2025 “Best Harbor” Contest Winners Announced
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The People Have Spoken: Block Island Wins Again!
Grand Winner, Best Harbor in the U.S. for 2025: Block Island, RI
Last year’s Grand Winner for Best Harbor in the U.S., Block Island, RI, took home the prize again for 2025. This year saw a record number of votes cast for over 230 harbors, but no community rallied together like Block Island, which held onto the top award for another year.
Top 10 Results:
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Block Island, RI (2025 Grand & Northeast regional winner; 2024 Grand Winner)
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Bristol, RI (second time in the top 10)
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Padanaram, MA (2019 Grand Winner)
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Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island, SC (2025 Southeast regional winner)
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Charlevoix, MI (2021 Grand Winner; 2024 & 2025 Great Lakes regional winner)
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Elk Rapids, MI (first time on the winners list)
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Roche Harbor, WA (2025 Pacific regional winner; first time on the winners list)
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Gloucester, MA (second time in the top 10)
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Depoe Bay, OR (2022 Grand Winner)
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Boothbay, ME (first time on the winners list)
2025 Regional Winners:
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Northeast: Block Island, RI
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Mid-Atlantic: Chincoteague Island, VA
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Southeast: Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island, SC
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Gulf Coast: Destin, FL
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Pacific: Roche Harbor, WA
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Great Lakes: Charlevoix, MI
This year, US Harbors gave away a Maine Lobster Roll Kit with 2 lbs of lobster to one lucky voter. Everyone who voted 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.
About Block Island, RI – 2025 “Best Harbor” in the US
Block Island, just a short ferry ride from mainland Rhode Island, is a beautiful little getaway with rolling hills and lovely beaches. With nearly half of the island dedicated to conservation, it’s a haven for wildlife and offers spectacular views from spots like Mohegan Bluffs and the iconic Southeast Lighthouse. The main village, Old Harbor, is full of shops, restaurants, and plenty of spots to just sit back and soak in the island’s laid-back atmosphere.
Here are a few comments from some of the 2025 Block Island voters
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“Just a beautiful area, beautiful people, and a beautiful harbor.” David P.
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“We got married there last August on the dock at the Block Island Club …our entire wedding was surround by the Great Salt Pond! It was truly magical!” Luke B.
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“Block Island has a well-protected harbor with a great, close-knit community. The harbormaster and her staff are friendly and responsive.” Katie C.
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“Excellent Harbor Staff… Other boaters are courteous and respectful. A first-class harbor!” Samuel B.
The official contest rules are available here: https://www.usharbors.com/best-harbor-in-the-u-s-about-the-contest/.
Photos of 2025 “Best Harbor” Contest Winners Announced
