I’ve lived by the sea my whole life, and I can’t imagine not waking up near a large body of water. Whether it be the Pacific Ocean or one of the Great Lakes, there is an undeniable atmosphere that comes with being close to water.
Maybe it’s the fresh breeze, the elevated beauty at sunrise and sunset, or the simple joys of watching boats bob in the water. Historically, waterfronts were the beating heart of America’s cities – assisting with trade, fishing, and transportation. Today, they’ve also become bustling cultural and entertainment hubs.
To clarify, a coastal beach town is not the same as a waterfront city, although the two often overlap. From coast to coast, these are the best waterfront cities in the U.S:
12. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a waterfront. It’s right in the middle of a landlocked state. That said, the city has done an incredible job of embracing its waterways, especially the man-made Bricktown Canal.
Inspired by the canals of Amsterdam, this canal winds through one of the city’s most popular downtown neighborhoods. It’s with restaurants with outdoor seating, sculptures, water taxis carting people around, and the odd dragon boat racing in the distance. Oklahoma City proves that waterfronts aren’t just limited to cities with a coastline.
11. Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica’s waterfront is something of a legend. It’s a bucket list destination for anyone traveling to California, and if you’ve ever watched a Hollywood film, it’s likely you’ve already caught a glimpse.
It’s set on the Pacific Ocean with a long stretch of shops, restaurants, and hotels along Ocean Avenue. This is where you’ll spot the iconic rollerbladers and joggers gliding along the beachfront. The focal point of this waterfront has to be the amusement park. The Santa Monica Pier juts out into the sea and includes a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and an arcade.
10. Brooklyn, NYC, New York
Once upon a time, Brooklyn’s waterfront was all about shipping and industrial warehouses. Today, it’s one of the most up-and-coming neighborhoods in NYC, with countless trendy places to shop, eat, and drink.
The transformation of the DUMBO neighborhood (which stands for Down Under the Manhatten Bridge Overpass) has turned old industrial spaces into retro galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. The highlight is Brooklyn Bridge, stretching along the East River with plenty of parks, waterfront promenades, and green spaces at either side.
9. Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine, is as true to its salty sea roots as it gets. The entire city revolves around its coastal location, and the working waterfront is undoubtedly its beating heart. For over 350 years, Portland’s waterfront has been a hub of shipping, commerce, and travel.
The waterfront is divided into three sections: Western, Eastern, and Central. The Central Waterfront is home to the historic Old Port district. It’s got cobblestone streets, 19th-century piers, and brick buildings that now house some of the best seafood restaurants in the country.
8. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach has it’s commitment to the coastline in its name. It’s a classic coastal destination with something to offer everyone. Within 38 miles of coastline, this city has beaches and a three-mile-long boardwalk. If at any point you don’t have a view of the Atlantic Ocean, chances are you’ll have one of Chesapeake Bay and its intricate inlets.
The Virginia Beach Oceanfront is where it’s all at. It’s a center of activity for hotels, restaurants, and bars, lining a stretch of beach that attracts families and surfers. It’s one of those places that makes it easy to spend time outdoors without putting in too much effort.
7. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
I’ve always thought of Milwaukee as a little version of Chicago. It’s another one of those cities that has no coastline whatsoever. But with its prime position on Wisconsin’s share of Lake Michigan, it has a waterfront scene that is seriously underrated.
The city’s relationship with the lake dates back to when it was founded in the 1840s. Back then, its wide network of rivers made it a strategic hub for the shipping industry. Today, the city is known for its breweries and, surprisingly, beaches! The city has 1400 acres of sandy lakefront beaches to enjoy and a well-developed RiverWalk!
6. San Francisco, California
There would be no San Francisco without the Bay, and the San Francisco waterfront is as iconic as the city itself. While the entire city is pretty much surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Bay, and its iconic bridges, the official waterfront area is located along the Embarcadero.
This is where you’ll find the Ferry Building, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Pier 39, all of which are iconic part of this city’s coastal culture. The area has been a center of maritime industry since the Californian Gold Rush in the mid-1800s.
5. Miami Beach, Florida
South Florida is home to plenty coastal cities lining the narrow peninsula. Just east of Miami, across the Biscayne Bay, lies the barrier island city of Miami Beach.
Everything about this city is tied to the water, whether to the bay to its west or the palm-lined Ocean Drive to its east. The city is the epitome of coastal glamour, from the famous Art Deco architecture to the nightlife. Its beaches are legendary, with soft white sand set against a city backdrop; the waterfront culture here is palpable.
4. San Antonio, Texas
Texas has some cities along the Gulf of Mexico, but San Antonio isn’t one of them. Instead of the salty air and soft sand, this city is known for a different type of waterfront. Its waterfront follows the San Antonio River along a miles-long River Walk that is lined with cafes, shops, and entertainment centers.
The River Walk weaves its way through Downtown San Antonio, past 18th-century buildings, arched bridges, and lush parks. It’s become a gathering spot, with festivals, parades, and cultural celebrations hosted throughout the year.
3. Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore’s waterfront is known as the Inner Harbor, a historic seaport and now, tourist landmark. With its protected position along the Patapsco River, Baltimore has been a major seaport for trade and tourism.
Today, the Inner Harbor is a bustling center of shops, upscale crab shacks, and Civil War-era attractions. It’s also home to the National Aquarium, The Maryland Science Center, and the Port Discovery Children’s Museum. Consider this one of the most family-friendly waterfront cities in the country.
2. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago might not be located at the sea, but with the sheer size of Lake Michigan at its shores, it feels like it is. This Mid-West city has always had an important relationship with the lake. Right at it’s heart, the waterfront is the center of Chicago’s commerce, transportation, and leisure industry.
Chicago’s modern waterfront is a recreational center and cultural hub; the 18.5-mile-long Lakefront Trail is testament to this. The city has put a lot of effort into ensuring every citizen can access urban green spaces (or, in this case, beaches).
1. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah might be famous for its antebellum architecture and colonial history, but as far as waterfronts are concerned, the city has the best of both worlds. It’s located along the Savannah River, just a few miles from the Atlantic coastline.
Savannah’s waterfront is in its Historic District, where the colony of Georgia began. What were once cotton warehouses and factories along River Street are now restored shops, eateries, and galleries. It’s one of those places that feels historic yet modern, with a dash of Southern hospitality!
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