There’s no better way to explore the scenery and enjoy the
sunshine of a warm day than strolling along a picturesque riverfront park.
So many U.S.
cities have worked to transform their riverfronts into recreational
areas and multi-use spaces that include dining, culture and vibrant nighttime
life.
Here are some favorites throughout
the U.S. that are special, unique, and relaxing or invigorating depending
on the time of day.
Chicago Riverwalk (Photo Credit: Alice Achterhof)
Chicago Riverwalk
The city’s award-winning Riverwalk transformed Chicago’s
riverfront from an industrial area for shipping barges to a riverfront oasis
that’s one of the town’s most popular attractions.
Chicago Riverwalk is exactly 1.25 miles long and you’ll see
kayakers and architectural boat tour operators enjoying the lovely city
from a water view. Visitors can enjoy winetasting and dining with spectacular
vistas along with exploring public art.
The San Antonio River Walk
Likely one of the nation’s most famous river walks in America, the
15-mile promenade has been setting the standard for river walks
internationally for decades. A network of walkways run along the banks of the
San Antonio River, five miles through the downtown area and broken up into
three sections — Museum Reach, Downtown and Mission Reach.
The River Walk is home to waterfront hotels, attractions,
shops, art installations and restaurants. There’s nothing more memorable than
strolling along by the river surrounded by lush landscapes and cypress-lined
paths on a balmy evening or relaxing on a boat cruise.
Reno Tahoe Nevada Truckee River (Photo Credit: Reno Tahoe)
Reno Tahoe, Nevada
Situated on the scenic Truckee River in downtown Reno Tahoe,
the Reno Riverwalk District is a blend of natural beauty, artistic expression
and urban energy. After a revitalization
project in the 1990s, the district now features over 45 locally owned
restaurants, shops, and galleries set against a backdrop of the bustling river,
historic buildings and public art.
The Riverwalk is also home to Wingfield Park, a beloved
gathering space featuring a whitewater kayak course, walking paths, and
frequent live music and community events like the Reno River Festival and
weekly summer Food Truck Fridays.
The Napa Riverfront
Not only is Napa renowned for its wine scene, but Downtown
Napa sports 55+ walkable tasting rooms, award-winning restaurants, several
luxurious hotels and bed and breakfasts with the backdrop of the Napa River.
The Napa riverfront trail is an almost two mile out-and-back
walk that follows the picturesque Napa River through its downtown streets.
Visitors can take a romantic gondola tour through the city or explore the river
by kayak.
The Reedy River in downtown Greenville, SC (Photo via Lauren Bowman)
Greenville’s Riverwalk
Greenville, South Carolina’s Reedy River has transformed
into one of the best riverwalks in North America, offering entertainment, food,
shopping, impressive outdoor art installations and accommodations.
The river flows for 65 miles in the Upstate of South
Carolina and in Greenville, the waterfalls drop the entire length of the river
(about 100 feet) with stunning cascades that drop into a shallow plunge pool at
the base.
Historic Pascagoula Bike Trail
A hidden Mississippi Gulf Coast gem, this 12-mile, family-friendly
paved multi-use loop travels along the scenic Pascagoula River, the last
free-flowing river in the contiguous 48 states — and the Mississippi Sound,
provides a uniquely Southern coastal experience blending nature, history, and
wildlife in Jimmy Buffet’s childhood home.
The trail starts in downtown Lighthouse Park, passes the
Round Island Lighthouse replica and shimmering barrier islands, continuing
through shaded historic neighborhoods with before hugging the Pascagoula River
near River Park and the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, where visitors can
walk alongside marshes alive with herons, egrets, and wildlife.
Bradenton Riverwalk on a Sunday afternoon (Photo Credit: Bradenton Area Tourism Bureau)
Bradenton Riverwalk
This riverwalk includes a 2-mile stretch of ADA-accessible
land along the banks of the Manatee River. Visitors can enjoy fishing,
interactive public art, a splash pad, playground, beach volleyball, a
skateboard park, entertainment events and many educational activities along the
way in addition to picturesque views of the island.
Complete with pristine sugar-white beaches, turquoise
waters, no high rises and smaller crowds, Bradenton is the ultimate laidback
beach destination with unspoiled beauty and an easy pace of the real, authentic
Florida.
Augusta Riverwalk
One of the South’s most scenic and culturally rich
riverwalks stretches along the banks of the Savannah River with breathtaking
views and shaded paths beneath towering trees.
The picturesque promenade winds through lush gardens, public
art displays, an outdoor amphitheater, and connects visitors to downtown
museums, including the Morris Museum of Art. The Riverwalk also includes a
children’s playground and interactive fountains.
For water enthusiasts, the Augusta Riverfront Marina offers
boat slips and rentals along with kayak and paddleboard rentals.
Sunset on Table Rock Lake (Photo Credit: Explore Branson)
Woldenberg Riverfront Park, New Orleans
Created in the late 1980s on land that had once been occupied by
old wharves and warehouses along the Mississippi River, the 16 acres of picturesque
green space is located just steps from the French Quarter.
The path along the parkway and the Moonwalk provides a place
to bike, walk or jog with stunning views of the river. It’s also the
location for artwork and festivals.
Bricktown Canal, Oklahoma City (Photo Credit: Visit OKC)
Bricktown Canal, Oklahoma City
Tucked in the heart of the city, Bricktown Canal is becoming
one of the most compelling and underrated urban riverwalks in the U.S.
Stretching through the historic Bricktown District, the
canal is flanked by beautifully preserved red-brick buildings that house a
vibrant mix of restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries and live music
venues. The pedestrian-friendly pathway invites visitors to stroll along its
scenic banks, where public art and murals reflect the city’s rich history and
cultural resurgence.
A standout feature is Bricktown Canal’s narrated water taxi
tour, a rarity among American riverwalks. This guided experience offers
historical insights and local stories as guests glide through the district by
day or night.
As the sun sets, the area transforms into a lively hub of
nightlife and dining. Riverside patios fill with people enjoying craft beers
and Southern-inspired fare, while steakhouses and rooftop lounges offer
elevated views and vibrant atmospheres.
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