Unearth The Voyage
Hollywood, Florida perfectly captures old-school beach town charm while keeping modern conveniences within walking distance. This coastal gem offers vintage architecture, pedestrian-friendly streets, and a lively downtown scene that feels authentically Floridian. From its famous misspelled Broadwalk to historic murals decorating every corner, Hollywood delivers the perfect blend of nostalgia and contemporary culture.
1. Stroll or bike the oceanfront Broadwalk
Yes, you read that right – it’s spelled “Broadwalk,” not boardwalk, and locals take pride in this quirky distinction. Stretching nearly 2.5 miles along pristine Atlantic coastline, this brick-paved promenade buzzes with activity from sunrise to sunset.
Rental shops line the walkway offering bikes, rollerblades, and beach gear for spontaneous adventures. Sidewalk cafés serve everything from Cuban coffee to fresh seafood while street performers entertain passing crowds.
The wide pathway accommodates joggers, cyclists, and leisurely walkers without feeling crowded, making it perfect for families exploring together.
2. Catch free live music at the beach bandshell
Music fills the salty air five nights weekly at Hollywood Beach Theatre, where the community gathers for stellar entertainment without spending a dime. Located right on Johnson Street along the Broadwalk, this outdoor venue hosts everything from jazz ensembles to rock cover bands.
Shows typically run Wednesday through Sunday from 7 to 9 PM, perfectly timed for sunset viewing. The programming coordination with nearby Margaritaville resort ensures high-quality performances year-round.
Bring beach chairs or blankets to claim your spot early, especially during peak season when locals and tourists alike flock to this beloved tradition.
3. Play and people-watch at ArtsPark at Young Circle
Downtown’s crown jewel spans 10 acres in a perfect circle, creating an urban oasis where art meets community life. The Visual Arts Pavilion showcases rotating gallery exhibits while live glass-blowing demonstrations mesmerize visitors with molten artistry.
Families spread picnic blankets on manicured lawns while children explore playground equipment and interactive art installations. The park’s circular design makes it ideal for evening strolls – exactly 0.423 miles around the perimeter.
Food trucks often park nearby during events, and the central fountain provides a cooling mist on hot Florida afternoons when shade trees aren’t enough.
4. Hunt street art on the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project
Dozens of vibrant murals transform ordinary building walls into an outdoor art gallery spanning the entire city core. Each piece tells a story – some celebrating local history, others showcasing contemporary themes that resonate with diverse community voices.
Third Saturdays bring extra excitement during Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk, when free guided tours reveal hidden details and artist stories behind each masterpiece. Local guides share insider knowledge about techniques, symbolism, and community connections.
Even without a formal tour, wandering the colorful streets reveals new discoveries around every corner, making downtown exploration feel like a treasure hunt for art lovers.
5. Snack your way through Yellow Green Farmers Market
Weekend mornings come alive at one of South Florida’s largest farmers markets, where hundreds of vendors create a bustling maze under cheerful tiki roofs. Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 6:30 PM, this culinary adventure awaits hungry explorers.
Authentic empanadas steam in food stalls while fresh smoothie vendors blend tropical fruits into Instagram-worthy creations. Local growers offer exotic plants alongside familiar favorites, creating a garden center atmosphere.
People-watching reaches epic proportions here as families, couples, and solo adventurers navigate the crowded aisles, sampling everything from artisanal honey to gourmet coffee beans roasted on-site.
6. Climb a 68-foot tower over mangrove wilderness
Anne Kolb Nature Center’s towering observation deck offers breathtaking panoramic views that stretch across untouched mangrove forests to distant city skylines. The 68-foot climb rewards visitors with Instagram-worthy vistas and educational displays about local ecosystems.
Below the tower, West Lake Park provides canoe and kayak rentals for paddling through peaceful mangrove channels. Wildlife spotting opportunities abound – herons, manatees, and countless fish species call these protected waters home.
