Mobile Named as Top 8 Waterfront Cities in the World
Jun 7th, 2006
The City of Mobile is featured in the June issue of Continental Airline’s in-flight magazine on the exclusive list of the world’s top eight water-based cities. Mobile has been chosen alongside the well-known waterside destinations of Amsterdam, Chicago, Los Cabos, Montego Bay, San Diego, Miami and Hong Kong. See below for the entire article.THE LIFE AQUATIC
When scientists search the universe for signs of life, the first thing they look for is evidence of water. Here on earth, the most discerning life forms gravitate toward water in all its manifestations: sunning themselves at the ocean’s edge, swimming in lakes, floating down rivers, and splashing in pools. And while almost every city provides its inhabitants with some sort of watery respite, these seven options make a big splash.
Mobile: Tucked back from the Gulf of Mexico in Mobile Bay, whose watery fingers pry into the land in every direction, the locals here know the pleasures of the Gulf Coast as well as anyone. With a cruise port, the Maritime Museum, a convention center, and new hotels like the Riverview Plaza Renaissance (which is being renovated with nautical motifs), Mobile is creating a waterfront rebirth for itself, while wisely keeping sight of its unique southern Creole character. The best way to get a feel for the water is by setting sail aboard the Joshua, the official tall ship of Mobile.
Chicago: Ocean-oriented East and West Coasters might need an attitude adjustment in order to think of the Windy City as a “water city,” but with 15 miles of beaches along Lake Michigan, Chicago stakes a rightful claim. Chicagoans thirsty for waterfront views hang out at the restaurants, shops, carnival rides (including a 150-foot Ferris wheel), and performance spaces at Navy Pier, where they can also rent bikes or skates to tour the lakefront. Pedal boats are available for rent in Lincoln Park, and cruises of all kinds are available on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.
Los Cabos: At the tip of the southward-pointing pinkie of desert called Baja California, Los Cabos basks in the Mexican sun between the wild Pacific and the sheltered Sea of Cortés, where gray whales come to breed every winter. Catamarans, sailboats, fishing boats, and yachts offer activities ranging from snorkeling to the ever-popular “booze cruise.” A sunset supper aboard the CaboRey Dinner Cruiser is a perfect way to make the transition from marine life to nightlife, and the Hilton Los Cabos, with its infinity pool, serene landscape, and protected beach cove, makes a nice port to sail back into when the day is done.
Miami: From the air, the waterways, marshes, and beaches of Miami, Los Cabos’ steamy Easy Coast counterpart, shimmer. On the ground, the sultry, tropical air makes the cool ocean waters all the more alluring. For a glimpse of how the other half lives in and around South Florida, head to nearby Key Biscayne and the Miami Seaquarium, which reopened in February after closing due to damage from Hurricane Wilma last October.
Montego Bay: Water has a way of washing away inhibitions, or at least that’s how it seems at Couples Ocho Rios after a day of sunning and swimming au naturel. The recently renovated resort, which includes a private island 60 miles east of Jamaica’s MoBay, is an institution in the world of romantic getaways. Guests can canoodle under the stars in one of the private plunge pools available at the resort’s Villa Suites or, if they’re more adventurous, tube down the indescribably blue White River.
San Diego: Claiming the last 70-plus miles of California’s coastline before the Pacific Coast Highway runs into Tijuana, San Diego County offers a mouthwatering selection of beaches, including Leucadia, a hidden treacherous nook frequented by hardcore surfers and locals, and wide family-friendly stretches like Del Mar. Home to the largest naval fleet in the world, and a cruise port that welcomes some 180 ships each year, San Diego is a place where water rules.
Hong Kong: With a name that means “fragrant harbor” in Cantonese, Hong Kong is literally defined by water. The city’s South China Sea location situates it at the center of Asian destinations. The Pearl of the Orient is a magnet for cruise ships, which dock at luminous Victoria Harbour. Star Cruises’ Star Pisces offers one- and two-night voyages out to sea — just right for visitors who still want time to explore the city itself. Ferries also take passengers on day trips to outlying islands like Cheung Chau and the rural fishing community of Peng Chau.