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    Esplanade Park

    4.7 (32 reviews)

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    Paris G.

    Came here yesterday for the first annual Pizza Festival and it was a blast. I got the VIP ticket ($70 per person) but it was so worth it. You get to be in the VIP tent, there are appetizers served,an open bar, and unlimited pizza. All the pizza is made fresh in front of you hot and fresh. This was such a great experience especially because pizza is my favorite food. I mean I has pizza I never thought of even having before like pizza with pistachios. They even had a Dubai Chocolate Pizza. Overall this festival was amazing and I can't wait to go back next year.

    Daren R.

    Beautiful public park across from the IMAX directly on the Fort Lauderdale River lined by yachts and sailboats. The park hosts several events which includes the Annual Riverwalk Chili Cookoff which we attended. Lots of people riding bikes, walking with baby strollers and kids skateboarding. Just a very tranquil park to rent bikes or read a book under a tree, listen to birds chirping and kids screaming out of sheer boredom - just saying.

    Laura R.

    It was a cool breeze today and decided to take a walk through the Esplanade Park which is directly across from the Museum of Discovery & Science. The river was beautiful with many boats and families taking pictures. I have been to a few festivals at this park which gets extremely busy. The only negative here would be the crazy parking price in the public garage. At least the park offers free public bathrooms.

    Vicki M.

    This is a pretty downtown park right on the river in Fort Lauderdale. It is convenient to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Museum of Discovery and Science, as well as within walking distance to many local restaurants. The park hosts a jazz brunch the first Sunday of most months, Hundreds of people bring chairs and food to sit along the river and listen to some great music. The park hosts other events throughout the year as well. It is a delightful stroll along the river There are also bike rentals at the entrance of the park. I have always seen walkers, joggers and bikers along the brick walkway. You are guaranteed to see beautiful boats and yachts as well as the local water taxi. As with any urban park, Esplanade Park is not without homeless people however I have never observed any problems. I recommend a visit to Esplanade Park For a stroll along the river when you are in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

    Gazebo
    Robert S.

    This is one of the prettiest parks in Fort Lauderdale, located right on the river, it's next to the Performing Arts Center and the Museum of Discovery and Science...many concerts, events, festivals take place in this park. There's a large gazebo that is used by many music groups when there are concerts...you can see the water taxis and yachts go by right in front of the park. There are public restrooms and lots of trees for a shady sojourn. Parking like most places in downtown is tough, but there are several parking garages and parking meters around. The scenic views make this park a perfect place to take long walks, whether it be during daytime or at night. If you go during the day you might be able to find numerous food trucks nearby, or you can go paddle boating in the river. At nighttime, when everything is lit up, the glass covered pavilion looks fantastic. There are many restaurants nearby, so you can feed your appetite with a short walk. The IMAX theatre is only 70 feet away and a Museum 66 feet in the other direction. Just take some time to explore this beautiful park next time you are in downtown by the Riverwalk.

    Esplanade Park, Fort Lauderdale
    Bruce K.

    A brief stop at this lovely park in downtown Fort Lauderdale that is located alongside a bend in the New River. It is next to the Museum of Discover and Science and the Center for the Performing Arts. As one might expect for a tropical climate, the park is deep with local plants and trees. There are clear paved paths and benches for sitting in the shade. There was no Jazz in the Park running today but there were a few people out and about. Fort Lauderdale has a significant homeless population but they mostly keep to themselves. Still, be aware of your surroundings. [Review 13280 overall, 598 of 2020.]

    Karen N.

    This park has everything!! Absolutely beautiful. The city hosts many events on the weekends. Take advantage of Jazz Brunch which draws a huge crowd. You can bring your dog as long as it is well behaved. Sit in a lawn chair under some trees and have a snack from one of the food trucks. The bathrooms are kept clean which is a major plus. There is a water taxi that makes a stop at this location.

    My little girl and I having a good time 3
    Deborah C.

    So when I need a little getaway and my little girl needs to just run and be safe I love coming here. Always clean and highly recommend!!!

    Ariel W.

    I really love this park. I think it is one of the most beautiful places in Ft. Lauderdale. For years I have shot my Christmas card and holiday pictures here. A wide path winds along the New River and curves around before ending at the Broward Performing Arts Center. Amenities include benches, bike rentals, and picnic tables. Directly across from the Museum of Science and Discovery is a huge lawn and a large gazebo perfect for cultural arts performances. There is a bathroom adjacent to the gazebo. Along the sea wall is the perfect place to sit and watch the boats cruise by. Near the Performing Arts Center is the Ft. Lauderdale Police Memorial honoring fallen officers. Also in this area is the Lone Sailor Statue which is a replica of one at the United States Navy Memorial in Washington D.C. It stands in tribute to all of those who serve in the navy. The most popular event held here is the Sunday Jazz Brunch held on the first Sunday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Other events held here during the year include the Riverwalk fall festival, Smoke on the Water BBQ Feast & Competition, Light up Lauderdale, and the Stone Crab and Seafood Festival. A full listing of events and dates can be found on the go riverwalk web site. If you want to visit here especially during an event the best bet it to use the city parking garage across the street. There are a few street spots in front of the science museum. Himmarshee Village is located just a few steps down from the park offering a lot of great dining areas. Also nearby is the Old Ft. Lauderdale Village and Museum. With so much to see and do this area has become a vacation destination whether you are in the area for a visit or you are a local who just wants to play tourist for the day.

