5 Most Beautiful Waterfront Cities in the US

I’ve lived by the sea my whole life, and I can’t imagine not waking up near a large body of water. Whether it be the Pacific Ocean or one of the Great Lakes, there is an undeniable atmosphere that comes with being close to water. Maybe it’s the fresh breeze, the elevated beauty at sunrise and sunset, or the simple joys of watching boats bob in the water. Historically, waterfronts were the beating heart of America’s cities – assisting with trade, fishing, and transportation. Today, they’ve also become bustling cultural and entertainment hubs. To clarify, a coastal beach town is not the same as a waterfront city, although the two often overlap. From coast to coast, these are the best waterfront cities in the U.S

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Oklahoma City might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a waterfront. It’s right in the middle of a landlocked state. That said, the city has done an incredible job of embracing its waterways, especially the man-made Bricktown Canal.

Inspired by the canals of Amsterdam, this canal winds through one of the city’s most popular downtown neighborhoods. It’s with restaurants with outdoor seating, sculptures, water taxis carting people around, and the odd dragon boat racing in the distance. Oklahoma City proves that waterfronts aren’t just limited to cities with a coastline.

Santa Monica, California

Santa Monica’s waterfront is something of a legend. It’s a bucket list destination for anyone traveling to California, and if you’ve ever watched a Hollywood film, it’s likely you’ve already caught a glimpse.

It’s set on the Pacific Ocean with a long stretch of shops, restaurants, and hotels along Ocean Avenue. This is where you’ll spot the iconic rollerbladers and joggers gliding along the beachfront. The focal point of this waterfront has to be the amusement park. The Santa Monica Pier juts out into the sea and includes a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and an arcade.

Brooklyn, NYC, New York

Once upon a time, Brooklyn’s waterfront was all about shipping and industrial warehouses. Today, it’s one of the most up-and-coming neighborhoods in NYC, with countless trendy places to shop, eat, and drink.

The transformation of the DUMBO neighborhood (which stands for Down Under the Manhatten Bridge Overpass) has turned old industrial spaces into retro galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. The highlight is Brooklyn Bridge, stretching along the East River with plenty of parks, waterfront promenades, and green spaces at either side.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine, is as true to its salty sea roots as it gets. The entire city revolves around its coastal location, and the working waterfront is undoubtedly its beating heart. For over 350 years, Portland’s waterfront has been a hub of shipping, commerce, and travel.

The waterfront is divided into three sections: Western, Eastern, and Central. The Central Waterfront is home to the historic Old Port district. It’s got cobblestone streets, 19th-century piers, and brick buildings that now house some of the best seafood restaurants in the country.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach has it’s commitment to the coastline in its name. It’s a classic coastal destination with something to offer everyone. Within 38 miles of coastline, this city has beaches and a three-mile-long boardwalk. If at any point you don’t have a view of the Atlantic Ocean, chances are you’ll have one of Chesapeake Bay and its intricate inlets.

The Virginia Beach Oceanfront is where it’s all at. It’s a center of activity for hotels, restaurants, and bars, lining a stretch of beach that attracts families and surfers. It’s one of those places that makes it easy to spend time outdoors without putting in too much effort. Source : touropia