Hollywood, FL

Hollywood is a beach city in southern Broward County, founded in the 1920s land boom and best known for the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, a paved promenade of more than two miles that runs right along the sand. It is a relaxed alternative to busier beaches north and south, with easy airport access and a downtown you can explore on foot.

Where is Hollywood, Florida?

Hollywood sits on the Atlantic coast just south of Fort Lauderdale and about 20 miles north of downtown Miami, part of Greater Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) borders the city’s north side, so the beach is usually about 15 minutes away. From I-95, Hollywood Boulevard and Sheridan Street run east across the Intracoastal Waterway to A1A and the beach. The city was planned and founded by developer Joseph W. Young in 1921 and incorporated in 1925.

Things to do in Hollywood

Start on the Broadwalk. The promenade separates the beach from a strip of cafes and shops, and it is busiest in the early morning and around sunset, when it fills with joggers, bikes and strollers. Hollywood Beach has lifeguards and several wheelchair beach access points, and Hollywood North Beach Park offers a quieter stretch of sand toward the north end. Beachfront parking is mostly metered lots and garages along A1A, and they fill quickly on winter weekends.

On the Intracoastal side, the Anne Kolb Nature Center in West Lake Park has mangrove trails, a 68-foot observation tower and a large aquarium, and the park is a good launch point for kayaking through the mangroves. Downtown, Hollywood Boulevard circles ArtsPark at Young Circle, which has a playground, splash pad and an events calendar of concerts and markets. Look for the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project and the monthly ArtWalk, and visit the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood for exhibitions.

When to visit Hollywood

December through April has the most pleasant weather and the heaviest crowds, with many seasonal residents in town. Summer is hot and humid with afternoon storms, and hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Weekday mornings are the easiest time to find beach parking any time of year.