Colee Hammock Park, Fort Lauderdale

Colee Hammock Park is a peaceful little spot on the water near Las Olas Boulevard. It's not in the nicest part of town but it does feel safe. It is beautiful to look past the tall, old trees and shady lawn to the blue of the water beyond and the boats gliding by. Mansions line the shore of the waterway, making for a nice view. Older couples sit on the benches enjoying the serenity. When I was there a school was visiting and there were children hula hooping happily under the trees. It was idyllic! I love the statue near the road called The Li'l Blader of a cute little girl wearing roller blades, created by Nilda Maria Comas.

You can't walk along the New River/canal here because there are houses on either side of the park. After enjoying the view, walk over to a deli or bakery on Las Olas Blvd for some refreshment. If you want a cafe with less of a grungy vibe, continue walking west along Las Olas to a more upmarket area of the boulevard (around the 900 block).
While in Fort Lauderdale, don't miss the excellent Museum of Discovery and Science. Take a stroll or have a meal at Old Fort Lauderdale/Riverwalk/Riverfront, which starts at the museum.
A wonderful place that will fill you with delight is WMODA, Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts, a twenty-minute drive south.

Directions

Colee Hammock Park is located at 1500 Brickell Dr, Fort Lauderdale FL 33301. It is at the southern end of 15th Avenue, just off of Las Olas Blvd. Exit Highway 95 at Broward Blvd and head toward the ocean. Turn right on SE 15th Avenue and follow it to the end. There is a small amount of parking at the park and you can park there for 2 hours.

Click on map for interactive view