Padanaram, South Dartmouth, MA Wins Best Harbor
Padanaram, Massachusetts is the Grand Winner, Best Harbor in the U.S. for 2026
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.
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!”
Top 10 Results:
- Padanaram, South Dartmouth, MA (2026 Grand Winner; 2022 & 2019 Grand Winner)
- Block Island, RI (2024 & 2025 Grand Winner)
- Charlevoix, MI (2021 Grand Winner; 2024 & 2025 Great Lakes regional winner)
- Bristol, RI
- Depoe Bay, OR (2022 Grand Winner)
- Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island, SC (2025 Southeast regional winner)
- Red Brook, MA
- Boothbay Harbor, ME
- Camden, ME
- Gloucester, MA
2026 Regional Winners:
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Northeast: Padanaram, South Dartmouth, MA
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Mid-Atlantic: Oyster Bay, NY
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Southeast: Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island, SC
- Great Lakes: Charlevoix, MI
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Gulf Coast: Punta Gorda, FL
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West Coast: Depoe Bay, OR
- Alaska: Homer, Kachemak Bay, AK
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.
Here are a few comments from some of the 2026 Padanaram voters
- “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.
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.
For more about the Best Harbor in the U.S. contest, along with official contest rules click here.
