When it comes to waterside views, some cities just do it better than others. Whether you’re someone who just enjoys sipping a glass of wine at a waterside restaurant or someone who is an adventure seeker and looking to kayak your way around the world, we can all appreciate a holiday destination that is the perfect balance of sun, sea and sand.
From the meandering canals of Venice to the seaside splendour of Venice Beach, here are our top 7 picks for the waterside views that you just have to see before you die. Read on to find out more!
1. Venice Beach: Los Angeles, California
Venice Beach spans over the California coastline between Santa Monica and Marina Del Rey and is the perfect holiday destination for anyone who is looking for a truly Californian experience. Venice Beach is home to an array of muscle men, bikini-clad models and a ton of street vendors, buskers and a host of other entertainment that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
If you’re a bit of an art fanatic, you’ll also thoroughly enjoy the Venice Art Crawl which showcases some of the best art that the city has to offer. Of course, since we’re talking about the best waterside views, you can’t forget to sign yourself up for some scuba diving, kayaking and fishing while you’re out there!
2. Rio de Janeiro: Brazil
Also commonly referred to as the “Marvellous City”, Rio de Janeiro is a city that offers some of the most incredible views that are sure to knock your socks off. Visitors can explore the city’s numerous beaches (all 23 of them!) or head up towards Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain for some epic views. For water enthusiasts, a host of exciting activities such as snorkelling, paragliding, jet skiing, bodyboarding, scuba diving, beach hiking, and more are available to fill your days with. If you’re interested in jet skiing, there are several options for jet ski rentals at Fort Walton Beach that offer thrilling experiences on the water.
3. New Orleans: Louisiana
New Orleans is famous for its distinct music, annual celebrations and festivals (most notably Mardis Gras) and of course, some of the most amazing Creole food that you’ll find on the planet. The colourful city boasts a vibrant nightlife, amazingly laid back culture and a myriad of bars, restaurants, galleries and museums that are sure to keep boredom at bay. New Orleans is also well known for its world-renowned shrimp, crab, crawfish and oysters that you absolutely must add to your bucket list!
4. Sydney: Australia
In case you were worried, we definitely aren’t going to leave Sydney off this list! Home to the iconic Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, this is one city that you have to visit during your time on earth! Sydney is a marvellously vibrant and bustling city that is surrounded by water and boasts a wide variety of venues that overlook the harbour, sandy beaches and calm bays. Whether you’re in search of fresh local seafood or fancy snorkelling in Manly Beach, Sydney is definitely one of the most interesting waterside cities that you’ll find in the southern hemisphere.
5. Honolulu: Hawaii
No country does beaches better than Hawaii, which is why Honolulu just had to be a part of this bucket list. A major destination for tourists, Honolulu attracts visitors from all over the world who are in search of a tropical paradise. Honolulu is home to an array of nightlife, dining and shopping amongst other famous sights such as the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbour. Besides surfing, many enjoy bodyboarding, snorkelling, parasailing and windsurfing in this vibrant and exciting city. If you’re lucky enough, you might even secure yourself a room at the Hilton which overlooks Waikiki Beach and is located at the heart of the city.
6. Brighton: England
One may not immediately think of England when it comes to waterside views, but look no further than Brighton — a seaside resort located on the southern coast of England, in the county of East Sussex. People from all over the world flock to Brighton for its seaside culture, lively arts scene and amazing bayside restaurants that will completely change your idea of English food. Don’t forget to take a leisurely stroll down Eponymous Beach, or tour the Royal Pavilion and stop by the Tearoom for a delicious Coronation Chicken Sandwich and a hot cup of tea. Do note that hotels sell out extremely quickly in Brighton, so planning ahead is an absolute must!
7. Venice: Italy
We started with Venice Beach and we’re ending in Venice – the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region. This iconic holiday destination is one that is loved by all and features meandering canals, sprawling palaces and some of the best Italian food you’ll ever taste. Venice is by far one of the world’s most enchanting waterfront destinations and is best enjoyed by booking a romantic Gondola ride on the water followed by a typical Italian dinner at establishments such as Osteria da Alberto, Ristorante Dalla Marisa and Trattoria Alla Rampa. In your quest to finds the perfect place to dine, we have put together a list of the best restaurants in Venice to help you on your quest.
Whether you’re in search of serenity and peace or an adventure unlike any other, you’re sure to find everything you’re looking for at these 7 must-see waterside destinations around the world. So what are you waiting for? Time to pack those bags, book your ticket and head off on your trip of a lifetime!