Things to Do in The Riverwalk and New River
A walkway, a string of parks and a working river through the middle of downtown.
See top-rated activities »About the Riverwalk
The New River winds through downtown Fort Lauderdale in tight bends, and for much of its length a brick walkway follows the water. This is the Riverwalk, a linear park that connects a series of smaller parks, plazas and docks on both banks. On a single walk you pass yachts tied up beside office towers, old houses tucked among new apartment buildings, and drawbridges that lift every so often to let tall boats through. Benches, shade trees and the steady boat traffic make it one of the most pleasant places in the city to spend an hour.
Esplanade Park, near the Broward Center and the science museum, is a common starting point, with views across the river and a playground nearby. Walking east, the path runs past the historic district and the Stranahan House toward the Las Olas bridge. The Riverwalk organization keeps a calendar of concerts, markets, fitness classes and festivals held along the water through the year.
Many visitors see the river from a boat rather than the bank. The Water Taxi runs a hop-on, hop-off service with dozens of stops on the river and the Intracoastal Waterway, and its captains narrate the trip, so an all-day pass doubles as a sightseeing tour. The Jungle Queen, a riverboat that has carried passengers since 1935, runs sightseeing cruises past waterfront estates and an evening dinner and show cruise. Smaller operators offer private gondola rides, sunset cruises and holiday-lights trips in December, when homes along the canals put up elaborate displays.
If you have only an hour, walk the stretch between Esplanade Park and the Stranahan House and watch a bridge open. With half a day, ride the Water Taxi east to the Intracoastal, get off for lunch and return by boat in the late afternoon light. Mornings are the quietest time on the path, while evenings bring joggers, dog walkers and diners heading to the restaurants along the water.
Don’t Miss
The walkway and parks along the New River, with an events calendar of concerts, markets and festivals.
A riverside park between the Broward Center and the science museum, and a good place to start a walk east along the water.
Narrated hop-on, hop-off boats with all-day passes and stops along the river, the Intracoastal and near the beach.
A riverboat in service since 1935, offering daytime sightseeing cruises and an evening dinner and show cruise. Check the website for the current boarding dock.
Private gondola rides for small groups through the waterways, with a dinner cruise option. Reservations required.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in the Riverwalk
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. Las Olas & Riverwalk may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Get free trip quotes »the Riverwalk — FAQ
How do I get from the Riverwalk to the beach by boat?
The Water Taxi links stops on the New River with the Intracoastal Waterway and stops near the beach. An all-day pass lets you get on and off as often as you like, so you can combine the ride with lunch or a swim.
Where does the Jungle Queen leave from?
The Jungle Queen usually boards at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center on Seabreeze Boulevard near the beach, and uses a temporary dock downtown during the boat show. Check the Jungle Queen website for the dock in use when you book.
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