Waterfronts are beautiful properties that use the lake, sea, or river as a part of their landscape. A waterfront can provide a serene, natural oasis in a bustling city and offer views that give your eyes a rest from all the concrete. Waterfronts also come with numerous leisure activities, giving you, your friends, and your family a pleasant visit for a break. Some city waterfronts are more widely known because they combine access to water and trade (farmers markets, Saturday markets, flea markets) and recreational activities. Here are some notable areas to check out.
- Erie, PA
The Erie Maritime Museum on the Erie waterfront sheds light on the city’s maritime history. It has sections on the War of 1812 and the Battle of Erie. Inside is also a recreation of the USS Lawrence, while outside, you can tour the Flagship Niagara, the official flagship of the state of Pennsylvania.
Not far from the museum, you’ll find the Bicentennial Tower. It’s a tower built to celebrate the city’s 200-year mark in 1996. Its 200 feet tall, and it will give you views of downtown Erie, Presque Isle, and on clear days you can see Canada across Lake Erie.
Lake Erie provides boat rides that can take you through some sights. The boat rides can come with guides who will regale you with the area’s history. It’s an excellent way to relax and learn about the area.
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Seattle, WA
Pike Place Market is a farmer’s market around since 1907. The city commissioned it to reduce food prices and give farmers direct access to consumers. It quickly became popular. The market has been through a lot of turmoil throughout history, but in the 70s, it got a new lease on life. It still operates today, making it America’s oldest continuously operating public market. It is also the most historically authentic market and Seattle’s most popular tourist attraction.
The Seattle Aquarium is a conservation, research, and exhibition center. It has six exhibits: Window on Washington Waters, Life on the Edge, Pacific Coral Reef, Birds & Shores, the Underwater Dome, and Marine Mammals. The aquarium has been in operation since 1977 and is owned by the city.
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Newport Beach, CA
Newport Beach offers many activities and attractions, of which the best are in the water. You can surf, kayak, paddleboard, and enjoy other water sports year-round. The Mediterranean weather makes it ideal for boardwalks, biking, or trailing.
The Newport Coast Marine Yacht Charters offers you the chance to hire a vessel for a part, whole or multi-day trips. You can lounge in them or host an event.
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Oakland, CA
If you are a foodie, you can enjoy a day or night at any of the Jack London square restaurants. You will have your choice in the menu, beverages, and activities like bowling or simply enjoy watching a game. Jack London Square is also rich in performance arts such as jazz and theatre.
California can get hot, really hot. For those days you can enjoy an active sport like canoeing and kayaking. You get the vigorous, sweat-inducing exercise while in the cooling water. You can rent your equipment from California Canoe and Kayak.
The USS Potomac is a 165-foot navy vessel that was built in 1934. It was commissioned in 1936 and used as Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Presidential Yacht until he died in 1945. But that wasn’t the end of her history. The vessel has had several owners, including Elvis Pressley, and at one point was used by drug smugglers. After some years of decay, the Port of Oakland decided to restore it rather than let it rot. The vessel opened to the public in 1995 as the “Floating White House,” USS Potomac. It serves as a memorial of former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The vessel also holds events regularly.
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Florence, OR
Along the Central Oregon Coast, right at the mouth of the Siuslaw River, is the town of Florence. It is a popular coastal town, especially for a getaway.
Along its boardwalk, you can meet up with present-day fishermen and watch them bring in the boats and sell fresh fish right off them. If you are in a self-catering place or camping, you can buy some for yourself. The boardwalk also offers stunning views of the river, boats, and town. The Boardwalk Market will also have local handmade crafts, fresh produce, household goods, and arts.
Florence’s Sea Lion Caves are the largest in America. The cave is accessible through an elevator that goes 208 feet underground. The caves are home to Steller sea lions; you will find them on the rock ledges outside the caves during the spring and summer. The area is also great for birdwatching and whale watching.
The Oregon Sand Dunes are a 40-mile stretch of beach with sandhills reaching 500 feet. The dunes are constantly shifting because of the constant currents and winds. The dunes are part of a thriving ecosystem with freshwater lakes, creeks, and wetlands. You can enjoy some sandboarding down the slopes for all levels, from beginner to advanced. You can also take off-road vehicles, like sand buggies and ATVs, for a spin.
Visit Some of the Best Waterfront Cities
The water is a beautiful, natural landscape with so much to offer. Make sure you play a part in keeping the place pristine and caring for the environment. Enjoy the view or activities on solo, family, or group trips to waterfront destinations.
Feature photo: Amanda Grove
