Lake Michigan or the Chicago River? Two Incredible Waterfront Dining Options

Chicago is a top destination for many reasons. As the third-largest city in the U.S., this multicultural mecca attracts approximately 86 million visitors a year. Known as The Windy City, it is home to 100 neighborhoods, 36 annual parades, 40 film festivals, 74 music festivals, 600 parks, 500 playgrounds, and so much more, according to Chicago.gov. It is a city ingrained in America’s heartland, and while it has a big-city vibe, it is very much in tune with its Midwest roots.

Chicago is known for its appealing architecture and history. It’s a town that Frank Sinatra sang about and for good reasons. From the museums to gangster walking tours, parks, and sports, this city is exciting and has something for all. Chicago is also a great place for dining. Exceptional cuisine is at your fingertips here, and dining at the unique waterfront along Lake Michigan and the Chicago River is a pure treat for anyone who wants those skyline views alongside some great food.

According to Chicago.gov, the Chicago Riverwalk is a 1.25-mile path with four districts: The Confluence, The Arcade, The Civic, and the Esplanade. The walk takes you right up and close to the Chicago River, offering spectacular sights and a perfect place for dining on the water. As for Lake Michigan, there’s the Navy Pier, which is full of parks, shops, attractions, and great restaurants on the water.

Couple dining on Norfolk waterfront

Gorgeous Waterfront Dining on the Elizabeth River in Norfolk

When it comes to beautiful waterfronts, Norfolk boasts one you won’t want to miss. The unique and popular space along the Elizabeth River serves as the ideal destination for a range of experiences, including dining. In fact, with the spectacular surrounding views, every meal is elevated to unforgettable heights. With several popular restaurants around the area—and City Cruises as the ultimate option for taking waterfront dining—we’ve compiled this guide on the top places to eat with insights to help you discover the best waterfront dining that Norfolk has to offer.

Sail the Elizabeth River with City Cruises in Norfolk

Traditionally, waterfront dining means eating at a restaurant that resides on a shoreline. The benefit to this is breathtaking views and fantastic food, yet the vantage point from this spot isn’t a full 180 degrees. But when you opt to book with City Cruises—whether it’s for a private event or one of our signature products—you get the best of both worlds: top-notch, chef-prepared menus and stunning views of the surrounding area on every side of our stylish floating venues. When you Explore our Norfolk Fleet, you’ll find that our vessels are some of the largest and most luxurious in class, with exceptional, climate-controlled interiors and open-air exterior decks that immerse every guest in the city’s exquisite surroundings.

women taking selfie on boat

Fun in the Sun: The Ultimate Bachelorette Party in Los Angeles

If you’re looking for an out-of-the-box bachelorette party idea, look no further than City Cruises LA for an elevated event that the bride-to-be and her crew will never forget.  The City of Angels, home of celebrities, Hollywood, and swoon-worthy skylines, is the ideal sun-drenched setting for the best beachy vibes, luxurious and posh settings, and everything in between. Hosting a bachelorette party in Southern California means endless possibilities to suit every taste and style. At the heart of the entertainment industry, this expansive city boasts beautiful year-round weather making it a top choice to have a Los Angeles bachelorette party any time of year! Let’s dive into why City Cruises LA is the ultimate destination for the perfect bachelorette party.

City Cruises Admiral Hornblower vessel sailing in San Francisco Bay

City Experiences Top 24 Moments of 2024

As City Cruises sails into its final moments of 2024, we reflect upon a year filled with unforgettable experiences on the water. From rekindling love, and stunning sunsets to lively wedding and anniversary celebrations that transformed our decks into dance floors-this year was nothing short of spectacular. We’ve gone on thrilling whale-watching excursions that left everyone in awe to mouthwatering food tours showcasing local flavors and even dove into a little history along the way. Each cruise and tour offered a unique touch of magic, blending breathtaking views, culinary delights, and the undeniable freedom of being on the water. Here’s to 2024’s top adventures and making waves for years to come!

New York City

The Ultimate New York City Bucket List

When it comes to fun and exciting things to do, few places offer more than New York City. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, a seasoned traveler, or a native New Yorker, this vibrant melting pot of culture, history, art, food, and excitement has a never-ending list of adventures just waiting to be explored. This is why having a New York City bucket list is a great idea!

Crafting the perfect bucket list can be challenging in most places. Luckily, the Big Apple makes it even more challenging, as there is so much to choose from. We’ve compiled the ultimate NYC bucket list—a blend of classic attractions, hidden gems, and options from City Experiences that capture the spirit of the city.

City Experiences is the Perfect Partner for Building a Bucket List

City Experiences offers unique ways to discover New York City, from luxurious dining cruises to immersive walking tours. We combine the city’s best features—its history, culture, and iconic skyline—into curated experiences that cater to locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, exploring for the first time, or rediscovering your love for the Big Apple, these experiences ensure that the adventures on your bucket list are anything but ordinary.

Santa with a little girl sitting on his lap and a Christmas tree in background.

Set Sail with Christmas Spirit for a Magical Dining Experience with Santa

The holiday season is a time for family, fun, and creating lasting memories. One of the most magical ways to celebrate this joyful time of year is by embarking on a City Cruises experience and dining with Santa Claus himself! The man in red symbolizes the spirit of the season, providing excitement, love, and the ultimate festive setting. Combining the wonder of Christmas with a luxurious dining experience on the water, this adventure is perfect for families seeking to make their holiday season truly special.

