These Are the 10 Best River Walks in America

Detroit International River Walk

Although this list is not in any specific order, many entertainment and travel websites have listed the Detroit International River Walk as the most beautiful river walk in the country. The Detroit International River Walk is in Detroit, Michigan. It’s a refreshing paved park along the Detroit River. The river walk lasts for over three miles, starting from Rosa Parks Blvd. to the Belle Isle Bridge. This river walk is open every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

This gorgeous landmark contains a lot of fun things to do. You can walk and bike on the paved road or explore the many parks and green spaces along the path.

The San Antonio River Walk

Continuing our list of the best river walks in America is the San Antonio River Walk. This very popular river walk sees over 13 million visitors a year from all over the world. The San Antonio River Walk is in San Antonio, Texas, and is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. You can walk along the river, eat on the river at one of many restaurants, take a boat tour on the river, or spend the day shopping.

On the San Antonio River Walk, you can also enjoy events like the Mardi Gras Artisan Show, St. Patrick’s Day Artisan Show, Bud Light Mardi Gras River Parades & Celebration, and The Texas Cavaliers River Parade.

The Tampa Riverwalk

Tampa is known for more than just delicious Cuban food; it is also known for Ybor City and Busch Gardens. Also in Tampa, Florida, is the Tampa Riverwalk. This wonderful urban green space is a great way to get active. It’s about 2.6 miles long and runs along the Hillsborough River.

This river walk is mostly in downtown Tampa and leads to important spots like the Tampa Convention Center, Rivergate Tower, Glazer Children’s Museum, and the Tampa Bay History Center. The Tampa Riverwalk also hosts many events. During the year, you can join events like Riverfest, Latin Thursdays, Wellness Walks, the Lantern Parade at Riverfest, and the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade.

Waterfront Park

Next on our list is a Kentucky river walk. Waterfront Park is in Downtown Louisville and spans about 85 acres. This river walk and green space was created in 1999. Over 2 million people visit this lovely riverwalk every year.

Waterfront Park hosts many events for the community. While here, you can catch events like the Pitmasters Series at Pig Beach BBQ, 5k charity walks, Thunder Over Louisville, Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront, and more. If you don’t want to go to an event, you can also visit this green space and take a self-guided art walk, bike over the Ohio River, and take a boat tour on the river. One of the most popular river cruises in Waterfront Park is on the Belle of Louisville.

The Chicago Riverwalk

Visiting the Chicago Riverwalk is an unforgettable experience. This Chicago gem is a great way to explore downtown. This green urban space is on the south bank of the main branch of the Chicago River. There is so much to do and see while on the path! Not only can you admire the water, but you can also eat at restaurants along the river. 

On this 1.25-mile walk, you can dine at spots like Tiny Tapp, Beat Kitchen on the Riverwalk, and O’Briens Riverwalk Cafe. You don’t have to spend the day walking either. Also available are countless Chicago River boat tours. If you want to enjoy the water but also work out a sweat, you can also kayak on the Chicago River!

Breckenridge’s Riverwalk

Next on our list is a charming river walk, Breckenridge’s Riverwalk. This riverwalk is also known as the Riverwalk Center. Technically, though, the Riverwalk Center is a performing arts facility. Many people enjoy visiting this public space for picnics, walks, and fun events. During the winter, you can see the International Snow Sculpture Championships.

Breckenridge’s Riverwalk is in Breckenridge, Colorado. Breckenridge is a town with a population of around 5,000. It’s a popular winter getaway, though, for its skiing and resorts. Over a million people visit the area for skiing each year.

The Riverfront Wilmington

One of the most beautiful river walks in the United States has to be the Riverfront Wilmington in Delaware. This river walk runs along the Christina River. It’s a peaceful 1.75-mile path with a lot to see and do. This outdoor attraction leads to many restaurants with gorgeous views of the river. 

After you stop for a bite, check out the Delaware Children’s Museum which is also along the river walk! As you can imagine, the Riverfront Wilmington is home to many events. You can enjoy events like Social Hours, Happy Hours, Meet Live Animals, and more. Also on the river are the Delaware Theatre Company, Riverwalk Mini Golf, and countless boat tours. A favorite boat tour for many is the Brandywine Tour Boat. You can also take a colorful Pau Hana Tiki Boat Tour.

Milwaukee RiverWalk

Also on our list of the 10 best river walks in America is the Milwaukee River Walk in Wisconsin. The Milwaukee RiverWalk is a public community walking space along the Milwaukee River. This stunning river walk is open 365 days a year and 24 hours a day. It’s a paved river walk that stretches for about 3.7 miles. 

So, what is there to do on the Milwaukee RiverWalk? One thing you can do on the river walk is admire the outdoor art gallery. If you aren’t much of an art fan, you can also kayak on the river, take scenic pictures by the water, hop on a river cruise, or eat at a restaurant along the river.

White River State Park

State parks are often in secluded and quiet areas, but this isn’t the case with White River State Park in Indianapolis, Indiana. This urban park is along the eastern and western banks of the White River. White River State Park has a surface area of 267 acres. Nearly 3 million people visit this lovely green space every year. It’s open daily and is filled with exciting attractions to enjoy! You can kayak, take a boat tour, stroll on the paved trails, and visit attractions/experiences like the Indianapolis Zoo.

Greenville’s Riverwalk

Last but not least is Greenville’s Riverwalk in South Carolina. This stunning river walk is a favorite in the country. So many people visit South Carolina and add this riverwalk to their list of must-visit spots.

Greenville’s Riverwalk is also called Falls Park on the Reedy. It’s an urban park with winding, curvy paths that take you along a river with rushing waterfalls. Falls Park on the Reedy is dog and family-friendly. It’s on the Reedy River and features the Liberty Bridge.