Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale - A bridge spans over the water with modern architecture.
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Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale

4.6
·1k reviews·Fort Lauderdale, United States

A charming mile-long promenade along the New River, offering scenic views, public art, and access to dining and cultural attractions.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
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Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale - A bridge spans over the water with modern architecture.

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming mile-long promenade along the New River, offering scenic views, public art, and access to dining and cultural attractions.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"A beautiful and relaxing place to enjoy with family! Highly recommended for anyone looking to unwind."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Waterfront

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the New River for stunning views and a relaxing experience.

💧 Ride the Free Trolley

Utilize the free water trolley for a scenic tour and easy access to different parts of the Riverwalk.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

New River Promenade

New River Promenade

Along the New River

A scenic mile-long waterfront path perfect for leisurely strolls, people-watching, and enjoying river views.

Water Taxi & Trolley

Water Taxi & Trolley

Various stops along the Riverwalk

Explore the city from the water with hop-on, hop-off options offering unique perspectives and convenient transport.

Esplanade Park

Esplanade Park

East of Federal Highway

A beautiful park space along the river, ideal for relaxing, picnics, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

Thrive Sculpture

Thrive Sculpture

Near the Broward Center for the Performing Arts

An iconic public art installation offering a great photo opportunity and a symbol of the city's cultural scene.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat and Crowds

Fort Lauderdale's Riverwalk is best enjoyed during cooler parts of the day. Mornings and late afternoons offer pleasant temperatures for exploring. Consider visiting on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.

Getting Around is a Breeze

While walking is ideal, Fort Lauderdale offers free Circuit shuttles and a water trolley for easy access to Riverwalk and surrounding areas. This is a great option if you don't have a car or want to avoid parking hassles.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

If you’re visiting Fort Lauderdale Beach and don’t have a car, the City of Fort Lauderdale and local businesses have funded Circuit, a free shuttle service in Fort Lauderdale Beach. #florida #circuit #fortlauderdale #fortlauderdalebeach #fortlauderdalecircuit #uber #dontdrinkanddrive
@sarahrachelkagan
41.7K likes • 627.3K views

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Waterfront

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the New River for stunning views and a relaxing experience. Instagram

💧 Ride the Free Trolley

Utilize the free water trolley for a scenic tour and easy access to different parts of the Riverwalk. Reddit

New Rooftop in Fort Lauderdale #thingstodoinmiami #rooftopbar #fortlauderdale #uniquefinds
@peakacity
22.8K likes • 609K views
FT LAUDERDALE // ☀️ This mile long Riverwalk waterfront is a gem in this city and a must do if you’re here! We walked along @wharfftl , watched @fortlauderdalewatertaxi 🚤 as it cruised by and ate at @bhriverside for lunch 🍹 @riverwalkftl <<< check it out #fortlauderdale #visitfl #charlestonmom #sandiegomom #momlife #visitfortlauderdale #riverwalk #beachmom #floridawithkids
lindsayfromca
1.1K likes • 24.9K views

🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls

Bring your furry friends for a walk; organized dog walks are sometimes available. Instagram

📸 Snap Iconic Photos

Capture memories at the 'Thrive' sculpture and along the picturesque riverbanks. Instagram

Next stop: Fort Lauderdale! 🚊 Hop off Brightline and explore the city by water taxi, stroll along the Riverwalk, snap a pic at the Thrive sculpture, and shop or dine on vibrant Las Olas Blvd.
gobrightline
0 likes • 45.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Waterfront

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the New River for stunning views and a relaxing experience. Instagram

💧 Ride the Free Trolley

Utilize the free water trolley for a scenic tour and easy access to different parts of the Riverwalk. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls

Bring your furry friends for a walk; organized dog walks are sometimes available. Instagram

📸 Snap Iconic Photos

Capture memories at the 'Thrive' sculpture and along the picturesque riverbanks. Instagram

🚗 Free Circuit Shuttle

If you're without a car, the free Circuit shuttle is a convenient way to get around. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale for its beautiful waterfront views, relaxing atmosphere, and family-friendly appeal. The free water trolley and convenient shuttle services are highlighted as major perks for exploring the area. While some note the presence of homelessness, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many recommending it as a must-visit for its charm and scenic beauty.

"Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is a beautiful and relaxing place to enjoy with family! We had an awesome time walking along the waterfront, taking in the views, and riding the free water trolley — such a great touch, especially for visitors. The area is clean, safe, and full of charm, with plenty of spots to sit, take pictures, or grab a bite nearby. It’s a perfect mix of nature, city, and culture. Highly recommended for anyone looking to unwind and enjoy the best of Fort Lauderdale!"

Juan Valencia

"The free water trolley gives you a 20 minute ride to check out all the walk with amazing views but you can also walk around and use the bridge to cross. I think it is super worth to take. Other than that not a lot to do. I walked around and found a museum and cute spots for pictures. A lot of homelessness folks in the picnic area and benches around.
Watertaxi is also available to go to the beach but I found it too expensive since it is a 32 per person ride. Tickets must be purchased online. Wouldn't recommend for a large group."

Zyanya Che

"The Riverwalk at FLL never gets old, great for walking and enjoy the breeze, beautiful area!"