From winter wonderland decor and delicious meals to stunning views and Santa’s jolly presence, here’s why dining with Santa is a must-do holiday experience for the whole family. This one-of-a-kind spectacle is only available in select locations, which are listed below.

Step Into a Winter Wonderland Aboard City Cruises

From the moment you step aboard our yacht, you’ll be transported into a winter wonderland. Each vessel is decked out in festive decor, featuring twinkling lights, garlands, and a holiday ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience with Saint Nick. For children, the excitement begins as soon as they step aboard and are greeted by holiday cheer at every turn. Adults, imagine sipping hot cocoa or a festive cocktail while taking in panoramic views of the city’s skyline and iconic landmarks, all while Christmas carols play softly in the background.

Newport Beach is a Top Spot for Waterfront Dining Along the Coast

Beautiful Newport Beach is one of the many highlights of California. As part of the beautiful Southern California coastline, Newport Beach is at the center of Orange County. This city is known for its spectacular views along its popular waterfront, a perfect harbor, luxury yachts, and celebrity homes. It has everything from divine eats and shopping to surfing and whale watching.

There’s a host of things to do in this “coastal haven known for its world-class food, picturesque shoreline, and tranquil bay waters,” according to VisitNewportBeach.com. When it comes to nightlife and food, Newport Beach has a great dining atmosphere, great restaurants, chic lounges, and places to dance the night away. “Dining in Newport Beach is a culinary journey — a choose-your-own-adventure where artisanal concepts are elevated by masterful technique, locally sourced ingredients, and freshly caught seafood befitting a coastal destination,” the website said.

The Best Waterfront Dinner Experience in Newport Beach is with City Cruises

Dinner never tasted so good as on the Newport Beach Premier Dinner Cruise. If there is anything elegant in Newport Beach, it’s an evening on the harbor on a City Cruises yacht. This 2.5-hour cruise promises delicious fare prepared by our top chefs. A plated dinner awaits you, featuring Honeycrisp apple salad, California clam chowder for starters, and smoked chili-rubbed Atlantic salmon with seasonal potato gnocchi for your main course. Indulge in delicious cocktails while you and your guests enjoy the live DJ entertainment. The star of the evening features awe-inspiring sights such as beautiful beaches, towering yachts, and sprawling mansions. It’s an experience you will treasure for years to come. Don’t forget to bring a light sweater or jacket as it can get breezy onboard.

Couple enjoying dinner in Marina del Rey on a City Cruises vessel

The Top Places for Waterfront Dining in Marina del Rey

Marina del Rey is known the world over for its exquisite beauty. Boasting views of Southern California’s beautiful marina, towering yachts, and gorgeous homes—coupled with a close proximity to Los Angeles—the city is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. With exceptional options for dining, the combination of Marina del Rey Harbor views and delicious food is a winner for foodies everywhere. Determining which venues offer the best of both worlds can take some research. City Cruises will be your guide to the top places for waterfront dining in Marina del Rey!

Choose City Cruises for Your Waterfront Venue in Marina del Rey

Let’s discuss how to make the most of Marina del Rey’s waterfront dining by discussing the obvious choice: book an experience with City Cruises. We offer several delectable products to choose from, as well as the option to use our vessels for private events. That means the sky’s the limit on what you can choose to do.

From social outings and weddings to holidays and corporate gatherings, City Cruises’ private events seamlessly combine a unique floating venue with all-inclusive packages, chef-prepared meals, entertainment options, and full-bar service that can be customized to fit your budget. One look at our Marina del Rey Group & Private Events page, and you’ll discover how to make the most of the city and its surroundings. Explore Our Marina del Rey Fleet, and you’ll find that our vessels are some of the largest and most luxurious in class, with beautifully designed climate-controlled interiors and open-air exterior decks that showcase the most exceptional views of the area.

Group enjoying eating on the Los Angeles waterfront on City Cruises vessel

The Best Waterfront Dining in Beautiful Los Angeles

When it comes to good food, you’d be hard-pressed to find a state with a more diverse selection of options than sunny California. With so many great food cities in The Golden State, you can enjoy good eats no matter where you are. If you get the opportunity to visit Los Angeles, it is a spectacular choice for waterfront dining. LA’s unique and popular waterfront along the Southern California coast is second to none, and many of the city’s restaurants are routinely on the list of the best eateries in the entire country, including Budonoki, Loreto, and Antico Nuovo. For a truly immersive waterfront dining experience, you need to be on the water—and with City Cruises, you can make that happen. As one of the Los Angeles area’s top places to eat on the water, our City Cruises vessels are perfect for private waterfront events, fine dining cruises, and fun with the whole family. From plated meals to luxurious buffets and a variety of high-quality cocktails, we focus on using local and seasonal ingredients to elevate your dining experience.

City Cruises’ Floating Restaurants Perfect for Waterfront Dining

Our fleet of top-of-the-line yachts and charter vessels in Los Angeles includes:

• Entertainer: The flagship of City Cruises Marina del Rey fleet, and the largest charter yacht in the marina with 6,600 square feet of event space on three spacious decks.
• Marina Hornblower: With double bars and a dance floor perfect for parties.
• Just Dreamin: A popular choice for celebrations and corporate charters
• Cabaret: Known for its cozy open bow area.

Aside from the delicious food and drinks, you and your guests will love the luxurious state-of-the-art amenities on board. With gorgeous decks, elegant interiors, and modern facilities, you’ll feel pampered while enjoying all that the cruise has to offer. Let’s not forget about the stunning photography opportunities! With iconic city landmarks as your backdrop, your photos will be nothing short of breathtaking.