Calling all patio dwellers, live music listeners and sea breeze aficionados — fun can always be found by the water.
That’s why some of the most vibrant entertainment destinations in the world are waterfront districts. They offer groups a range of experiences, from laid-back shopping excursions perfect for an afternoon of free time to on-the-water activities, like leisurely kayaking trips or structured tours that showcase a destination’s rich history. They’re also frequently sites for musical performances, events and festivals, and top-notch dining.
Here are six vibrant waterfront entertainment districts around the country for groups to explore.
San Antonio River Walk
San Antonio
The San Antonio River has a rich history that blends the area’s Spanish, Mexican, Indigenous and American heritage. The River Walk, one of San Antonio’s top attractions, originally began as a project to control dangerous floods, but its 15 miles of pedestrian walkways, businesses and attractions — surrounding a canal inspired by those in Venice — have made it a cultural gem and a significant part of the city’s identity in the decades since it was beautified.
Along the River Walk, groups can visit some of San Antonio’s most beloved historic sites, including The Alamo and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. For an overview of the River Walk and its history, groups of up to 40 can take a narrated tour aboard an electric barge to see the colorful streets along the river with GO RIO River Cruises. Walking history tours, food tours and even ghost tours are other popular ways for groups to explore the city’s history. Groups can also be dropped off for an afternoon of exploring the River Walk’s dozens of restaurants, shops, galleries and museums.
Bowen’s Wharf
Newport, Rhode Island
Nicknamed “the Anchor of Newport,” Bowen’s Wharf is located directly on the Newport Harbor, just blocks from the city’s Gilded Age mansions, the World Tennis Hall of Fame and other top attractions. Originally named Stevens’ Wharf, it was a bustling Rhode Island commercial port during the Colonial era. It was preserved to maintain its appearance during Colonial times, including its cobblestone streets and circa-1760s buildings. Today, it offers visitors a taste of coastal New England charm that’s at its peak in summer, when the harbor is dotted with sailboats.
Fresh seafood is the specialty at Bowen’s Wharf; restaurants like The Landing Restaurant, The Lobster Bar Newport and 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille are group-friendly and serve a delicious assortment of decadent seafood dishes, from crab cakes to lobster rolls. Groups can also use Bowen’s Wharf as a launch point for narrated harbor cruises and boat tours of the area. Visitors can peruse the assortment of boutiques and gift shops and enjoy views of the marina and harbor.
Boise River Greenbelt
Boise, Idaho
The picturesque, tree-lined trail that stretches 29 miles along the Boise River looks like a natural piece of Boise, Idaho’s history, but it wasn’t always so; in the 1960s, the river was a dumping ground. However, the city realized the river’s potential and began grassroots efforts to clean up the waterway and build a space that would serve the community — and the Bosie River Greenbelt was born.
In addition to being a paved walking and biking path, the Greenbelt connects public parks, golf courses and dining. Along the Greenbelt, groups will find gems like Julia Davis Park in downtown, home to multiple museums, monuments and Zoo Boise. They’ll also find Boise Whitewater Park and several launch points for kayaks, perfectly suited for active groups that want to spend a day on the water. For a meal with a view of the river, the Greenbelt’s numerous dining options include classic American fare, Asian cuisine, pizza and even Telaya Wine Co., a local winery that offers tours, tastings and catered meals.
River Street
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia’s River Street, nestled between the city’s historic district and the Savannah River, was once home to the Port of Savannah. It’s known today for its characteristic cobblestone streets and ramps, which have special significance, as many of these stones were once ballast material for the ships sailing into the city. Many of the original cotton warehouses have been transformed into shops, hotels and restaurants, turning this former industrial district into one of Savannah’s most recognizable neighborhoods.
Trolley tours of Savannah take groups down River Street for a look at its history. River Street is also where Savannah Riverboat Cruises dock; groups can opt for a dinner, sightseeing or gospel cruise while taking in views of the Savannah River. Restaurants like Chart House, Dockside Seafood and District Seafood offer an array of fresh seafood, while rooftop bars and speakeasies add a rich taste of the city’s vibrant nightlife. After a meal, groups can snag a souvenir at one of dozens of shops and boutiques or try homemade pralines at River Street Sweets.
Milwaukee RiverWalk
Milwaukee
Over the past 20 years, the Milwaukee RiverWalk has been completely transformed into a vibrant community hub of dining, attractions, events and on-the-water recreation. For visitors, a day spent along the RiverWalk is a great introduction to the city’s signature architecture and brewing scene. Groups can see one of the city’s most iconic attractions, the Bronze Fonz statue that celebrates the television series “Happy Days.” They can also visit numerous public art installations along the river or take a boat tour or kayaking excursion to get on the water.
Milwaukee’s brewpub scene is on full display at the RiverWalk’s Lakefront Brewery, which has excellent water views and a patio. The city’s rich dining scene can be further explored at Upper Bar, Boone & Crockett, and Motor Bar & Restaurant, which can be found at the Harley-Davidson Museum, another group favorite. There’s also Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria, the city’s first “tequilaria” with over 160 tequilas available. The RiverWalk is next door to some of the city’s other top neighborhoods and attractions, including the Historic Third Ward and Milwaukee Public Market.
Fisherman’s Wharf
San Francisco
Along with incredible views of San Francisco Bay and its namesake city, Pier 39 has an abundance of attractions, activities, shops and dining that can amuse a group for half a day or more. They can head to designated sea lion viewing areas to see the charming San Francisco residents as they bask, bark and play. Groups can also depart for a history or whale-watching cruise from Pier 39. Outside of Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, once the headquarters for the chocolate company, has been repurposed into a food hall and retail shops — though chocolate lovers will still find a Ghirardelli retail shop, where they can sample some of the brand’s chocolate or a decadent ice cream sundae. Fisherman’s Wharf is also the departure site for tours of Alcatraz Island, the notorious prison complex that is now a national park.
