Welcome to Rio Vista
Stylish yachts and quiet tree-lined boulevards on the river.
Just a mile from downtown and four from Fort Lauderdale International Airport, Rio Vista is a riverfront community located close to the Lauderdale Yacht Club, boasting a diverse mix of modern, traditional, and Mediterranean-inspired architecture. One of Fort Lauderdale‘s favorite neighborhoods is quiet, largely residential, and sheltered beneath an awning of veteran palm trees. Close proximity to the open ocean makes Rio Vista a fine choice for those with yachts and other boats looking to live the nautical lifestyle.
In the 1900s, Fort Lauderdale was transformed from an overlooked, rural stretch of beach to a bright resort destination. Rio Vista, Spanish for “river view,” was one of Fort Lauderdale‘s first communities. The city underwent a second boom period when servicemen decided to stay in Fort Lauderdale after the conclusion of the Second World War. While the community of Rio Vista and its surrounding blocks consist of all the makings of a bright, bustling metropolis, history and style from this previous era are ever-present today.
What to Love
- Easy access to downtown, Fort Lauderdale International Airport, and the open ocean via the eastern waterways
- One of Fort Lauderdale‘s first communities is fraught with history
- Wide variety of architectural styles
Local Lifestyle
Residents of this luxe neighborhood enjoy quick access to the Atlantic Ocean via the community's eastern waterways. Although a great number of marinas are located close by, many choose to dock their boats and yachts in the waterfront canals right outside of their homes, a very convenient amenity only found in a select few neighborhoods. Rio Vista is home to some of the city’s most prominent homes, illustrating the height of 21st-century luxury.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Rio Vista offers both upscale and casual dining options to choose from, with a few special offerings different from South Florida’s traditional tropical aura.
A sleek, artistic dining room known for flavorful southwestern fare inspired by global flavors is found at Canyon Restaurant. Smoked salmon tostadas, beef tenderloin tacos, and other decadent dishes topped with seared scallops have attracted loyal visitors for over 25 years. Canyon is also especially well known for their prickly pear margaritas, and chocolate bread pudding, all essential accompaniments to a special evening out.
Boating enthusiasts can enjoy dinner with a view at Boatyard, situated right on the marina. A laid-back patio and comfortable dining room are where patrons enjoy fresh seafood from local waterways. Tuna tacos, crabcakes, chard octopus, and conch fritters are a few of the top menu items on this mostly nautical menu.
15th Street Fisheries offers a more casual environment without sacrificing an ounce of quality. Also situated on the marina, guests enjoy live music and can feed fish from the dock in-between bites of classic clam chowder, Floridian peel-and-eat shrimp, snow crab claws, and coconut shrimp.
Southport Raw Bar & Restaurant is one of the city's longest-running seafood shacks with seating available right on the dock. This no-frills favorite has a history going back to the ‘70s, and a following just as strong today as it was back then. Fresh oysters, just-caught shrimp, fish tacos, and fried seafood baskets are devoured and paired with fresh, ice-cold beers, offering a more casual and comfortable waterfront dining option to the mix.
Things To Do
Just north of Rio Vista, Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is a beautiful park on the shores of the New River featuring plenty of places to shop and dine, along with a high number of art galleries and museums. Plenty of other local businesses can be found in the immediate vicinity, such as fitness studios, salons, and coffee bars. Colee Hammock Park is a smaller spot on the river where visitors go to enjoy tranquil and scenic views, while fishing or enjoying waterfront picnics with a meal from one of these several fantastic restaurants from nearby Las Olas Boulevard.
Schools
Rio Vista is home to some of Fort Lauderdale‘s premier educational institutions. Some examples consist of:
- Harbordale Elementary School, prekindergarten-5th grade; U.S. News & World Report awarded HES an exceptional 91/100 score.
- Bethany Christian School, prekindergarten-8th grade; the majority of students make the national honor roll and graduate with honors, placing BCS within the top 10% of all private schools in the nation.
- Pine Crest School, is a private academy of excellence for ages 4-18 with campuses in Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton. Pine Crest School's 2019-2024 Strategic Plan defies the Pine Crest graduate of the future as a competitive participant in the global economy.
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