Hollywood, Florida Travel Guide

A laid-back South Florida beach city with a signature oceanfront Broadwalk and walkable artsy core

Hollywood, Florida pairs wide, palm-lined beaches with a lively but unhurried oceanfront Broadwalk, creating an easygoing base for a classic South Florida escape. Visitors remember long days on the sand, sunset strolls or bike rides along the nearly two-and-a-half-mile promenade, and the casual mix of cafes, rental shops, and hotels that keeps the shoreline active without feeling chaotic. The atmosphere is relaxed, safe, and social, which works especially well for families, couples, and multigenerational trips. Travelers choose Hollywood for its balance: it delivers a real beach town feel, a compact artsy downtown with murals and galleries, and quick access to Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports, ports, and highways. It works best for travelers who want a beachfront home base with walkable dining and entertainment, plus easy day-trip flexibility to bigger-city energy nearby, instead of staying directly in those busier hubs.

Why Visit

Travelers pick Hollywood, Florida for its combination of broad, calm Atlantic beaches, the unique car-free Broadwalk, and a compact, mural-filled downtown. It offers a softer, more approachable scene than nearby Miami or Fort Lauderdale while keeping their attractions within easy reach. The city’s walkability, family-friendly reputation, and range of water activities and cultural events make it a practical choice for relaxed beach vacations, longer snowbird stays, and multigenerational trips that still want urban access.

Visitor Snapshot

Most visitors treat Hollywood, Florida as a classic beach base with urban access, ideal for relaxed but active days outside.

  • Typical stays range from long weekends to multi-week snowbird escapes

  • Mix of families, couples, retirees, and international visitors

  • Strong appeal to beachgoers, cyclists, and casual water sports fans

  • Popular in the drier, cooler months, with quieter, better-value periods in the off-peak season

  • Often chosen by groups wanting a safe, walkable setting near Miami and Fort Lauderdale

When to Visit

Timing a trip to Hollywood, Florida is mostly about choosing between peak buzz and quieter, better-value stays.

  • Drier, cooler months offer the most comfortable beach weather and lively Broadwalk energy

  • Peak season brings fuller hotels, higher rates, and a busy, festive atmosphere along the oceanfront

  • Shoulder and off-peak periods are calmer, with more hotel availability and lower prices

  • Summer is warmer and more humid, with brief afternoon showers but plenty of usable beach time earlier and later in the day

Major Events

Events in Hollywood, Florida mostly revolve around its coastal lifestyle, with art and music festivals energizing downtown and the Broadwalk. Recurring cultural celebrations, classic car gatherings, open-air markets, and beachfront holiday fireworks draw regional visitors and can add crowds and energy, especially around weekends and major holidays, but they rarely overwhelm the city. Instead, they act as periodic highlights that keep the calendar interesting throughout the year for repeat and first-time guests.

How the City Works

Hollywood, Florida is organized around two main visitor anchors: the beachfront Broadwalk and the inland downtown arts district. The Broadwalk runs parallel to the ocean and concentrates hotels, cafes, and rental shops in a highly walkable strip. Downtown, a short drive or bike ride away, packs restaurants, galleries, and music venues into a compact grid of Art Deco buildings and leafy plazas. Residential neighborhoods and parks like West Lake Park fill in between. Travelers typically split time between beach days, Broadwalk strolls or rides, and evenings downtown. A common planning mistake is assuming everything is spread out like Miami; in reality, Hollywood’s footprint is tight, making it simple to cover the core areas in a few well-structured days.

Where to Stay

Where you base in Hollywood, Florida shapes your trip. Staying along the beachfront and Broadwalk maximizes walkability, ocean views, and instant access to sand, bike paths, and casual dining, but can mean higher nightly rates and more activity outside your door. Downtown hotels and bed-and-breakfasts trade direct beach access for easier reach of arts, nightlife, and a more local feel, with a short ride to the shore. Vacation rentals in residential areas offer space and privacy but require more reliance on cars or rideshare. For most first-time visitors, being within easy walking distance of either the beach or downtown is the most important choice.

Lodging Overview

Hollywood, Florida offers a dense line of beachfront hotels and resorts, many with direct sand access, pools, and on-site dining that appeal to families and vacationers prioritizing convenience over price. Smaller inns along the Broadwalk provide a simpler, more intimate option in the same high-demand zone. Inland, downtown properties and bed-and-breakfasts often come at a slightly gentler price point while plugging guests into the arts and dining scene. Vacation rentals are widely available across beachside and residential neighborhoods and are popular for longer stays or groups. Availability tightens and prices rise in peak season, so flexible dates help secure better value.

Getting Around

Getting around Hollywood, Florida is straightforward if you stay near the beach or downtown. The Broadwalk is fully car-free and ideal for walking, biking, or renting surreys, while downtown’s compact grid rewards pedestrians as well. Many visitors get by without a car, using rideshare or taxis for hops between the beach, downtown, and nearby areas. Public transportation links the city with larger South Florida hubs, enabling day trips to Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Drivers benefit from nearby highways and regional airport access, but should expect paid, sometimes crowded parking near the shore during peak times.

What to Know Right Now

Visitors should plan for strong tropical sun and prioritize sun protection and hydration, especially around midday on Hollywood’s exposed beaches and Broadwalk. Lifeguards and clear safety signage support ocean swimming, but water and wildlife guidance should always be followed. The scene at night leans relaxed rather than high-octane, with casual bars, live music, and outdoor dining more common than big clubs. Popular beachfront and downtown areas stay lively yet generally feel safe, though standard care with personal belongings remains important during busy periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hollywood, Florida the same as Hollywood, California?

Hollywood, Florida is a coastal city in South Florida with beaches and a Broadwalk, while Hollywood, California is centered on the entertainment industry. They are completely separate destinations in different states with very different travel profiles.

Is Hollywood, Florida’s beachfront suitable for families?

Hollywood’s beachfront is well suited to families, with gentle Atlantic waves, clean sand, playgrounds, and multiple lifeguard stations along the main stretches. The Broadwalk’s car-free design and casual dining options further support easy, low-stress days with children.

Do travelers need a car to visit Hollywood, Florida?

A car is helpful for exploring the wider South Florida region, but not essential if you base near the beach or downtown. Most key areas are walkable, and bikes, rideshare, taxis, and public transit cover short hops and day trips.

What is the best way to experience the Broadwalk in Hollywood, Florida?

The Broadwalk is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace on foot, by bike, or in a rental surrey. This lets visitors take in ocean views, stop at cafes and shops, and enjoy the continuous beachfront atmosphere without dealing with vehicle traffic.