A waterfront vacation doesn’t have to mean a trip to the beach.
River locales, such as charming San Antonio or rugged Snoqualmie, offer plenty of the same draws as oceans and lakes.
Flowing past some of America’s best cities, around mountain ranges, and through desserts, these rivers are the optimal alternative vacation spots for boating, fishing, hiking, and more while on vacation.
So get ready to dive into our favorite river destinations.
May River in Bluffton, South Carolina
Carolina Lowcountry is a truly other-worldly corner of the United States. Here, salty marshes and mossy forests are connected by scenic waterways. The May, Cooper, and New Rivers wind through the region’s haunting landscapes, providing visitors with unique ways to soak in the beauty of the region. Boating and kayaking are popular, especially since bottlenose dolphins are common in this area. You can also go fishing, crabbing, or shrimping.
STAY: The Inn at Palmetto Bluff
This “inn” in Carolina Lowcountry is really more akin to a sprawling estate, offering a range of recreational facilities, including golf, bicycling, tennis, croquet, kayaking, and swimming; plus, the luxury spa is highly acclaimed.
Rio Grande in Albuquerque, New Mexico
The Rio Grande flows through the Southwestern city of Albuquerque from north to south. Visitors can hike through the state parks that border the river — visiting the Rio Grande Nature Center, the Albuquerque Biological Park, the National Hispanic Cultural Center, or the Rio Grande Valley State Park along the way — and get up close and personal with turtles, beavers, coyotes, and great horned owls, just to name a few. The Paseo del Bosque Trail is Albuquerque’s most popular and accessible thoroughfare. This 16-mile paved trail attracts walkers, cyclists, in-line skaters, and equestrians. Many also choose to kayak, canoe, or raft down the river.
STAY: Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa
This upscale resort is a sprawling property on the Santa Ana Pueblo reservation 15 miles north of Albuquerque. Its gorgeous natural setting under vivid blue skies offers panoramic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Trails lead directly to the Rio Grande and the resort features numerous activities, as well as a golf course, restaurants, and several pools.
Snoqualmie River in Snoqualmie, Washington
Best known as the home of Snoqualmie Falls, the 2,683-foot high waterfall, this town offers a lot in the way of outdoor adventures. Located about an hour from Seattle, Snoqualmie attracts visitors looking forward to hiking, as a variety of trails surround the falls (which reach a height 100-feet greater than that of Niagara Falls). Visitors can also rent mountain bikes, go fishing or kayaking, and play a round of golf. In the winter, visitors can go on day trips to the slopes and try their hands (er, feet, we guess) at skiing or snowboarding.
STAY: Salish Lodge & Spa
The Salish Lodge & Spa features 84 rooms in a gorgeous setting overlooking the falls in Snoqualmie. The historic property, which originally opened with only eight rooms back in 1916, is a popular romantic getaway and wedding destination.
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