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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

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.
"A beautiful and relaxing place to enjoy with family! Highly recommended for anyone looking to unwind."
🚶♀️ 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Getting Around is a Breeze
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ 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.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
Bring your furry friends for a walk; organized dog walks are sometimes available.
📸 Snap Iconic Photos
Capture memories at the 'Thrive' sculpture and along the picturesque riverbanks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ 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.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
Bring your furry friends for a walk; organized dog walks are sometimes available.
📸 Snap Iconic Photos
Capture memories at the 'Thrive' sculpture and along the picturesque riverbanks.
🚗 Free Circuit Shuttle
If you're without a car, the free Circuit shuttle is a convenient way to get around.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, the free Circuit shuttle and the water taxi are excellent public transportation options that serve the Riverwalk area.
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.
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.
Yes, there are several parking garages and street parking options available near Riverwalk, though they can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
🎫 🎫 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.
Yes, tickets for the water taxi need to be purchased online in advance. They can be pricey, especially for larger groups.
Absolutely! Walking the promenade, enjoying the parks, and riding the free water trolley are all free activities.
Riverwalk is generally accessible during daylight hours, with parks and public spaces open from dawn until dusk. Specific venue hours may vary.
Event tickets are typically booked directly through the organizers or venues hosting them. Check local listings for upcoming events.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy scenic walks, visit museums and galleries, dine at waterfront restaurants, and take a boat tour.
Yes, the 'Thrive' sculpture, the riverbanks, and the bridges offer excellent photo opportunities.
Yes, it's a beautiful and relaxing place for families, with plenty of space to walk and enjoy the waterfront.
Dogs are generally welcome on Riverwalk, and there are even occasional organized dog walks.
You'll find a variety of shops, including boutiques and souvenir stores, particularly along Las Olas Boulevard.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are numerous restaurants and cafes along the Riverwalk and nearby Las Olas Boulevard, offering diverse culinary options.
While some waterfront dining can be upscale, you can find more casual eateries and cafes offering a range of prices.
Yes, Esplanade Park and other green spaces along the Riverwalk are perfect for picnics.
You'll find a variety of cuisines, from American and seafood to international flavors, catering to different tastes.
Yes, there are rooftop bars in the vicinity offering great views and a vibrant atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful lighting, with the 'golden hour' providing stunning shots.
The 'Thrive' sculpture, the bridges over the New River, and the waterfront promenade are highly photogenic.
Absolutely! The river is active with boats, making for dynamic and interesting photography subjects.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of private property and any specific venue rules.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can capture the expanse of the riverfront.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Riverwalk by Water
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.
Art and Culture Along the Riverwalk
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. 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.
Dining and Entertainment Options
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. Additionally, the presence of rooftop bars provides a unique vantage point for enjoying cocktails and the city skyline. 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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit