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California is one of the most popular boating states in the country, with over 800,000 registered watercraft in the state. Thanks to its expansive coastline and gorgeous inland lakes, California has endless boating opportunities for people who hold the proper educational certificates. As of January 1st, 2018, it is mandatory for any operator of a powerboat (including sailboats equipped with motors) to carry a California Boater Card while boating. According to an NMMA study, California ranks #9 in boat sales overall, with the gross value topping $1.2 billion. This is a continued upward trend from prior years, indicating that boating interest is growing strong in the Golden State.

About This Report

This report delves into booking data from Getmyboat, the world's largest boat rental marketplace, examining the top boating cities in California. It contains proprietary boating data for each location, discusses the distinct features that make each of these cities a haven for boaters and explores the maritime culture, boating amenities, attractions, and the overall boating experience they offer.

Our Methodology

To develop this report, Getmyboat analyzed recent boat rental data from bookings on the platform in California. Cities are determined by the city that the boat owner registers the boat in within their profile on the platform. Data was curated to exclude outlier hourly and total trip rates while rental types were categorized into the significant categories to be evaluated in this report.

California Data 2026

#1: Marina del Rey

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Vessels Available: 131

Reclaiming the #1 spot after dropping to #2 in 2025, Marina del Rey is back on top as California's premier boating city. As the largest man-made small craft harbor in North America, Marina del Rey is a prime destination for recreational boaters. It provides easy access to the Santa Monica Bay, making it a hotspot for sailing, fishing, and luxury yacht charters. The area is also home to a thriving boating community with over 5,000 registered boats, thousands of slips, and numerous rental options. There are also great sailing schools and an active calendar of maritime events in Marina del Rey.

#2: San Diego

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

Number of Vessels Available: 109

After holding the #1 position in 2025, San Diego slips to #2 but remains one of California's most beloved boating destinations. Known for its stunning coastline and vibrant marina scene, San Diego continues to attract boaters with its steady tourism growth and over 5,000 registered vessels in the city. The city offers various boating experiences, from sportfishing trips and sailing in Mission Bay to yacht charters and whale-watching tours in the Pacific.

#3: Newport Beach

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Vessels Available: 138

Holding steady at #3 for the second consecutive year, Newport Beach remains a fixture among California's top boating cities. Boasting one of the most scenic harbors in the state, Newport Beach is a premier destination for yacht charters, Duffy boat rentals, and deep-sea fishing trips. The harbor has luxury waterfront homes and a relaxed yet upscale boating experience. Newport Beach is also a gateway to Catalina Island, making it a favorite starting point for multi-day boating excursions.

#4: San Francisco

Most Popular Style of Boat: Fishing Charters

Number of Vessels Available: 72

Making a significant jump from #7 in 2025 to #4 this year, San Francisco is one of the biggest movers on the list. The iconic San Francisco Bay offers one of California's most scenic and challenging boating experiences. From navigating under the Golden Gate Bridge to sailing around Alcatraz Island, the city's waters are rich with history and adventure. The boating culture here is strong, with numerous yacht clubs, regattas, and sailing schools attracting enthusiasts year-round.

#5: Sacramento

Most Popular Style of Boat: Deck Boat

Number of Vessels Available: 47

New to the list for 2026, Sacramento's growing boating scene has earned it a spot among California's top boating cities, thanks to Folsom Lake being just a 35-minute drive from the city. Situated at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, the city also offers a unique inland boating experience. The Sacramento River Delta provides hundreds of miles of navigable waterways, making it a haven for leisure cruising, fishing, and water sports. The city's expanding marina facilities and proximity to the Delta's scenic sloughs and channels continue to draw new boaters to the region.

#6: Fresno

Most Popular Style of Boat: Bowrider Powerboats

Number of Vessels Available: 9

Another newcomer to the list for 2026, Fresno may not sit on the coast, but its central location makes it a gateway to some of California's best inland boating. With easy access to Millerton Lake, Shaver Lake, and Pine Flat Lake, Fresno-area boaters enjoy water skiing, wakeboarding, fishing, and leisure cruising surrounded by the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Growing interest in lake recreation and an expanding rental market on the platform have propelled Fresno onto the rankings this year.

#7: Santa Barbara

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Vessels Available: 5

Rounding out the list as a new entry for 2026, Santa Barbara brings its signature coastal charm to the rankings. Known as the "American Riviera," the city's picturesque harbor offers sailing, whale watching, and sunset cruises along one of California's most beautiful stretches of coastline. Santa Barbara Harbor is a popular departure point for trips to the Channel Islands, and the city's thriving waterfront dining and maritime culture make it a destination for both casual and experienced boaters alike.

In Summary

The cities of California, as delineated in this comprehensive analysis, offer a spectrum of boating experiences characterized by unique aquatic features and points of interest. From the coastal harbors of Marina del Rey and Santa Barbara to the inland waterways near Sacramento and Fresno, the diverse attractions — ranging from serene lakeside retreats to lively urban waterfronts — establish these destinations as popular choices for boaters seeking recreational opportunities and an exploration of California's varied geography.

About Getmyboat

Getmyboat offers charters and rentals, worldwide. Launched in 2013 with the vision of making the joy of boating accessible to everyone, the company has since grown into the largest boat rental and charter marketplace globally, with over 180,000 listings in 184 countries covering 9,300 destinations. By giving a platform to both individual boat owners and professional charter businesses, Getmyboat makes the experience of getting out on the water more accessible to everyone — from a weekend jet ski rental in the local lake to a vacation yacht charter to a bachelor party pontoon, and everything in between.

Citing This Report

Media professionals are welcome to utilize this data for journalistic reporting purposes, with a citation and link to Getmyboat. For any questions, or for any other data not found in the below report, reach out to pr@getmyboat.com. Our data and press team can provide further analysis, press quotes, and any other information needed for press stories.