Padanaram named third ‘Best Harbor’ in the country

No one’s “harboring” the news. It’s no secret — people love Padanaram.

And the town’s beloved harbor was once again named on the U.S. Harbors list for the best in the United States — this time taking third, the organization announced Thursday, June 20.

For the last five years, Americans across the country have been allotted one vote each to choose what they believe to be the best among over 1,500 harbors.

According to Harbormaster Steve Melo, this achievement is nothing new for Dartmouth. 

Back in 2019, during the first ever run of the contest, Padanaram was chosen as the overall grand winner and then again in 2022. In 2020, the harbor fell to third before claiming the title of best in the Northeast in 2021. No contest was held in 2023.

Taking first this year is Block Island, Rhode Island, followed by Destin, Florida in second.

Melo said the layout of the harbor and many of its natural qualities are what make Padanaram a unique and sought after destination. 

“It’s great being recognized yet again for the national treasure that we have in Dartmouth and that we’re privileged to enjoy and to work at,” he said.