Esplanade park held the 20th Annual Duck Fest Derby Presented By JM Family Enterprises, Inc. This was a charitable event to support Kids In Distress (KID) and Family Central (FCI), serving more than 20,000 children and families each year across South Florida. There were food trucks, live Dj, fun zone for the kids, face painting and kid Olympics. You're able to adopt a duck for $5. Each adoption goes towards helping a child in need. A duck race was held where all adopted ducks were let loose in the river to race. The winner of the race wins $10,000. This was such a fun thing to do with the kids. Looking forward to supporting this event next year! read more

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Pizza Fest at the Park. 11am-7pm. Today and Tomorrow. Buy a ticket on Eventbrite. Get a wrist band. Enter and enjoy music, drinks and free slices from about 10 Vendors. Must go - Feb 7-8, 2026 read more

A long, open, level park in the historic district of Fort Lauderdale, Esplanade Park is greenspace between the Museum of Science and Discovery and the New River. The mile-long Riverwalk path goes through it as well. It's a great place to see the various nautical vehicles go-by in this boat crazy city. The fronting street is SW 2nd Street. On this Saturday, the street was closed for vehicle traffic for a chili cookoff. read more

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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. read more

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Esplanade Park is one of those places that doesn't try too hard -- because it doesn't have to. Sitting right on the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, this little patch of green has seen more history than most people realize. Today it's joggers, kids on scooters, and couples strolling along the Riverwalk, but rewind a century and you'd find a working waterfront -- cargo boats, Seminole trading, and the hum of a city still trying to figure out what it wanted to be. By the late 20th century, Fort Lauderdale was shaking off its spring-break reputation and re-imagining itself as a cultural hub. Esplanade Park became the centerpiece of that new vision. Anchored by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts just up the river and surrounded by the Museum of Discovery and Science, this park became the green heartbeat of the Riverwalk district. History buffs will appreciate that this area is tied directly to the founding of the city itself. The New River was the lifeline of the Tequesta tribe long before the fort was built in 1838, and later, the river carried the first shipments of tomatoes and pineapples out to sea -- agriculture that quite literally kept the place alive before tourism took over. These days? It's festivals, jazz concerts, food and wine tastings, beer fests, dog walks, and the occasional protest march -- the democratic living room of Fort Lauderdale. On a breezy day you can sit on a bench, watch the yachts glide past, and feel the layers of history settle in like sediment on the riverbed. You don't need to look too far to find the ghosts of old Fort Lauderdale here -- the Seminole canoes, the sternwheelers, the boom-time developers who carved this city out of mangroves and swamp. It's not a massive park, and it's not trying to be. But in many ways, it's the front porch of Fort Lauderdale -- a place where the city comes together to remember it has a past, even while it builds gleaming condos in every direction. This park is proof that Fort Lauderdale is more than just beaches and boats -- it's a river town at heart, and Esplanade Park is where you can still feel that pulse. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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

This 1.92 acre park is located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, right on the New River. There are picnic tables, a walking path, and pavilion. The Water Taxi also stops at this location. Many events are hosted at this location; the most recent one I went to was the Day of the Dead event in November 2023. The park is maintained nicely. It's close to restaurants, bars, and other venues. Parking can be found on street or in the paid parking garage. Bring some food, sit back on the benches, and watch the huge yachts go by! read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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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.] read more

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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. read more

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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!!! read more

Esplanade Park - My little girl and I having a good time 3 - Parks Near Me - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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. read more

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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..!!! read more

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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! read more

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What a beautiful park and its​ location it's even better. I went for a picnic with friends and I enjoyed it so much. Parking was wonderful, they have many different spots on the streets and I paid​ with the pay by phone​ application I have. The park was packed with people. Something I noticed was the good amount of trash cans they have, perfect to maintain the park clean. The grass area was the good spot for us to seat and enjoy the live Jazz music of the band and the gorgeous view. Qué hermoso parque y su ubicación es aún mejor. Fui a un picnic con amigos y lo disfruté mucho. El estacionamiento fue maravilloso, tienen muchos lugares en las calles​ para estacionarse​ y pagué con la aplicación de teléfono que tengo. El parque estaba lleno de gente. Algo que noté fue la buena cantidad de botes de basura que tienen, perfecto para mantener​lo limpio. La zona de ​grama era el lugar ideal para que pudiéramos sentarnos y disfrutar de la música de jazz en vivo de la banda y la hermosa vista. read more

This park is the centerpiece for many festivals in Fort Lauderdale. It's not a huge park, but it's right on the water and down the street from the Himmarshee District, with many bars and restaurants. They have bathrooms, a covered gazebo, views of the water, and plenty of old shade trees to protect you on those sunny days. There's also parking nearby, although it can be a bit expensive. Definitely worth a visit. read more

