Hollywood Beach, FL: What to See & Do and Essential Travel Information

Located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale in Broward County, Hollywood Beach is one of Florida’s finest stretches of sand. The popular South Florida beach town is famed for its arts & culture scene, shopping boutiques, and strings of beachfront restaurants & bars nestled along the Atlantic Coast.

Whether you’re looking to stretch out on the white sand or explore art galleries in Downtown Hollywood, plan the perfect vacation itinerary with this complete guide to Hollywood Beach in Hollywood, FL.

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What to see & do

One of the most beautiful beaches on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, Hollywood Beach is the perfect spot for a memorable South Florida beach vacation. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or as a family, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained along the beautiful sandy shores.

Much of the beach town’s action revolves around the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. Stretching almost 2.5 miles along the pristine Atlantic Ocean shoreline, the popular promenade attracts millions of locals and travelers to walk, run, bike, and rollerblade along its paved path.

Hollywood Beach Broadwalk

Alongside the famed Hollywood Beach boardwalk, you’ll also find some of the top attractions in Hollywood, FL, including the Hollywood Beach Theatre and Charnow Park. A wealth of cool boutique shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, and other dining and entertainment options also await on the Broadwalk. 

Built up an appetite? Slide over to Latitudes Restaurant on North Ocean Drive to enjoy modern American-Caribbean fusion food and cocktails with spectacular ocean views. Or sit in the sea breeze and enjoy blissful seafood to the sound of live music at Nick’s Bar & Grill.

For casual drinks in a beach hut, pull up a chair at Riptide Tiki Bar. Or enjoy a little evening fun with cocktails on the rooftop of the Sunset Club to a lovely view of the sea and the town.

Hollywood North Beach Park

To experience all of Hollywood’s seaside pleasures and beauty, save time to roam around Hollywood North Beach Park, one of the most beautiful beaches in Hollywood, FL. The park stretches out over 52 acres on the barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean coast and the Intracoastal Waterway. For families traveling with children, Hollywood North Beach Park offers plenty of family-friendly amenities, including picnic shelters, fishing piers, and public beach access.

Wherever you are along the stretch of sea and sand, plenty of other activities and experiences await, too. Hollywood Beach is a fantastic destination for water sports. Rent a jet ski to ride the waters with the sea breeze in your hair. Or, if you’re a surfer, grab your board and hit the waves.

Rather experience the laid-back island life and perfect weather on your vacation? Prop up an umbrella, plop your towel on the sand, and sunbathe the day away in the South Florida heat. Or slap on your sandals and sunscreen and go for a walk with the hot sand between your toes.

Crab @ West Lake Park

Had your fill of sun and sand on your journey? After your tour of Hollywood Beach, cross west over the Strahanan River to explore Anne Kolb Nature Center and West Lake Park, two of Hollywood’s top destinations for outdoor adventure activities.

Where to stay

The area around Hollywood Beach is home to some of the best hotels in Hollywood, FL, with several resorts thrown in the mix. If you want to stay close to all the action, consider hunkering down at one of these top-notch accommodation choices:

Sun Beach Inn

Sun Beach Inn

To stay near the beach at a price that won’t break the bank, settle down at this delightful inn. Guests will enjoy comfortable modern studios equipped with kitchenettes. The sandy shores are within close walking distance.

Hollywood Beach Marriott

Hollywood Beach Marriott

Set along a pristine stretch of white sand and turquoise water, this oceanfront hotel sits in one of the area’s best locations. Besides the spacious rooms, guests will enjoy a host of lovely amenities, including a beachfront swimming pool, gym, hot tub, and two on-site restaurants.

Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort

Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort

If you want the ultimate luxury stay in Hollywood, FL, book your accommodations at the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. Each of the rooms and suites at this hotel features colorful island decor and a private balcony with spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean or Intracoastal Waterway. The luxurious resort amenities include three outdoor pools, an 11,000-square-foot spa, and eight on-site restaurants.

How to get there

Hollywood Beach lies about 10 miles south of Fort Lauderdale and about 23 miles north of Miami. From Downtown Hollywood, it’s about 10 minutes east by car to reach the sandy shore.

Alternatively, you can hop onto the Sun Shuttle buses at several stops along its route. Tickets for this convenient public transport service cost just $2 per person, with regular departure times from 10 am to 9 pm (10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays).

Most visitors arrive via Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), located about 5 miles north of the city. Several major airlines offer direct flights to FLL from major cities throughout the country. The drive by car or taxi from the airport via Dania Beach should take about 15 minutes.

Treksplorer

Ryan O'Rourke is a seasoned traveler and the founder & editor of Treksplorer, a fiercely independent guide to mid-range luxury travel for busy people. With over 20 years of extensive travel experience, Ryan has journeyed through over 50 countries, uncovering hidden gems and sharing firsthand, unsponsored insights on what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay. Backed by his travel experience and in-depth research, Ryan’s travel advice and writing has been featured in publications like the Huffington Post and Matador Network. You can connect with Ryan on Twitter/X at @rtorourke.

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