Manuel Jiménez

What People Like

Beautiful waterfront views
Relaxing atmosphere
Free water trolley

What People Dislike

Presence of homelessness

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is accessible by car, with parking available in nearby garages. For a car-free experience, consider using the free Circuit shuttle service or the water taxi. TikTokReddit

Yes, the free Circuit shuttle and the water taxi are excellent public transportation options that serve the Riverwalk area. TikTokInstagram

From Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL), you can take a taxi, rideshare service, or public transport to reach Riverwalk. The journey typically takes about 15-20 minutes. Reddit

While it's a bit of a walk, you can reach Riverwalk from Fort Lauderdale Beach. Alternatively, the water taxi or Circuit shuttle can connect you between the two areas. Instagram

Yes, there are several parking garages and street parking options available near Riverwalk, though they can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale itself is a public park and promenade, so there is no entrance fee to walk around and enjoy the scenery. Instagram

Yes, tickets for the water taxi need to be purchased online in advance. They can be pricey, especially for larger groups. Reddit

Absolutely! Walking the promenade, enjoying the parks, and riding the free water trolley are all free activities. Reddit

Riverwalk is generally accessible during daylight hours, with parks and public spaces open from dawn until dusk. Specific venue hours may vary. Instagram

Event tickets are typically booked directly through the organizers or venues hosting them. Check local listings for upcoming events. Reddit

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy scenic walks, visit museums and galleries, dine at waterfront restaurants, and take a boat tour. InstagramReddit

Yes, the 'Thrive' sculpture, the riverbanks, and the bridges offer excellent photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Yes, it's a beautiful and relaxing place for families, with plenty of space to walk and enjoy the waterfront. Reddit

Dogs are generally welcome on Riverwalk, and there are even occasional organized dog walks. Instagram

You'll find a variety of shops, including boutiques and souvenir stores, particularly along Las Olas Boulevard. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are numerous restaurants and cafes along the Riverwalk and nearby Las Olas Boulevard, offering diverse culinary options. Instagram

While some waterfront dining can be upscale, you can find more casual eateries and cafes offering a range of prices. Reddit

Yes, Esplanade Park and other green spaces along the Riverwalk are perfect for picnics. Reddit

You'll find a variety of cuisines, from American and seafood to international flavors, catering to different tastes. Instagram

Yes, there are rooftop bars in the vicinity offering great views and a vibrant atmosphere. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful lighting, with the 'golden hour' providing stunning shots. Instagram

The 'Thrive' sculpture, the bridges over the New River, and the waterfront promenade are highly photogenic. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The river is active with boats, making for dynamic and interesting photography subjects. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of private property and any specific venue rules. Instagram

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can capture the expanse of the riverfront. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is a fantastic destination for families. The wide, paved paths are perfect for strollers and little ones to explore. The free water trolley is a definite hit with kids, offering a fun boat ride with great views of the river and passing boats. Reddit Pack a picnic to enjoy in Esplanade Park, which offers plenty of green space for children to run around. The relaxed atmosphere and scenic beauty make it an enjoyable outing for all ages. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

Fort Lauderdale's Riverwalk is a welcoming spot for your canine companions. The promenade provides ample space for dogs to walk and enjoy the fresh air. Keep an eye out for organized dog walks that sometimes take place, offering a chance for your pup to socialize. Instagram Remember to bring water for your pet and always clean up after them to keep the Riverwalk beautiful for everyone. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale offers a safe and engaging environment for solo travelers. You can enjoy a peaceful walk along the river, visit museums, or relax at a cafe. The water taxi or trolley provides an easy way to explore without needing to navigate unfamiliar streets alone. InstagramReddit It's a great place to unwind and enjoy your own company amidst beautiful surroundings. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Riverwalk by Water

One of the most unique ways to experience Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is from the water. The Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi offers a hop-on, hop-off service that connects various points of interest, including the Riverwalk, Las Olas Boulevard, and the beach. This provides a fantastic perspective of the city's waterfront architecture and lush scenery. InstagramReddit For a more budget-friendly option, the free water trolley offers a shorter, scenic ride along the New River, allowing you to see key landmarks without needing to drive or find parking. Reddit

Many visitors rave about the convenience and enjoyment of these water-based tours. It's a great way to cover more ground and see the city from a different angle, especially if you're looking to avoid the heat or simply want a more relaxed way to sightsee. Remember to check schedules and purchase tickets in advance, especially for the water taxi, as it can be a popular choice. Reddit

Art and Culture Along the Riverwalk

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is more than just a scenic path; it's a cultural hub. The area is home to several galleries and museums, including the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, which showcases a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art. Instagram The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is also a prominent fixture, hosting a variety of theatrical productions, concerts, and other cultural events throughout the year. Instagram

Public art is also a significant feature, with installations like the 'Thrive' sculpture serving as popular photo spots and symbols of the city's artistic spirit. Instagram+1 Strolling along the Riverwalk offers opportunities to discover smaller art installations and appreciate the blend of urban development with artistic expression. Many visitors find these cultural elements add a rich layer to their experience of the Riverwalk. Reddit

Dining and Entertainment Options

The Riverwalk and its adjacent areas, particularly Las Olas Boulevard, are brimming with dining and entertainment choices. You can find everything from casual cafes and bistros to upscale waterfront restaurants offering stunning views of the New River. Instagram Many establishments feature outdoor seating, allowing you to soak in the vibrant atmosphere while enjoying your meal. Reddit

For those looking for a lively evening, the area around the The Wharf Fort Lauderdale offers a popular spot for drinks and socializing, often featuring live music and events. Instagram Additionally, the presence of rooftop bars provides a unique vantage point for enjoying cocktails and the city skyline. TikTok Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner, a casual lunch, or a fun night out, Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale provides a diverse culinary and entertainment landscape. Reddit

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