    Main Stage And DJ Booth...!!!
    Andrew W.

    Really Nice Day Really Nice Park, Downtown Ft Lauderdale, Las Olas, New River Waterfront Area, Park Has Numerous Amenities, Festivals, and Concerts, Two Favorites Are The Annual Pirate Fest, and The Walk For The Animals..!!!

    5th Annual Stone Crab & Seafood Festival 2016!
    Samantha D.

    The Esplanade Park is one of Downtown Fort Lauderdale's frequent parks that hosts various different Events throughout the year! Being situated right on the Intracoastal along with being easily accessed off of 2nd St; Directly across from the Museum of Discovery & Science! The Park Details: -Stage for Performances or Live Music -"Garden" Area -Fountains -Building Restroom -Nearby Water Taxi Pick-Up/Drop Off Locations -Grassy Area -Very Clean -Pet Friendly -Steps from Nearby Bars & Restaurants -Boat Docking -Water Views/ Boat Watching It is a Beautifully Manicured Park that is enjoyable during Events as well as during the Peaceful Hours! We have been to Events such as the Stone Crab & Seafood Fest, Burger Events, and most recently we attended the Smoke on the Water BBQ Fest. They also hold Jazz Concerts every so often! For a Pleasant Park and Centrally Located the Esplanade Park has it all! Relax- Breath- Enjoy!

    Amanda G.

    Great park in downtown Fort Lauderdale. They've got some nice events now and then that we like to come to and it's right on the New River and off of Riverwalk so it's nice to come and watch the boats go by. Every first Sunday of the month they have Jazz Brunch which we came to. They've got great jazz music and lots of people come with chairs, food, drinks, some tents, and just hang out and enjoy the music. It's super close to Himmarshee village so if you want to grab a bite after visiting the park there's lots of options there!

    Amy S.

    Wow, this is a really nice park in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The pluses include riverfront location, full old trees and a winding path. There is also a large gazebo style stage and plenty of open space to relax and enjoy the entertainment. A short walk east and you'll find a second (smaller) gazebo which also hosted entertainment and again open space. On this morning, we were here attending the monthly Lexus Jazz Brunch. Perfect! The only downside (in my book) is parking. Being that we had a cooler, platter, chairs and packed beach bag, a drop-off was needed to negate the carry of the heavy load. The circle did succumb to gridlock several times while I waited for help moving everything to its final destination. Once over the walk, there is plenty of paid garage parking to be found. Enjoy your visit!

    Boat docking next to Esplanade Park

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    Great festival of lots of nice things. Right near the museum. And lots of parking and options to eat at

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    Ask the Community - Esplanade Park

    Review Highlights - Esplanade Park

    A brief stop at this lovely park in downtown Fort Lauderdale that is located alongside a bend in the New River.

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    Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

    Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

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    Came here on Christmas Day and got a reminder on how great this park is and SO close to me! If you…read moretake the path to the end of the park, there's several trails, a butterfly garden, a meditation area, I had no idea about! They also have kayak rentals and bike rentals. There is a ton of nature and wildlife. We saw raccoons, lots of squirrels and LOTS of banana spiders IF you take the hike in the woods. We sat out on the picnic to watch our own lunch we brought. They are dog friendly! On your way out, there's a restaurant to enjoy with great drinks and food as well!

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    Great spot for trail hiking. Plenty of parking. Free to enter. Bathrooms available. It's kind of…read moreswampy below the elevated boardwalk trails. No mosquitoes got me so this is a plus. They did have one section closed as they were pressure washing the boardwalk. Overall a great woodsy easy walking trail, very tropical and no spiders that I could see . Trails are well shaded from the sun. Clean easy walking trails.

    A Broward County public park open daily 9am - 5pm (dont be late to exit or you will be locked…read moreinside overnight). Plenty of parking and heavy foliage hiking trails with blacktop walking areas too. The security alerts are posted everywhere, "Park Under Video Surveillance", "Lock Your Vehicles", "Park At Own Risk", which actually brings a heighten safety concern for me as I sip my coffee in a secluded area. No pets are permitted on nature center grounds - assume since wildlife may devour a small dog, not sure. Other signs advise pets permitted by park permit only, but does not indicate on the posts about service dogs - kind of confusing. They provide guided nature walks through the park which seems like a fun tranquil activity for people with good knees and a decent pair of binoculars. The far west side of the park provides beautiful views of the New River and small critters like crabs along the waters edge.

    Photos
    Nature walks are organized several times during the year and they are led by the Naturalist who is in charge of the Nature Center.
    Nature walks are organized several times during the year and they are led by the Naturalist who is in charge of the Nature Center.
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    Esplanade Park - parks - Updated June 2026

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