Down by the River

California

The Napa Riverfront in Napa, California has a reputation for being the most walkable destination in the wine country.

A great starting point is The Promenade stretching along the Napa River. It connects to the Napa Valley Vine Trail. A walking and biking trail stretches along the train tracks. The riverfront in downtown Napa has a European-kind of atmosphere and there are shops, places to dine, and fantastic riverfront views.

Walking along the Napa Riverfront you can see some local wildlife or get on the river and experience an authentic Venetian gondola ride. There are some interesting public art displays like:

The big chair

At the riverfront Veteran’s Park, you can enjoy a live music performance.

Colorado

The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk is located in Pueblo, Colorado stretching along the Arkansas River. Its construction was inspired by the San Antonia Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas. The riverwalk has three unique environments – a lake, a manmade channel, and a natural area with a stream. You can stroll along the river or take a gondola or pedal boat ride. There are many fine cafes and restaurants. Regular special events and concerts are held here.

Florida

The Tampa Riverwalk in downtown Tampa Bay stretches along the Hillsborough River. Your walk will take you to the:

Heights Market at Armature Works

Curtis Hixon Park

Sparkman Wharf

Illinois

The Chicago River Walk stretches along the Chicago River. It offers awesome waterfront views. People can enjoy pier fishing, visit the museums, see the public artwork, go kayaking or take boat trips, and bird-watch. The riverwalk consists of six “coves”.

There is RAISED, an urban rooftop bar for fantastic views over the water.

“Floating Garden” is located in the Jetty portion of the riverwalk.

Kentucky

Kentucky Waterfront Park stretches along the Ohio River in downtown Louisville, Kentucky. Your walk will give you fantastic views of the river and the city.

You’ll see interesting things like the Big Four Bridge. This is a 19th-century railroad bridge that has been transformed into a pedestrian bridge. It gives people the chance to walk between two states as the bridge crosses the river from Louisville to Southern Indiana.

Michigan

The Detroit Riverwalk is located in downtown Detroit, Michigan offering great views of not only the city but neighboring Windsor, Ontario. It stretches along the Detroit River from the Joe Louis Arena to Gabriel Richard Park.

Along the way are several plazas:

At the GM Plaza and Promenade is the Renaissance Center with seven towering skyscrapers.

Cullen Plaza has the kid’s favorite the Cullen Family Carousel as well as a playscape, and fountains. At the Wheelhouse Detroit you can rent a bike.

Hart Plaza is a venue for summertime festivals, concerts, and other events. It is known for its Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain which is lit up at night.

There are many different parks among them the Milliken State Park. People enjoy picnicking, and fishing at the harbor, and the Milliken State Park Lighthouse.

Nevada

The Riverwalk District in Reno, Nevada along the Truckee River is always bustling with activity. There are shops, cafes, bars, and outdoor entertainment. This stretch of river includes four parks, a collection of murals, and sculpture parks.

Ohio

Even though there is no official Cincinnati River Walk in Cincinnati, Ohio there is the Ohio River Trail. It divides the states of Kentucky and Ohio and stretches along the Ohio River. It offers great views of the river and the city skyline.

Among the highlights are all within Smale Riverfront Park:

The Gardner Family Grove & Rose Garden

Carol Anne’s Carousel

PNC Grow Up Great Adventure Playground

Oregon

Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland, Oregon stretches along the Willamette River. Walking here is a magical experience in the springtime when 100 Japanese cherry trees are blooming. It is the venue for the Waterfront Blues Festival and boasts the largest fireworks display in Oregon.

Rhode Island

Waterplace Park and Riverwalk in downtown Providence, Rhode Island is located along the Woonasquatucket River. Here you can find historic landmarks, shops, and restaurants.

For spectacular views visit Rooftop at the Providence G with a retractable glass rooftop and views of the Providence skyline.

South Carolina

The Riverwalk Greenville in Greenville, South Carolina stretches along the Reedy River.

At the center of the park is a 40-foot waterfall. There are outdoor art installations, plenty of shops, and restaurants.

There are great restaurants like the Lazy Goat right on the riverwalk.

Texas

The San Antonio River Walk in San Antonio, Texas lies along the San Antonio River. This is a beautiful riverwalk that winds under bridges with two-parallel sidewalks lined with shops and restaurants.

Among the highlights here are:

Marriage Island

HemisFair Park

The San Antonio Museum of Art

There are four mission buildings forming a UNESCO World Heritage site including the famous Alamo Mission.

In the springtime, this is the venue for the Fiesta San Antonio with the River Parade featuring floats with flowers on the river.

Virginia

The Potomac River Waterfront Park stretches along the Potomac River in Alexandria, Virginia. Of interest are Tide Lock Park and neo-Classical sculptures.

Jones Point Park, is home of the last remaining riverside lighthouse in the Chesapeake Bay Area.