Early morning visits offer the best wildlife viewing chances, while sunset climbs provide romantic lighting for couples seeking memorable photo opportunities above the wilderness canopy.
7. Beach time with boardwalks and a lookout
Hollywood North Beach Park delivers classic Florida beach experiences across 56 sprawling acres of pristine coastline. Families appreciate the well-maintained facilities, including clean restrooms, picnic areas, and convenient parking just steps from soft sand.
The observation tower provides elevated views perfect for spotting dolphins playing in offshore waters or monitoring weather conditions. Wooden boardwalks protect sensitive dune vegetation while providing easy beach access for visitors with mobility challenges.
A full mile of beach frontage means plenty of space for volleyball games, sandcastle construction, or simply claiming a quiet spot for reading underneath colorful beach umbrellas.
8. Ride the Water Taxi
Skip traffic headaches and embrace waterfront transportation via Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Water Taxi, which stops conveniently at Margaritaville on the Intracoastal Waterway. This scenic alternative to driving offers cooling ocean breezes and unique perspectives of waterfront mansions.
The H1 stop location makes beach access effortless while providing entertainment during the journey itself. Passengers often spot manatees, dolphins, and exotic birds during the relaxing ride between destinations.
Captain commentary adds educational value as boats navigate through luxury yacht marinas and past historic waterfront properties that define South Florida’s coastal lifestyle and maritime heritage.
9. Go car-light with local shuttles
Two convenient shuttle services eliminate parking frustrations while connecting major attractions throughout Hollywood’s walkable neighborhoods. Holly-Go Community Shuttle operates fixed routes completely free of charge, making budget-conscious exploration effortless for families and solo travelers.
Ride Circuit offers on-demand electric cart service for just $2 per rider, providing door-to-door convenience between hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. These eco-friendly vehicles navigate narrow streets that larger buses cannot access.
Both services link beach areas with downtown attractions, allowing visitors to maximize sightseeing time while minimizing transportation costs and environmental impact throughout their stay.
10. Surf a standing wave
FlowRider Double surf simulator at Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort welcomes beginners and experts alike to experience wave riding without ocean unpredictability. This beachside attraction generates consistent artificial waves perfect for learning basic techniques safely.
Thirty-minute booking sessions provide ample time for multiple attempts, with patient instructors offering tips for maintaining balance and building confidence. Spectators enjoy watching from comfortable poolside seating while sipping tropical beverages.
Even non-surfers find the experience surprisingly addictive, as the controlled environment eliminates fears about currents, marine life, or weather conditions that might intimidate first-time wave riders in natural ocean settings.
11. Burgers at a legendary dockside shack
Le Tub earned national fame when GQ magazine crowned its sirloin burger “Best Burger in America” in 2006, transforming this quirky former gas station into a pilgrimage destination for food lovers. Plants cascade from every surface, creating jungle-like atmosphere along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Expect substantial waiting times, especially during sunset hours when golden light reflects off the water. However, the spectacular waterfront views and eclectic décor make the wait feel like part of the experience.
Cash-only policy and no-reservations rule maintain the authentic dive bar atmosphere that originally attracted GQ’s attention and continues drawing celebrities seeking unpretentious dining excellence.
12. Soak in the retro downtown plan
Hollywood’s historic downtown earned National Register of Historic Places designation in 1999, officially recognizing the Hollywood Boulevard Historic Business District’s remarkable 1920s architecture and urban planning vision. Walking these streets feels like stepping into Florida’s golden age of development.
Original building facades showcase Mediterranean Revival and Art Deco influences that defined the era’s optimistic architectural spirit. Wide sidewalks, mature shade trees, and human-scaled storefronts create pedestrian-friendly environments rarely found in modern developments.
City planners deliberately preserved this “Old Florida” aesthetic, ensuring that new construction complements rather than competes with the historic character that makes Hollywood uniquely charming among coastal communities.
