California is home to some of the most amazing waterfronts in the world. For the majority of the world, when they think of California, their minds immediately wander to the beautiful glassy beaches that run up and down the California coast. However, two of California’s most iconic waterfronts are no oceans at all. In fact, these famous waterfronts are simply a canal and a river. Yes, the historic Venice Canals and the Napa Valley Riverfront collectively will draw hundreds of thousands of visitors annually with their beautiful scenery and cultural influence.

While each luxury destination has much to offer, the Venice Canals and the Napa Riverfront both offer very different experiences giving you variety for your perfect vacation.

The Historic Venice Canals – Venice, CA

Built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney, the Venice Canals have become a staple of culture in Los Angeles, California. Lined with the iconic palm trees of Southern California and blanketed with cloudless California skies, the Venice Canals are a beautiful spot to cruise down the waterfront or stroll down the narrow walkways which are parallel to the canal. Much of what you will see when you visit the Venice Canals are the beautiful and extravagant houses that surround the canal along with incredible restaurants and small shops. This tranquil and beautiful waterway mimics what is offered in Venice, Italy and in the sunny Southern California weather, you will feel like you have stepped into paradise.

The Napa Riverfront – Napa Valley, CA

Napa’s Riverfront began it’s $72 million reconstruction nearly 7 years ago. Through tireless efforts, the Napa Valley Riverfront has been transformed into a world famous destination for those who want to experience the unique culture and world renowned influence of the Napa Valley. The Napa Riverfront allows visitors to park their boats on a beautiful new dock that drops them off at the doorstep of some of the best restaurants, boutiques, hotels, and wine bars in the world. The Napa Riverfront is one of the best locations for enjoying the luxuries of the Napa Valley while experiencing life on the water. Surrounded by beautiful artwork and architecture you will find yourself astounded by the unique beauty and experience of the Napa Riverfront.

Many dream of visiting or retiring someplace close to the water and while there are so many incredible options of places to visit that are on the water, the options might seem overwhelming. We have compiled a list of the five best water cities in America and explain what makes these locations so desirable. The following are examples of beautiful cities that are on a lake, river, or the ocean and, most importantly, are reasonable for your budget.

#5: Dunedin, Florida

Only a few miles west of Tampa, is Dunedin, a beautiful city that is derived from a Celtic heritage and offers incredible culture and activities. Right on the Atlantic Ocean, Dunedin offers 385-acres of recreational area, with four miles of beach, and over two miles of hiking spots. Off the shore of Dunedin is the Caladesi Island State Park that offers snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming.

#4 Sequim, Washington

Two hours north of Seattle, Sequin is a low cost and beautiful community that sits right on the waterfront. Sequim offers many incredible opportunities such as a 30-minute ferry ride to Canada’s beautiful city of Victoria, and the the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, which is only a few minutes from downtown Sequim. Likewise, Sequim is surrounded by beautiful mountains, trails, and hundreds of different types of species of birds.

#3 Durango, Colorado

Durango, Colorado is an outdoorsman’s paradise. Durango’s name originates from the Basque word for water town and it is one of the main destination for kayakers, fly-fishers, and those who simply want to enjoy time on the peaceful water. Surrounded with 14,000-foot peaks, trails, and outstanding views. Durango is a popular place for artists to come and draw inspiration and simply enjoy the culture and environment that is very present in Durango.

#2 St. Joseph, Michigan 

Gorgeous beaches, clear water, and breathtaking sunsets is what St. Joseph, Michigan is made of. Lake Michigan’s coastline has incredible charm that lacks all of the crowds of most congested beaches. St. Joseph, Michigan is full of beautiful shops, restaurants, and historic buildings that overlook the lake. The lakes are full of giants sand dunes and perfect areas to walk and enjoy the beautiful beaches. Going along the coast, you will find an old lighthouse and incredible spots to sample locally grown wines such as Cabernets and Merlots.

#1 Napa Valley, California

The Napa Valley surrounds the Napa River which connects to the San Francisco Bay. Napa is the perfect water city because of all of the rich culture, food, and wine that is offered in the city. Napa’s main Riverfront is located downtown amongst an abundance of world famous restaurants and wonderful boutiques. Napa also is home of the Napa Valley Yacht Club which is located right on the Napa River. Visitors will enjoy exquisite culture that can be found in Napa and will be blown away by the incredible charm and appeal of the Napa Valley.

If you are looking to learn how to sail in the Bay Area, you can take classes and private lessons from a variety of top quality schools. There are many different types of classes whether you are a beginner or if you are an expert on the waves, these schools offer assistance and help wherever assistance is needed. The follow are some of the best schools in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Captain Kirk’s San Francisco Sailing

Private sailing lessons are available in this club and Captain Kirk’s San Francisco Sailing has three incredible yachts. The boats include a 50-foot Santa Cruz, a 50-foot Gulf Star, and a 36-foot Soverel. Likewise, they offer two custom racer-cruisers perfect for learning on. Pick-up and drop-off locations are: Pier 40 San Francisco, Pier 39 San Francisco, and in Sausalito.

www.sfbaysail.com

Lake Merritt Boating Center 

Located in Oakland, CA, Lake Merritt offers a safe and fun environment for learning how to sail in small style boats. The Lake Merritt Boating Center offers lessons for sailing and rents out sailing dinghies, small keelboats, catamarans, canoes, and kayaks.

www.sailoakland.com 

Modern Sailing School and Club

The Modern Sailing School and Club rents out 30 to 44 foot sailboats and offers lessons through their school that helps amateur boaters become proficient behind the wheel of any boat. Each boat holds up to 6 passengers.

www.modernsailing.com

Spinnaker Sailing of San Francisco

This boating school offers lessons and sailboat rentals with boats ranging from 22 to 42 feet. The Spinnaker Sailing School of San Francisco is located at Pier 40, South Beach Harbor.

www.spinnaker-sailing.com

Tradewinds Sailing School and Club

This sailing school rents out 22 to 65 foot sailboats and is based in the Marina Bay Yacht Harbor which is based in Richmond, CA.

www.tradewindssailing.com

Trawler School

Located in Alameda, CA, the Trawler School of Boating offers unique courses in handling single-screw trawlers and lets guests learn how to use radar on the boat they are sailing.

www.trawlerschool.com