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! read more

Esplanade Park - Parks Near Me - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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! read more

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I've come here for a couple of events and I've come here to walk around and it's nice to have such a perfectly located park which is willing to host events of all kinds right in "Downtown". I came a couple months ago for a beer festival and they had live music in the center "stage" area which is covered and a ton of vendors around the park. I like that it's spread out enough to allow for flow of people. The Burgies was the second event I attended and hey had the street once again closed off and filled with Food Trucks. It was once again very well spread out and the center "stage" area and lawn in front of it was used for live music and giving out awards. There is plenty of parking lots and garages around and they don't seem to raise the prices to ridiculous amounts when they have big events. On non-event days it's a great place to come have a walk, maybe a picnick and right next to the water. read more

As far as little parks go that are ideally situated and perfect for smaller events, Esplanade Park is Five Stars all the way. Situated along what is a part of the Riverwalk, near the street friendly Himmarshee District, having an excellent waterfront on the New River complete with public docking facilities, just a stones toss from the Broward Center for the Preforming Arts, across the street from the Museum of Science and Discovery and Imax Theater, one just couldn't ask for more. read more

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Located in the heart of downtown and on the new river, this little park is a beautiful location for small events. I have been to several events and they have always been a great turnout in part because of the beautiful scenery. The park also has a small stage area where the backdrop is the new river, which has boats cruising by. read more

Esplanade Park - Parks Near Me - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Esplanade Park is located on the Tarpon River waterfront in downtown Ft Lauderdale. I have walked through Esplanade Park many times in the past but never stayed for an event, much less a picnic. We joined a good sized group of Yelpers and set up some folding tables, collapsible chairs and beach blankets for the monthly Jazz in the park event. Everyone brought food, drinks and desserts to eat as we enjoyed the live Jazz music. The park itself is spread out along the waterfront between two fixed stage areas and several boat slips. We set up near the smaller of the two stages and had easy access to trash and recycle bins nearby and the port-a-potties. Parking is available even on a busy-crowded Saturday Afternoon but can be fairly pricey. We parked in the city garage across from the main stage at $6 for 4 hours which was a pretty good deal... read more

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Always a great time with family and friends here. Everyone is super friendly, bathrooms are clean, park in general is very clean and you are near the river so you get to see the boats come and go as you relax under the cool breeze from the water. Parking is a little pricey so prepare for that if you aren't lucky enough to get street parking. read more

Great spot to hold a festival. Ive been to turkish ones and art ones and now the st pattys festival. The streets are blocked off because of the parade and the area is filled with food vendors as well as art jewelry and clothing vendors. Theres a little bit of everything here when a festival is taking place. I like this park because ive been coming here for years and its safe and clean and with our mayor and classmate of mine Jack Seiler everything is tip top perfect here! If you have a chance to go see a parade or enjoy a concert or festival here you should, Parking is only 5 dollars all day. You cant beat that and its in the municipal parking garage just steps away from all the festivities! I had a great time celebrating st pattys day and seeing the parade with all the city employees and officials today! I will return for the next event for sure. I love it here! read more

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Great park in the middle of the concrete jungle that is East Fort Lauderdale. Great views along the water with a nice trip you can follow all the way to Las Olas. This is great path/park for walking dogs or a relaxing stroll on one the many nice days SoFla offers. There are also many events held in the park that are great weekend destinations. read more

Esplanade Park - Parks Near Me - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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I was here this past weekend for Beer fest & as usual I had a great time. This park is always a nice place to enjoy festivities that are put on & also just to stroll & enjoy scenic views. I've attended quiet a few functions here & always had a blast. Sunny read more

Regular here???? Hell yes! Love running! read more

Esplanade Park - Small and fun little park. - Parks Near Me - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Beautiful park! Beautiful views! Easy parking in garage across the street. Apparently they host many events here and we were here the day of the Winterfest boat parade. The park was all set up with live music, yummy food trucks and various vendors. There is a good size restroom here that was very clean and had several stalls available. The park is located right along the river walk so it was super easy to walk to many local bars and restaurants from it. They also have a pickup /drop off stop here for the river walk water trolley! A perfect little haven in the middle of the city! We will surely be back! read more

Esplanade Park - Down by the water at Esplanade Park - Parks Near Me - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Pretty gazeebo, next to water, public restrooms. Great spot for community events. We watched the ball drop here on NYE. Family-friendly area. Shady spot when you get tired of all the sun on the riverwalk. read more