Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk

The unique urban attractions are one of the things that make Fort Lauderdale such an appealing destination. The city offers visitors plenty of things to do without straying far from either their hotels or the beach; among them is the lively Riverwalk. The Riverwalk in downtown Fort Lauderdale is a park and entertainment sector running along the north and south banks of the New River. Winding walks guide visitors to various attractions and shopping areas along the route.

The Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk is known as Florida’s Most Beautiful Mile, and it is not difficult to see why when you walk through the lush gardens and streets lined with lovely buildings and charming music. This multimillion dollar project began in 1986 with a vote to expand the Museum of Discovery and Science and to create the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk. With tropical landscaping, the walk stretches along the banks of the New River from the Las Olas Shops to beyond the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. On the Riverwalk in downtown Fort Lauderdale, visitors will find plenty of attractions, including restaurants, shops, a movie theater, and a host of nightlife venues.

There are two major streets that are included in the riverwalk: Las Olas Boulevard and Himmarshee Street. On the Las Olas Riverfront, visitors can shop the fashionable district during the day and relax at some of the most popular restaurants and bars in the evening, including Off the Hookah, The Brick, and the Art Bar. Each establishment features its own special qualities to entertain and attract guests. Off the Hookah is a Middle Eastern hookah lounge, while The Brick features a rock and role atmosphere, and the Art Bar offers a hip-hop theme at their bar. Automatic Slims is another popular club on the Las Olas Riverfront.

Himmarshee Village runs along Himmarshee Street where visitors can walk, eat, and be uniquely entertained. America’s Backyard and the Voodoo Lounge are a couple of the most popular venues in the village. As a traditional club, the Voodoo Lounge’s attraction is the exclusivity it offers guests. America’s Backyard is a bit more novel, featuring two floors of indoor and outdoor entertainment; the bottom level features an outdoor terrace, while a large balcony invites guests of the upper level to enjoy the evening air.

Aside from visiting the shops and other establishments on the Riverwalk in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, tourists can visit several attractions in the park by the Museum of Discovery and Science, which was expanded along with the riverwalk project. The Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk also offers a unique gift idea: Visitors can purchase bricks that display messages to loved ones. These are installed on the riverwalk for everyone to see, and visitors can read the messages as they walk along the paths and sidewalks.

Wherever you choose to go during your vacation in Broward County, the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk is a great place to spend a day, from the Las Olas Riverfront to Himmarshee Street and gardens. It's a destination that's sure to help you create an unforgettable vacation in Fort Lauderdale, and no matter what other attractions you visit, from Butterfly World to the Everglades, you're sure to remember the Riverwalk.