UNITED STATES - A few cities in the United States have some of the best River Walks. These include the Chicago Riverwalk, the Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland, OR, and the Riverfront Wilmington in Delaware. Other cities with some of the best River Walks include the San Antonio River Walk in Texas, the Tennessee Riverwalk in Chattanooga, TN, and the Riverwalk District in Reno, NV.
America's Urban Oases: A Guide to the Best and Most Scenic Riverwalks
Across the country, cities are rediscovering their waterfronts, transforming once-industrial riversides into vibrant public spaces. These urban riverwalks have become the heart and soul of their communities, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and cultural attractions. From the architectural marvels of Chicago to the historic charm of San Antonio, this guide will take you on a tour of America's best and most scenic riverwalks.
The Chicago Riverwalk (Chicago, IL)
An urban marvel, the 1.25-mile Chicago Riverwalk is a spectacular park that connects the city's lakefront to the heart of downtown. What began as a beautification project has blossomed into a city-wide destination.
- The Vibe: Sophisticated and bustling, the Riverwalk is an architectural showcase, offering stunning views of Chicago's iconic skyscrapers from below. It's a perfect marriage of urban planning and landscape design.
- What to Do: The Riverwalk is divided into distinct sections, each with its own character. You can enjoy a wide array of activities, including guided boat tours, kayak rentals, and visits to the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum. The path is lined with numerous restaurants, wine bars, and cafes, making it a premier destination for waterfront dining.
- Don't Miss: The summer season brings a full schedule of events, including free concerts and the ART on THE MART, the world's largest digital art projection, which illuminates the riverfront-facing façade of THE MART twice nightly.
Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park (Portland, OR)
This sprawling 36-acre park is Portland's "front yard," a beloved green space that lines the Willamette River.
- The Vibe: Relaxed, scenic, and quintessentially Portland. The park offers beautiful views of Mount Hood and the river, and it's a popular spot for jogging, biking, and family picnics.
- What to Do: The park is home to numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including the famous Oregon Brewers Festival. It also features playgrounds, an off-leash dog area, and the Oregon Maritime Center and Museum. The park is easily accessible via the TriMet MAX light rail.
- Fun Fact: The park is home to the Japanese American Historical Plaza, which includes the "Friendship Circle," a stunning sculpture that commemorates the sister-city relationship between Portland and Sapporo, Japan.
Falls Park on the Reedy (Greenville, SC)
A true urban oasis, Greenville's Falls Park on the Reedy is a stunning 32-acre park located in the heart of the city's historic West End.
- The Vibe: Breathtakingly beautiful and serene. The park is centered around a series of cascading waterfalls on the Reedy River, offering a slice of natural wonder in the middle of a bustling downtown.
- What to Do: The park's crown jewel is the Liberty Bridge, a one-of-a-kind, curved pedestrian suspension bridge that offers spectacular views of the falls. Visitors can also enjoy walking trails, beautiful gardens, and public art installations.
- Don't Miss: During the summer, the park hosts the Upstate Shakespeare Festival and the Moonlight Movies series, offering free entertainment in a stunning natural setting.
The San Antonio River Walk (San Antonio, TX)
Arguably the most famous riverwalk in the country, the San Antonio River Walk is a world-renowned, 15-mile-long network of waterside pathways in the heart of the city.
- The Vibe: The downtown section is a vibrant and festive hub of activity, with colorful restaurant patios, lively music, and a constant parade of river barges. The Mission Reach and Museum Reach sections offer a quieter, more natural experience.
- What to Do: The River Walk connects many of San Antonio's most famous attractions, including the Alamo, the San Antonio Museum of Art, and the historic Spanish colonial missions. Visitors can enjoy a guided river cruise, dine at one of the countless restaurants, or simply stroll along the beautifully landscaped paths.
- Fun Fact: The River Walk was originally conceived in the 1920s by architect Robert H.H. Hugman as both a flood control measure and a beautification project. His vision has become the cornerstone of the city's tourism industry.
The Tennessee Riverwalk (Chattanooga, TN)
The Tennessee Riverwalk is a beautiful 13-mile linear park that stretches along the southern bank of the Tennessee River, connecting downtown Chattanooga to the Chickamauga Dam.
- The Vibe: Scenic, recreational, and family-friendly. The path is perfect for walking, running, and biking, and it offers stunning views of the river, the surrounding mountains, and the city skyline.
- What to Do: The Riverwalk links many of Chattanooga's top attractions, including the Tennessee Aquarium, the Hunter Museum of American Art, and numerous parks and businesses. It features several fishing piers, picnic areas, and a new boat launch.
- Don't Miss: The Walnut Street Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world, is a highlight of the Riverwalk, offering incredible views and connecting the downtown area to the North Shore.
The Tampa Riverwalk (Tampa, FL)
The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.6-mile paved pedestrian path that winds along the Hillsborough River, linking the city's most popular cultural attractions and parks.
- The Vibe: Vibrant, modern, and always active. The Riverwalk is a central part of Tampa's downtown and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
- What to Do: The path connects a host of museums, including the Tampa Museum of Art and the Glazer Children's Museum, as well as hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues like the Amalie Arena. You can rent a bike or an e-scooter to explore the entire length of the path.
- Fun Fact: The Riverwalk features a series of historical monuments that tell the story of Tampa's rich history, from its early indigenous inhabitants to its role as a major port city.
The Riverfront Wilmington (Wilmington, DE)
Located along the Christina River, the Riverfront Wilmington is a revitalized area that has become a premier destination for dining, entertainment, and recreation.
- The Vibe: A successful and inspiring example of urban renewal, the Riverfront is a lively and family-friendly area with a great mix of attractions.
- What to Do: Visitors can stroll along the riverwalk and enjoy a wide variety of restaurants, from casual brewpubs to farm-to-table dining. The area is also home to the DuPont Environmental Education Center, the Delaware Children's Museum, and the Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, which honors Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad.
- Don't Miss: Catch a Blue Rocks minor league baseball game at Frawley Stadium, which is located right on the riverfront.
Waterplace Park and Riverwalk (Providence, RI)
This beautiful urban park in the heart of downtown Providence is a testament to the city's revitalization efforts and is famous for its unique and magical signature event.
- The Vibe: Romantic and enchanting, especially during the evenings. The park features cobblestone pathways, Venetian-style bridges, and an amphitheater.
- What to Do: The Riverwalk is a beautiful place for a stroll, and visitors can even take a gondola tour. However, the main attraction is WaterFire, a stunning art installation that features over 80 bonfires blazing on the surface of the three rivers that flow through the park. Accompanied by enchanting music, it's a truly unforgettable experience.
- Heads Up: The city is currently working on a project to upgrade and expand the Riverwalk, making it more resilient to flooding and improving pedestrian access.
Sources:
- Official city and park websites for each listed riverwalk
- Local and national travel and tourism publications
- The National Park Service
- Online review and travel planning websites
- Architectural and urban planning journals