Hollywood Beach

Between Miami and Fort Lauderdale is an area called Hollywood beach, and it is easily my favorite beach-front vacation spot. I’ve visited in both the winter and the summer, and everytime is has been an enjoyable beachside getaway with plenty to see, do, and eat.

  • The highlight for me is the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. This is a wide, paved, multi-use path that runs right along the beach and past shops, restaurants, and hotels. While it’s easy to walk and check out the stores and eats along the way, it runs for several miles and in my opinion is best explored by bike (lots are available for rent in the area). No matter how you choose to explore, be sure to pay close attention to your surroundings and look out for cyclists and pedestrians. 

  • Along the broadwalk are lots of great places to eat. Some of our favorites are Haagan Daaz (for the ice cream), WHY NOT? (for the pasta), and The Taco Joint (for the nachos). Elaleph Coffee House deserves a visit for their caffeinated beverages, breakfast sandwiches, and AMAZING scrambled eggs.

  • We like to stay in the Costa Hollywood (777 N Ocean Dr), which is available through AirBnb and other booking sites. My favorite is the rooftop pool and hot tub (IYKYK), and rooftop restaurant and bar. This also houses a minimart, Elaleph Coffee House (mentioned above), and on our 2022 visit also had bikeshare available onsite. The suites are large and clean, but note that there is no laundry available in the building.

  • My DREAM is to one day stay at the Margaritaville Hollywood resort, which also has a rooftop pool and bar (on the 11th floor!) that is only accessible to resort guests. Even if you don’t stay at the hotel, the resort boasts seven other restaurants, a ground level pool open to diners of the Landshark Bar & Grill, frequent shows and live entertainment, and Flo-rider simulated surfing. 

  • Check out Hollywood North Beach Park and climb up the lookout pavilion for unique views of the beach and ocean.

  • And of course, walk out anywhere onto the miles of wide open beach with soft sand and clear water. It’s pretty much warm all year and while the water could be chilly, the sunshine will make it all worth it!

  • Want to check out what’s happening now in Hollywood Beach? Click here to view the live webcams located at the Hollywood Beach Theatre: https://www.hollywoodfl.org/1047/Hollywood-Beach-Webcams

Perhaps my favorite part of this area is that you really don’t need a car to spend a few days in the area. Most things are walkable, and you can easily get to/from the airport or explore other sites in the area using a rideshare like Uber or Lyft.