, and people who love this village!" says local resident Lindsey Goodwin. "There is a bridge that opens for our friends with sailboats, there are restaurants, and shopping is right off the harbor. It is the perfect place to spend your spring and summer if you want beautiful views of the water with small-town coastal charm!"

Along with their votes, the Padanaram community shared many reasons why they love their home harbor. Here are a few of their comments:

  • "Amazing sunsets, protected harbor, and access to Martha's Vineyard and other islands and some of the best cruises and sailing areas in the Northeast!" - Michael C.

  • "Amazing serenity, great birdwatching in the harbor and marsh alongside it." - Sulia J.

  • "Protected waters ideal for sailing and mooring, a classic New England harbor layout with docks, marinas, and a drawbridge, walkable streets lined with shops, cafés, and small businesses, with a strong boating and fishing culture centered around the harbor's calm basin" - Julie T.

  • "It's such a lovely community- the harbor is beautiful and quiet. Kids ride their bikes and explore on their own. It seems like it is from a time gone by."- Dianne R.

  • "I was raised in this village. It's beautiful, the sunsets are stunning, and the water is clean." - Jane S.

Lucky US Harbors Lobster Winner

Each year, as part of the Best Harbor Contest, US Harbors awards one lucky voter with a Maine Lobster Roll Kit containing 2 lbs of lobster. Everyone who voted this year was automatically entered into the drawing. We'll announce the winner once they've been contacted — maybe it'll be you! We'll be giving away another lobster roll kit next year, so don't miss your chance to vote in the next contest.

Thank you to everyone who voted in this year's contest. We love to see the local harbor support from so many people in our US Harbors community. If your harbor wasn't in the top ten Best Harbors list in 2026, remember to vote next year and invite your friends who love your harbor too.

Visit the 2026 Best Harbor Winners

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