When the summer heats up, the coolest place to be is by the water–literally.

And even if you’re in a city, you can find free and affordable waterfront activities all summer long.

What’s cool about the San Antonio Riverwalk is that it connects all the city’s major attractions.

Walk along the 5-mile stretch with a free audio tour from Hugman River Tour, or try out the river taxi service.

A 24-hour day pass is just $10, and it stops at 39 points along the river, including the Museum of Art and the Pearl Brewery art and culinary complex.

Boston’s Harborwalk is packed with free summer events, like outdoor movie screenings and evening concerts.

The Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District in Fort Lauderdale is a partnership of different organizations along the New River.

We’re talking farmers markets, live music, and even outdoor yoga and tango lessons overlooking the water.

And here’s an unusual one: Waterplace Park in Providence, Rhode Island hosts an annual event called WaterFire, where they actually light 80 bonfires on the rivers, which you can view on the shores or by gondola.

Splash away the heat in our Water Sports section.

And check out the rest of our Daily Travel Tips here.