Among America's Best Beach Boardwalks Nestled between Fort Lauderdale and Miami is Hollywood, a classic Florida beachtown that's enchanted visitors since the 1920s. Hollywood Beach features a one-of-a-kind oceanfront promenade called the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk that stretches nearly two and a half miles along the Atlantic. Named one of America's Best Beach Boardwalks by Travel + Leisure magazine, this brick-paved thoroughfare is a haven for joggers, bicyclists, roller-bladers and all who'd prefer to take in the action from the comfort of one of the countless eateries and cafés along the way. The easy ocean access and village-like feel make this a can't miss destination with numerous highly-rated restaurants, small inns and hotels right on the broadwalk adding to its yesteryear charm. Family dining becomes stress-free, as Moms and Dads kick back to enjoy a seaside meal while their little ones entertain themselves in the sand just steps away. Two broadwalk parks attract kids of all ages to play paddleball at the historic Garfield Street courts or cool off in the whimsical dolphin play fountain. Locals rave about Josh's Organic Market which sets up shop on the south end of the Hollywood Broadwalk every weekend selling garden fresh produce and blending a variety of mouth-watering exotic, tropical smoothies from its seaside stand.
A convenient Trolley service runs Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. offering a nostalgic way to get to and from the best sites on the beach and downtown.
Highlights: • 2.5 mile paved walking, jogging and biking path with eco-friendly lighting • 7 miles of beach • 10 consecutive years as a Blue Wave Certified Clean Beach by the Clean Beaches Council • 2010 Travel + Leisure America's Best Beach Boardwalk • 2009 Fodor Travel Guide "Best Beach for Families" • Home to 28 of the 77 Hotels and Inns rated Superior Small Lodgings (SSLs) in Greater Fort Lauderdale • Dozens of restaurants and shops • 3 oceanfront parks featuring playgrounds, paddleball courts, ping pong tables, interactive water play fountain, picnic pavilions and restrooms • Free outdoor concerts at the Hollywood Beach Theatre
Hollywood Beach Broadwalk
Named one of America's top ten nostalgic promenades by USA Today. Over two miles of car-free enjoyment. Bicyclists, runners, walkers and rollerbladers set their own pace on this path which is bordered by six miles of Hollywood's famous coastline, boutique hotels, charming shops, cafés and places to eat facing the ocean.
Top 10 Activities for Hollywood Beach
1. Cruise the Broadwalk Come see why Travel + Leisure named the Hollywood Broadwalk one of America's Best Beach Boardwalks. The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, a 2.5-mile-long pedestrian promenade, bustles with joggers, skaters, cyclists and old-fashioned charm, a mere four steps from the beach's western edge. Rent wheels of the people-propelled variety and join the lively crowd on the brick-paved pathway. Also, Jet Ski rentals and cabana rentals are a breeze with outfitters along the Broadwalk. Hint: Seaside cafes facing the ocean are a great people-watching spot.
2. Dine South Florida Style Many waterfront restaurants call Hollywood home, with everything from casual burgers, pizza and ice-cream to fine dining establishments. A multicultural mix can be found along the Broadwalk, where choices range from Argentinean to Turkish cuisine. On the Intracoastal, dining options include fresh stone crabs from Billy's Stone Crabs and authentic Greek cuisine from Taverna Opato the world-famous Le Tub, hailed by GQ magazine and The Oprah Winfrey Show for its burgers.
3. Park It (Your Car that is) A 1.1-mile stretch of Hollywood's inviting nature flanks 56-acre Hollywood North Beach Park, where picnic tables and grills are nestled among an unspoiled grove of sea grape trees. The park provides sweeping views of the beach and Intracoastal Waterway. Man's Best Friend is also allowed at Dog Beach between Pershing and Custer Streets in North Hollywood. For the more adventurous ones, kayak rentals are available at Anne Kolb Nature Center. Hint: Protect the sea oats by using the wooden staircases.
4. Let the Little Ones Run Loose The playground at Welcome Park at Johnson Street conveniently located near the Hollywood Beach Welcome Center or Charnow Park's pint-sized climbing wall and interactive splash fountain are a hit with the younger set; shaded picnic pavilions allow parents to keep a watchful eye on the action.
5. Grab a Healthy Snack Every Sunday, Josh's Organic Garden opens onto the Broadwalk with an abundance of picnic-ready produce, nuts and dried fruit. The accompanying juice bar makes custom smoothies so fresh they taste like the fruit toppled from a tree into the glass. You can find the market at Harrison Street and the Broadwalk every Sunday from 9:00am to 5:31pm
6. Explore a Coral Reef Local snorkelers gravitate toward the coral patches and sandy ledges offshore from Greene Street, three blocks north of Hollywood North Beach Park, to mingle with tropical underwater residents such as parrotfish, grunts and sergeant majors. Nova University's brand new $15 million Coral Reef Institute located at John U. Lloyd State Park just minutes north of Hollywood Beach will be open to the public in spring 2012. Underwater wonders await, just 200 fin kicks from the sand.
7. Enjoy free Entertainment The sunny yellow 500-seat Hollywood Beach Theater hosts Friday night concerts twice a month, live music just about every night of the week and dancing under the stars three nights a week and a variety of cultural performances throughout the year. It's just 25 steps from the sand to center stage.
8. Walk with the Sea Turtles March through October is sea turtle hatching season. 90% of sea turtle nesting occurs in Florida. On Wednesday nights in July and August, accompany a naturalist at the Anne Kolb Nature Center andJohn U. Lloyd State Park for a hatchling release. Participants will also learn about these amazing creatures.
9. Ride a Trolley or Cruise on a Water Taxi The Hollywood Trolley makes getting around Hollywood Beach a breeze. There are three routes that include North Beach, South Beach and Downtown Hollywood. The trolley operates every Wednesday through Sunday. Plus, it is only $1!! Enjoy a leisurely cruise through South Florida waterway via The Water Taxi. The Water Taxi has 16 locations stops throughout South Florida including two spots in Hollywood, one at Crowne Plaza Hotel in South Hollywood and the other at Giorgio's Bakery.
10. Spend the Night Without Leaving the Beach At Hollywood's wide variety of seaside Superior Small Lodging options – cozy, top-notch hotels with fewer than 50 rooms – ocean breezes and surf sounds are included in the rate. Or, if you prefer Hollywood Beach also have multiple full service hotels to fit your needs. Find a spot to sleep within 125 steps of the sand.
Hollywood boasts seven miles of beaches, which have been designated Blue Wave beaches by the Clean Beaches Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting America's shores. And the area's expanse of white sand and turquoise waters makes it easy to see why. As a result, ours is one of the most pleasant and attractive of all South Florida beaches.
