The San Antonio Riverwalk might be the best-known; however, there are several other river walks in the U.S. Across the U.S., you’ll find pedestrian walkways, shopping and dining at river walks. Here are some of the best River Walks in the U.S.
Best River Walks in the U.S.
San Antonio Riverwalk
Bricktown Canal
The Central Canal
Branson Landing Boardwalk
Old Sacramento Waterfront
Savannah Waterfront
Milwaukee RiverWalk
San Antonio River Walk in San Antonio, Texas
Since 1946, the iconic River Walk, or Paseo del Rio, has delighted San Antonio visitors and locals alike. The most famous section is the river bend section that loops around the restaurants and hotels downtown. Located below street level, visitors take stairs to reach the River Walk.
It extends for 15 miles in total; the Museum Reach heads north to Breckenridge Park and passes the Pearl District. The Mission Reach connects the San Antonio Missions, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a National Park site. Both sections can be walked, biked, or explored on a kayak.
The stone and iron bridges that cross the San Antonio River add to its ambiance. The River Walk is also a destination for public art, making it one of the top things to do in San Antonio.
Top Things to do at The Pearl District in San Antonio
Bricktown Canal in Oklahoma City Oklahoma
The one-mile-long Bricktown Canal connects dining, lodging and entertainment in OKC’s Bricktown Entertainment District. From the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark to the Bricktown River Walk Park and its Centennial Land Rush Monument, this walkway is reminiscent of San Antonio’s Riverwalk. It also has the Bricktown Water Taxi, a 40-minute guided tour that floats past family-friendly attractions, public art, museums, galleries, and even an urban beach.
Floating along the river canal in downtown Oklahoma City, the Bricktown Water Taxi is a narrated cruise. Visitors will learn more about OKC, like its history, in a covered, open-air water taxi. It is one of the top things to do in Oklahoma City with kids.
The Main Dock is located at 111 S. Mickey Mantle Dr. and is Open year-round with departures on the hour from the main dock. Adult roundtrip tickets are $13, kids (6 to 12) $10 and kids (5 and younger) are $4.
The Best Weekend Itinerary for OKC
The Central Canal in Indianapolis Indiana
The Indy Canal Walk is part of the Indiana Central Canal, dug in the early 1800s to promote commerce. Now, it is a 3-mile loop that connects White River State Park with the Indiana State Museum and Victory Field.
It serves the downtown community as a waterside promenade for walkers, runners, bikers and sightseers. During the warm season, pedal boats and kayaks are available for rent. There’s even a gondolier.
Located at 801 W Washington St, Indianapolis, in White River State Park.
From Museums to Prairies: 14 Fun Things to Do in Indianapolis with Kids
Branson Landing Boardwalk in Branson Missouri
Surrounded by 100 shops, the Branson Landing boardwalk is a 1.5-mile walkway on Lake Taneycomo (the White River). Steps from dining and shopping, this is the heart of Branson.
Its water feature is another top attraction, with choreographed fountains that use music, water and fire to entertain visitors. This area is a backdrop for live music and fireworks shows, and the riverboat moors here.
The Branson Landing Boardwalk runs from North Beach Park to Branson City Park.
From Riverboats to Water Parks: 17 Top Things to Do in Branson Missouri with Kids
Old Sacramento Waterfront in Sacramento California
Get a dose of the Old West along the waterfront at Old Sacramento, a registered national landmark on the banks of the Sacramento River. The waterfront walk joins the much longer Sacramento River Hike and Bike trail. Visitors will find the Old Sacramento State Historic Site and the California State Railroad Museum steps from the walkway.
As a throwback to the California Gold Rush era, the 28-acre area features wooden sidewalks, horse-drawn carriages, old-fashioned candy shops, Mississippi-style riverboats and historic buildings constructed in the mid-1800s. In the Waterfront Park, the young-at-heart will find a 65-foot Ferris wheel and carousel. The Delta Queen, River City Queen and the Sac Brew Boat, a pedal-powered party boat, all depart from the waterfront, as does the City Cruises tour by Hornblower.
During your trip, walk into the B.F. Hastings Building for the Wells Fargo History Museum, and see the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse, a one-room school. Also good for kids are the monument to the Pony Express and G. Williker’s Toy Emporium.
Located between Tower Bridge and I Street Bridge. It’s open every day except major holidays. Most stores and attractions open at 10 a.m. until early evening. Free to enter. Paid parking garages and metered street parking are nearby.
From the Sutter’s Fort to the Waterfront: Top 17 Things to Do in Sacramento California
Savannah Waterfront in Savannah Georgia
Once home to longshoremen and warehouses, this area now offers a cobblestone street with lots of space for strolling. The promenade is lined with shopping, restaurants and pubs, like Savannah’s own Savannah Bee Company.
Waterfront park-lined restored cotton warehouses are now a destination for shopping and dining. The waterfront includes its original cobblestone streets and railroad tracks. It is anchored by the iconic hotel: JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District. Travelers will find the Savannah Belles Ferry and the Savannah Riverboat Cruises. This is also home of the hometown favorite, the Waving Girl Statue.
Many tours depart from the waterfront, like Savannah ghost tours and trolley car tours.
The Savannah Waterfront runs from the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District Hotel to the intersection of Lincoln Street Ramp and East River St.
From Bird Girl to Ghosts: 19 Top Things to Do in Savannah
Milwaukee RiverWalk in Milwaukee Wisconsin
Along the shores of the Milwaukee River, three downtown neighborhoods are connected to form the Milwaukee RiverWalk, a 20-block pedestrian promenade in the heart of the city. With a mix of residential, commercial and recreational venues, this is a vital artery for both residents and visitors, creating a highly active pedestrian environment.
From Lake Michigan to downtown’s skyscrapers to Historic Third Ward’s RiverWalk, visitors will walk past 19th-century architecture, boutique shops, art galleries and nightlife hot spots. To the north, it connects with Beerline “B”, a former industrial rail line, as travelers walk past Milwaukee’s brewing heritage, like Cream-City brick buildings of the former Schlitz Brewery and the present-day Lakefront Brewery, an award-winning craft brewery.
Comments are closed.