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Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk is lovely for walks, photo ops & festivals

Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk offers a delightful stretch along the New River for sightseeing, photography and romantic walks. 

Riverwalk runs along the river from about Southwest Fifth Street east toward Federal Highway, incorporating Esplanade Park. It also serves as a scenic venue for food festivals and live jazz.  

Photo/Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale

Riverwalk Photography Tips

Jason Leidy, who's with Middle River Arts Photography and is director of photography for Go Riverwalk magazine, offered information about his favorite places for snapshots and sightseeing on Riverwalk.

“There’s a bunch of great photo moments on the Riverwalk. On the North Side, the view from the Broward Center steps looking east is tough to beat.  There’s… an oversized Adirondak chair just east of Esplanade Park that makes for a good sense of place.

“I also love the view from the landing at the West side of the Railroad tracks. You’re at a good height to take in the History District. Heading further East is one of the most Instagrammed public works of art in Fort Lauderdale. “Thrive” by artist Daniel Popper is on display at the breezeway of Society Las Olas.

“On the south side of the Riverwalk, some highlights include the view from Stranahan Landing. Looking north across the New River you can see one of the oldest buildings in Fort Lauderdale, the Stranahan House Museum. The views looking west from Smoker Park are another stunning point of view on the canyon of buildings along the river. Moving West, I’m partial to the floating docks in front of the Downtowner. The restaurant has history and a often overlooked alley to it’s East winds through some fun little courtyard moments. Walking the entire length of the North and South Side of the Riverwalk is always different.”

Photo/Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale

Rentals & Tours

  • Phone or email to verify when vendor is open
  • Riverwalk Recreation offers kayak, standup paddle board & bicycle rentals, and various tours
  • 220 SW Third Ave., Fort Lauderdale 954-526-5159 or info@riverwalkactivities.com

Festivals & Events on Riverwalk

Riverwalk Jazz Brunch

Photo/Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale

Jazz Brunch on Riverwalk, features live entertainment from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first Sunday of the month at different points along the New River. You can pack your own picnic or purchase food from area restaurant vendors. Feel free to bring portable seats or blankets. Leashed pets are permitted. Parking fees apply. Check out directions and a parking map from the City of Fort Lauderdale. For information, call 954-828-5363 or visit the website

Other events at Riverwalk

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Riverwalk International Food Festival in Fort Lauderdale

12:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Smoke on The Water BBQ Feast

12:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | Esplanade Park

Saturday, April 27, 2024

Vegan Block Party in Fort Lauderdale

2:00 pm to 8:00 pm | $10.00-12.50

Fees and Parking

No fees are required for walking on Riverwalk. Parking is usually about $3 or $4 an hour.

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Photo: Deposit Photos, Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk

More free and cheap entertainment this week

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Jazz at Jackson, Miami

12:00 pm | FREE | Alamo Park, Miami-Dade

Food Truck Roll in Lauderhill

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Lauderhill City Hall

Food Truck Thursdays at Highland Oaks Park

5:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Highland Oaks Park

Live music: Clematis by Night, West Palm Beach

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | West Palm Beach Waterfront

Food Trucks in Plantation

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Plantation Heritage Park

Free Twilight concert: The Cure tribute, Delray Beach

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Old School Square, Delray

Free Barbie movie with RSVP, West Palm

6:30 pm to 8:30 pm | FREE | The Square, West Palm Beach

Free live music at Hollywood beach bandshell

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Hollywood beach bandshell

Live music at Doral Yard

7:00 pm to 9:30 pm | FREE | Doral Yard

Trivia nights in Broward

7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE

 

Patti Roth

About Patti Roth

Patti Roth, the editor of Fort Lauderdale on the Cheap, scouts out state and national deals, discounts and coupons for our readers, finding the real deals and presenting them in an easy-to-read format. A veteran newspaper and magazine writer and a longtime South Florida resident, she has written for The Miami Herald, The Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Travel and Life, E Environmental Magazine, Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy, US Architecture and Earth911.com. Send your cheap tips to her at info@fortlauderdaleonthecheap.com.

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