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 ¡ª 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?and Idlewild Park, beloved gathering spaces?featuring whitewater kayak courses, 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 ¡ª 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)

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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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