Make waves this summer on 5 fun-filled urban river cruises

For many folks, summer often means escaping to the beach. But city-folk — and travelers — can take in a dose of water-filled fun this summer without ever leaving town. How? By experiencing one of the numerous river cruises in key cities nationwide.

From a sunset-sail in New York to a culture-filled excursion in Chicago, here are five city river cruises to consider right now.

Classic Harbor Line (New York)

This weekend marks City of Water Day — a fun and event-filled happening to honor the importance of the New York-New Jersey Harbor. And to celebrate, Classic Harbor Line is giving away free sailing trips on its elegant Schooner America 2.0 vessel.

Every day, three envelopes (each with two tickets) are being hidden near the Schooner’s Chelsea mooring with clues tweeted via @ClassicHarbor. Look for them in iconic Chelsea spots such as the High Line, Chelsea Market and Chelsea Piers.

The winning cruises feature top-shelf booze and sightseeing across lower Manhattan from this elegant vessel.

Standard cruises start at $52 for two hours.

Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise (Chicago)

In the city where the skyscraper was founded, nothing beats an architectural tour along the Chicago River.

Held throughout the day, the 90-minute journeys glide past more than a century of iconic Chicago architecture showcasing the city’s well-deserved status as a true aesthetic gem.

Aided by uber-informed guides, the tours highlight some 50 buildings ranging from the gothic and art-deco to modern and postmodern — from Mies van der Rohe’s tallest marvel to Donald Trump’s can’t-miss (and controversial) gleaming riverfront Trump Hotel.

It’s $37.85, plus tax.

National Mall Water Taxi (Alexandria, VA to Washington, DC)

This spring saw the launch of the highly anticipated water taxi between the heart of the nation’s capital and the historic (and exceedingly picturesque) town of Alexandria, VA — once the home of George Washington.

Running between Washington, DC’s National Mall/Smithsonian corridor and Alexandria’s City Marina, the 30-minute jaunt brings riders up close to essential American icons, including the memorials of Martin Luther King Jr. and FDR. Once in Alexandria, the boat leaves you in the heart of history-rich Old Town and its upmarket restaurants and boutiques.

The taxi runs seasonally through Nov. 2 and costs $14 each way.

Charles Riverboat Tours (Boston)

When it comes to cruising Boston’s Charles River, most folks imagine picturesque shots of Harvard rowers gliding along its shimmering surface.

But the Charles is not just for athletes. Pleasure seekers can book a seat for a fun- and fact-filled 60-minute cruise from the Charles Riverboat Company.

Departing from Cambridge, the fully-narrated journey passes Boston landmarks ranging from Beacon Hill and the elegant Back Bay quarter to America’s university titans Harvard and MIT. The company also offers equally compelling cruises detailing the city’s architecture.

From $15.

Gateway Arch Riverboat Cruise (St. Louis)

More than 50 years after its debut, the St. Louis Gateway Arch remains the defining symbol of both “The Mound City” and its position on the Mississippi River.

Unsurprisingly, it’s upon the Mighty Mississippi that visitors can get the best view of the Arch during one of the myriad river cruises departing from the Gateway Arch Riverfront.

Two boats ply the waters — the aptly named Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher — provide either hourlong daytime cruises or foodie-favorite sunset dinner cruises with buffet suppers and live music.

From $14.