5 days ago
7 Waterfront Resorts That Prove Rivers, Lakes, And Bays Are Just As Good As The Beach
The 'waterfront' descriptor may be synonymous with beach access and hotels with ocean views, but it's not limited to seaside properties. You'll get all the same benefits—the gentle breezes, the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and a generally relaxed atmosphere—when staying somewhere that overlooks a river, bay, lake, creek, or any other non-ocean waterway. No, there are no rhythmic waves to watch, but the light reflecting off the water, the passing boats, and the occasional wildlife sighting are just as appealing.
While we all wait for the highly anticipated opening of The Cooper on the eponymous river in Charleston later this year, there are several other waterfront resorts and hotels that aren't by a beach to check out—and we rounded up seven of our favorites below.
Austin, Texas
While Austin is technically landlocked, the Texan city has no shortage of bodies of water to enjoy—from Barton Creek to Lake Austin. The adults-only Lake Austin Spa Resort takes full advantage of its position on the water reservoir, created by a dam on the Colorado River. Spend your days wakeboarding, kayaking, or trying your hand at paddleboard yoga. And if you want to take it a little easier? The sunset cocktail cruise or a private wine cruise should suit you just fine.
1705 S Quinlan Park Rd, Austin, TX 78732
Georgetown, South Carolina
Recently featured in The South's Best, The George Hotel has quickly gained notoriety for its creative design, culinary offerings, and its location on the Sampit River, just a 2-minute walk to the Harborwalk Marina. After an afternoon strolling through Historic Georgetown, come back to the hotel for a quick change and a pre-dinner drink at Eliza's, the relaxed, open-air waterfront bar at the back of the property. Pro tip: Book one of the water-view rooms or a suite with a private balcony for even more magical views.
615 Front St, Georgetown, SC 29440
Bluffton, South Carolina
Montage Palmetto Bluff has a reputation that precedes itself. It's luxurious, family-friendly, and its lineup of amenities and activities is nearly unrivaled; there's sporting clays, horseback riding, golf, complimentary bicycles, and all sorts of water-based activities that revolve around the property's position along the May River. Take a kayak or canoe out right before sunset, fly fish in the salt marsh flats, learn more about the local wildlife on a Dolphin Discovery Cruise, or join a naturalist on a guided paddleboarding tour.
477 Mt Pelia Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910
West Palm Beach, Florida
You stay on Palm Beach for the beach access, but West Palm Beach's views of the Lake Worth Lagoon, filled with luxury yachts, aren't ones to scoff at. Head up to the outdoor pool or the rooftop bar and restaurant at The Ben, Autograph Collection to soak up the Florida sunshine without having to worry about any of the sand or not-so-pleasant wind you'd experience while at a beachfront property. Select rooms look out onto the Palm Harbor Marina, so you can continue your boat-watching from bed.
251 N Narcissus Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Johns Island, South Carolina
The Dunlin, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, opened its doors to guests in the summer of 2024 and immediately became one of the top places to stay in the greater Charleston area. Located on Johns Island, the 72-key resort overlooks the meandering Kiawah River and its spartina grass, marsh flats, and neighboring oak trees. Guests can take to the waterway via a sea kayak, paddleboard, or canoe, getting a closer look at the birds, fish, and bottlenose dolphins that call the river home. There's also the option to embark on a river safari, or go fishing and crabbing along the tidal creeks with local anglers.
6000 Kiawah River Dr, Johns Island, SC 29455
Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
The Greystone Inn is everything a lake retreat should be: cozy, intimate, and filled with places where you can sit and stare out onto the water. The Western North Carolina gem is a year-round getaway for those escaping to Lake Toxaway, but the fresh mountain waters are particularly inviting in the summertime. Guests can access canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards to navigate the largest private lake in the state, or rent a motorized boat from the Lake Toxaway Marina for a few rounds of tubing or waterskiing.
220 Greystone Ln, Lake Toxaway, NC 28747
Robbinsville, North Carolina
As you can probably tell from its name, the Historic Tapaco Lodge has been around for a while—since 1930, to be exact. Tucked into the Great Smoky Mountains in Robbinsville, North Carolina, the property covers about 120 acres along the Cheoah River, a tributary of the Little Tennessee River. The sound of the rushing water, the cabin-like rooms, the riverfront restaurant, and the nightly bonfires work together to create a guest experience that's equally nostalgic as it is comforting.
14981 Tapoco Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771
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