An esplanade is a raised walkway area. Although an esplanade can be anywhere, almost all are alongside the sea, a tidal river or other large water body. This allows people to walk along the sea front, usually for recreational purposes, whatever the state of the tide, without having to walk on the beach. Esplanades became popular in Victorian times when it was fashionable to visit seaside resorts.

An example of an inland esplanade is the Esplanade at Edinburgh Castle, Scotland.

The Esplanade is also the name of the building which houses the cultural centre of Singapore. See main article at Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay.