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1. Potomac Riverwalk (Washington DC)
Wandering along the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., at sunset, you'll see the river dividing the city into two banks, North and South, representing the ancient and the modern, with endless stretches of lush green lawns and bustling boats carrying tourists back and forth.
The road along the Potomac River on this side connects restaurants, cruise ships, and hotels, creating a self-contained tourism business chain that, once visitors get lost in, is hard to escape from. On the other side is a "trail" for locals to exercise, cycle, and enjoy the river view in the evening.
2. San Antonio Riverwalk (San Antonio, Texas)
Along the gentle, small San Antonio River (also known by its Spanish name, Paseo del Río) lies a secluded pedestrian zone lined with flowers, tastefully decorated restaurants, and a peaceful setting, making it a truly lucrative area.
The river's surface is a clear blue, reflecting people's shadows, and the twinkling lights everywhere create a magical, enchanting atmosphere like fireflies attracting mates. The melodious music in the evening, combined with the golden lights reflected from both sides of the river, makes exploring the city at night by boat even more enchanting for tourists.
Visiting this place will help you understand why San Antonio is considered one of the must-visit destinations for couples everywhere.
3. Arkansas River Trail (Little Rock, Arkansas)
The Arkansas River Trail system provides Arkansas State Capital with a refreshing outdoor recreational space for residents, connecting nature preserves that stretch through the cities of Little Rock, North Little Rock, Maumelle, and Conway. A loop from Clinton Presidential Park Bridge to Big Bridge Lagoon and back to Clinton Bridge is 15.6 miles, perfect for cyclists to enjoy a long ride!
This picturesque bridge is dazzlingly beautiful every night when the lights illuminate it, especially during the fireworks display celebrating US Independence Day. Here and there, sculpture gardens are set on lush green lawns, children climb the hillside on cardboard and then slide down the grass, stumbling and falling but all bursting into laughter, or young couples hold hands and sit on a date by the Arkansas River.
4. Branson Landing (Branson, Missouri)
Considered a "mini Las Vegas" in Missouri, Branson City attracts tens of millions of visitors each year who come to relax and enjoy hundreds of shows every day.
At Branson Landing, at the edge of the city, a beautiful boardwalk extends out over the water along the 1.5-mile shoreline of Lake Taneycomo, and at its center is a vibrant cultural plaza flanked by terraced resort buildings overlooking the stunning Branson Landing fountain.
In addition to the nightly musical fountain shows, Branson Landing also hosts summer concerts and special events throughout the year from March to December.
5. Gateway Arch Trail (St. Louis, Missouri)
Walking along this path, visitors can admire the Old Courthouse, a massive domed building constructed in the mid-1800s and an extension of Jefferson Memorial Park. The building houses historical artifacts of the city and also serves as a starting point for visitors to ascend to the top of the towering archway, known as the "Gateway of Arch," which stands at the city's entrance. This landmark, recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's tallest stainless steel architectural structure at nearly 200 meters, is a must-see.
From here, you can gaze out at the picturesque Mississippi River that divides Illinois and Missouri into two distant regions.
6. South Platte River Trail (Denver, Colorado)
The South Platte River Trail winds through several lakes, residential areas, local parks, golf courses, industrial zones, commercial areas, and government-designated open spaces. It's located in Downtown Denver, passing through Confluence Park, past the Pepsi Center, Auraria Campus, the Mile High sports arena, Elitch Gardens, and many other attractions in the area.
Confluence Park, in particular, is an ideal place for visitors to relax on the grass, watch the cool South Platte River gently flow through the city, and see locals jogging along the walking paths or taking a dip in the river.
Take a 30-minute trolley ride along the South Platte River, and you'll also have the chance to discover the bridge with hundreds of swallows' nests underneath.
7. Chicago Riverwalk (Chicago, Illinois)
As evening falls, it's the perfect time to stroll along the "Chicago Riverwalk" to help your fatigue melt away.
Here, buildings are constructed like cocoons, with cars parked outside, facing the open sky, and towering office buildings offering panoramic views in all directions above. The rooftops, varying in height, are clustered together, rising and falling like musical notes, sometimes low, sometimes high.
Over there, boats laden with tourists glide gently back and forth on the river, while wild ducks swim leisurely, playfully begging for a piece of bread for dinner from pedestrians sitting along the bank—a delightful sight.
What could be more enjoyable than mingling with other new diners, gathered around a table by the riverbank, and relaxing with refreshing glasses of cold beer?
8. Indianapolis Canal Walk (Indianapolis, Indiana)
The Cultural Trail, winding along this canal, adds a delightful element to exploring a corner of Indianapolis. Most visitors will stroll and shop on Mass Ave, jog along the European-style Canal Walk, or cycle through Fountain Square, enjoying the airy atmosphere of a bustling metropolis.
Alternatively, visitors can rent paddleboats or pedal boats in downtown Indy, just to the right of the beautiful canal, to enjoy the leisurely pace of time paddling along this stunning waterway.
The buildings lining both sides of the canal—apartments, shopping centers, commercial establishments, religious and cultural centers, and educational facilities—will gradually appear on one side, while on the other side, open-air weddings or breezy cafes will be held.
9. Miami Riverwalk (Miami, Florida)
The Miami Riverwalk is a pedestrian walkway located in downtown Miami, Florida, beginning at Bayfront Park and connecting westward to Bayside Market, a popular dining, shopping, and cruise port area of the city.
As you walk along this road, you can admire the massive cruise ships entering and leaving the harbor, and you might even spot dolphins swimming or some very unusual birds.
Since 2008, the Miami Riverwalk Festival has been held annually in November, encompassing a wide variety of free cultural and recreational activities for everyone to participate in. The Riverwalk is part of a larger project called the Miami River Greenway, which includes a complete tree-lined pathway along the south side of the river leading to Miami Beach.
10. Detroit Riverfront (Detroit, Michigan)
In the summer of 2012, the final construction phases were undertaken to complete the East Bank waterfront project and connect the Detroit Riverfront promenade with the associated green spaces of the complex along the riverfront.
The highlight is West Riverfront Park, where around three million people come annually to walk, run, bike, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy the quality of life provided by the fresh air from the riverfront.
Attractions along the riverfront include William G. Milliken Park, Peter Stroh Square, and other open green spaces, all connected by the famous Detroit Riverwalk.
William G. Milliken Park boasts a 63-foot-tall lighthouse, a miniature replica of the recently renovated lighthouse at Tawas Point State Park, originally built in 1876. From here, you can see the nearby Canadian city of Windsor, separated only by a river.
