Riverside Drive Waterfront
Charming waterfront town with quaint shops, scenic parks, and boat tours to the Thousand Islands.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Riverside Drive Waterfront
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Charming waterfront town with quaint shops, scenic parks, and boat tours to the Thousand Islands.
"A beautiful town with shops, restaurants, ice cream, and Adirondack chairs overlooking the river. Relaxing."
🚶♀️ Stroll the Waterfront Path
Enjoy a scenic walk or jog on the paved path, perfect for exercise and river views. :athletic_shoe:
🧀 Don't Miss River Rat Cheese
A must-visit shop for delicious local cheeses and unique finds. :cheese_wedge:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Waterfront Parks
Along Riverside Drive
Relaxing parks with Adirondack chairs offering stunning river views and people-watching opportunities.
Quaint Shops
Along Riverside Drive
Discover unique art galleries and charming boutiques showcasing local beauty and crafts.
Riverfront Walking Path
Spanning Riverside Drive
A paved path perfect for a brisk walk or a leisurely stroll with continuous river vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Waterfront Charm
Best Western Plus Waterfront Hotel
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What do you think Clayton, NY needs in the area as a local?
🚶♀️ Stroll the Waterfront Path
Enjoy a scenic walk or jog on the paved path, perfect for exercise and river views. :athletic_shoe:
🧀 Don't Miss River Rat Cheese
A must-visit shop for delicious local cheeses and unique finds. :cheese_wedge:
Visiting 1000 islands, what to eat, do, and visit? (near the ledges and marina)
Thousand Islands recommendations
🐶 Dog-Friendly Town
Bring your furry friends along; the town and waterfront parks are welcoming to dogs. :dog:
🛥️ Boat Tours Available
Consider a boat tour to explore the beautiful Thousand Islands. :ferry:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Stroll the Waterfront Path
Enjoy a scenic walk or jog on the paved path, perfect for exercise and river views. :athletic_shoe:
🧀 Don't Miss River Rat Cheese
A must-visit shop for delicious local cheeses and unique finds. :cheese_wedge:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Town
Bring your furry friends along; the town and waterfront parks are welcoming to dogs. :dog:
🛥️ Boat Tours Available
Consider a boat tour to explore the beautiful Thousand Islands. :ferry:
🍦 Treat Yourself
Plenty of ice cream shops to cool off on a warm day. :icecream:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the charming waterfront atmosphere, with its quaint shops, relaxing parks, and beautiful river views. The town is praised for its dog-friendly nature and abundance of dining options, especially those with waterside seating. While a day trip is often sufficient for exploring, the allure of boat tours to the Thousand Islands is a major draw.
"What’s not to like about Clayton. One of the thousand island towns located directly on the St. Lawrence River. I spend as much time as I can in Clayton when I’m not traveling out of the area. Clayton has Small Quaint shops who feature beautiful art that captures the true beauty of living by the water. Many good food choices with seating directly on the water. One of my favorite attractions of Clayton are the waterfront parks where you can sit relax and people watch. They also have a waterfront walking path ( Paved) that spans from one end of Clayton to the other walk it 2-3 times along the water for a nice brisk walk as part of your motioning and evening exercise routine. They also have free transient boat mourning as well as paid overnight boat slips. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have."
Paul Bentz
"This is a small town with shops, restaurants, museums, parks, and a beautiful waterfront and marina. It is dogfriendly. It a nice town to spend the day. Unless you have a boat to sail to other islands, a day is plenty to explore this town."
Tilly Lo
"Beautiful town. Shops, restaurants, ice cream, Adirondack chairs overlooking the river. Relaxing. Must go to River Rat Cheese shop while you're there."
Randy H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Riverside Drive Waterfront is located in Clayton, NY. If driving, use GPS for 'Clayton, NY'. Parking is available along Riverside Drive and in designated lots. For those arriving by boat, free transient boat mooring and paid overnight slips are available at the marina.
Public transportation options directly to Riverside Drive Waterfront are limited. It's best accessed by car. If coming from a nearby city, consider ride-sharing services or local taxi options.
The most popular way is by taking a boat tour departing from the marina. Several companies offer guided tours of the Thousand Islands.
Yes, if you are staying at hotels like the Best Western Plus Waterfront Hotel, Riverside Drive Waterfront is easily accessible on foot, offering a pleasant stroll to the shops and parks.
The drive along the St. Lawrence River can be scenic. Consider routes that hug the coastline for picturesque views as you approach Clayton.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the waterfront parks along Riverside Drive are free to access and enjoy. You can relax, people-watch, and take in the river views without any admission fee.
Shop hours can vary, but most are open daily during the peak season, typically from late morning to early evening. It's advisable to check individual shop websites or call ahead if you have specific stores in mind.
Yes, while free transient boat mooring is available, there are also paid overnight boat slips. Contact the marina directly for current rates and availability.
Clayton has museums like the Antique Boat Museum. While the waterfront itself is free, museums typically have admission fees. Check their respective websites for current pricing.
It's recommended to book boat tours in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and preferred time.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy leisurely walks on the paved path, relax in waterfront parks, browse quaint shops, dine at riverside restaurants, and take boat tours of the Thousand Islands.
Yes, there are many good food choices with seating directly on the water, offering a variety of dining experiences.
Absolutely! It's a dog-friendly town with parks, shops, and ice cream, making it a pleasant spot for families to spend the day.
You'll find quaint shops featuring beautiful art, local crafts, and unique gifts. Don't miss the River Rat Cheese shop!
Public Wi-Fi availability can be spotty. It's best to rely on your mobile data or check with individual establishments if Wi-Fi is crucial for your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfront parks offer stunning views of the St. Lawrence River, especially during sunrise and sunset. The marina with its boats also makes for picturesque shots.
Late afternoons and early mornings provide the best light for photography, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow over the water and town.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check local ordinances and FAA guidelines before flying a drone in the area to ensure compliance.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for expansive river views.
Generally, yes, but it's always polite to ask permission from the shop owner or staff before taking photos, especially if it involves close-ups of merchandise.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While a full day can be spent exploring the shops and parks, consider a family-friendly boat tour for an unforgettable experience on the water. Many tours are designed to be engaging for all ages, offering a chance to see the beauty of the Thousand Islands without requiring extensive walking. It's a destination that offers a good balance of activity and relaxation for families.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Explorers
While pets may not be allowed inside all shops or museums, the abundance of outdoor spaces, parks, and the general welcoming atmosphere make it a comfortable place for pet owners. Remember to always keep your dog leashed and clean up after them to ensure the continued welcoming environment for all visitors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Thousand Islands
When planning your boat tour, consider the different durations and routes offered. Some tours focus on the scenic beauty, while others might highlight specific islands or historical landmarks. Booking in advance is often a good idea, especially during the busy summer months, to ensure you get your preferred time slot. The experience is often described as breathtaking and a highlight of any trip to Clayton.
A Day of Leisure and Local Flavors
Complementing the shopping are numerous dining options, many with prime seating directly on the water. This allows visitors to savor local cuisine while enjoying picturesque river views. Don't forget to stop by the famous River Rat Cheese shop for a taste of local dairy products. For a sweet treat, numerous ice cream parlors are scattered throughout the area, perfect for a warm day.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit