You’ve seen the iconic beach, you’ve wandered down the broadwalk and you’ve heard all about its thriving arts and culture scene. If you hadn’t guessed, we’re talking about the one and only Hollywood, Florida. This vibrant and dynamic city is located in South Florida and boasts beautiful beaches, year-round sunshine, and plenty of things to do. A popular spot for those looking to relax, people watch, sightsee, play a round of golf, or pretty much anything else, Hollywood, Florida should be on every traveler’s list. Read on for all of the best things to do there!
Take a Trip to Hollywood Beach
What Is It? Hollywood Beach is the main attraction of Hollywood, Florida and is loved for its two-and-a-half-mile-long boardwalk. The beach has soft sand and crystal-clear water, making it a perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and other water sports. It’s also a top choice for people-watching, thanks to its popularity!
Why Do It? Hollywood Beach is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Florida – it’s a bucket list spot for a good reason! You’ll also find beachside restaurants, cafes, and bars, all with stunning views of the ocean.
Good to Know: The beach has many amenities like beach chairs and umbrellas, bike rentals, and water sports equipment rentals. So don’t worry about having to bring any of those aforementioned things along.
Wander Down Hollywood Beach Broadwalk
What Is It? The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is a bustling promenade that stretches along the beach with brilliant views overlooking the ocean. Perfect for getting to know the area, it’s home to many shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars to keep you fed, watered, and entertained.
Why Do It? This vibrant and bustling area always has something fun going on, from live music to street performers and festivals. If you’re not sure where else to go in Hollywood, you’ll always find entertainment here.
Good to Know: If you’d prefer a quieter experience, visit during the early morning or late afternoon. The beach is less crowded during these times, and the temperature is a little cooler, making it a more comfortable time to walk or cycle along.
Listen to Live Music at Hollywood Beach Theater
What Is It? Hollywood Beach Theater is a popular open-air theater located, as you may have guessed, on the beach. This theater hosts free live music concerts and performances throughout the year and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Why Do It? It’s a great way to experience the vibrant music scene in Hollywood and enjoy a night out with family and friends. You’ll find a range of musical genres here, from jazz and blues to rock and pop, and hosts events for all ages.
Good to Know: Admission to Hollywood Beach Theater is free. You’re encouraged to bring a chair and/or a blanket to the theater to sit on the sand comfortably.
Explore the Anne Kolb Nature Center
What Is It? The Anne Kolb Nature Center is a 1,500-acre coastal mangrove wetland that offers you the chance to explore the natural beauty of the area – something that many tourists may skip when heading to Hollywood.
Why Do It? This impressive nature center has a museum that features exhibits on the local wildlife and ecosystems, an observation tower that provides gorgeous views of the wetlands down below and the ocean beyond, and a range of nature trails that offer an up-close look at the area’s beautiful flora and fauna.
Good to Know: The center also offers guided tours and educational programs for guests of all ages, helping you to infuse your day in the wild with a few extra facts learned along the way.
Sip Local Beer at Hollywood Brewing Company
What Is It? Hollywood Brewing Company is a craft brewery with a range of local and international beers, including seasonal brews. It also features a taproom for visitors to enjoy and drink a beer or two.
Why Do It? Perfect for any brewery enthusiast, this spot offers tours and tastings, allowing you to sample different beers and see how they’re made at the same time. It’s also semi-outdoors, which means you can relax with a beer under the Florida sunshine!
Good to Know: You’ll find tours and tastings daily, with different options available depending on the size of your group and the time of day. Not a drinker? The Hollywood Brewery Company also stocks non-alcoholic options.
Place Your Bets at Gulfstream Park
What Is It? Calling all horse racing fans! The Gulfstream Park is a horse racing track and casino located in Hallandale Beach, just a short drive from Hollywood. While it’s a little further to visit, it’s well worth it for the exhilarating experience you’ll find there.
Why Do It? A popular destination for horse racing fans, it offers live horse racing and simulcasting of races from around the world. Not a horse racing fan? You’ll still find fun here in the form of restaurants, shops, and other entertainment options, like the casino, bowling alley, and even a concert venue.
Good to Know: The park has a state-of-the-art grandstand with over 19,000 seats, as well as private suites and luxury boxes for those who want something a little fancier.
Check Out the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
What Is It? Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is a luxurious hotel and entertainment complex – and one of the most popular spots in the city, especially if you’re hoping to win millions while exploring Hollywood.
Why Do It? The casino here is one of the largest and most popular in the state of Florida, with over 140,000 square feet of gaming space. You’ll find thousands of slot machines, table games, and a poker room, as well as regular poker tournaments and other special events. Aside from the casino, you can also explore the spa and salon, fitness center, shopping complex and multiple pools.
Good to Know: There’s a great range of restaurants here too, including the award-winning Council Oak Steaks & Seafood restaurant, the Japanese-inspired Kuro restaurant, and the Hard Rock Cafe.
Play a Round of Golf at Hollywood Beach Golf Club
What Is It? A scenic golf course that offers 18 holes of championship golf – perfect for enjoying the sunshine and letting your competitive streak run wild!
Why Do It? A must-visit for golf fans, Hollywood Beach Golf Club also features a driving range, a practice putting green, and a fully-stocked pro shop. Ideal for players of all levels, you’ll find narrow fairways, small greens, and strategically placed bunkers and water hazards.
Good to Know: The course was designed by renowned golf course architect Donald Ross and opened in 1924, making it one of the oldest golf courses in Florida.
Get Creative at the ArtsPark at Young Circle
What Is It? The ArtsPark at Young Circle is a beautiful park located in downtown Hollywood. Come here for a chilled wander around in the shade or time your visit for when one of the area’s many events are happening.
Why Do It? A great choice for music lovers and anyone who fancies an afternoon laying in the sunshine, ArtsPark features a playground, picnic table and an outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts as well as workshops, classes, and other events that promote art and culture.
Good to Know: A fun fact – the museum is housed in a historic building that was once a school and has been restored to its former glory. You’ll get a dose of history before you’ve even started exploring here.
Experience the Sun Shuttle (formerly the Hollywood Trolley)
What Is It? The Sun Shuttle replaced the popular Hollywood Trolley in 2021, which allows you to take in the city’s most popular attractions at your own pace on a hop-on, hop-off tour.
Why Do It? The shuttle operates on a loop and stops at many of the city’s bucket list spots, like the beach, downtown area, and many parks. It has stops all along Ocean Drive and is one of the best ways of seeing the city if you’re here with limited time or without your own car.
Good to Know: You’ll find variations of the shuttle with different routes depending on where you’d like to see the most. The drivers are friendly and knowledgeable and can offer extra guidance en route.
Visit the Hollywood Historical Society
What Is It? The Hollywood Historical Society has a museum and performance space with exhibits and artifacts related to the history of Hollywood and its surrounding area. They also host guided walking tours of downtown Hollywood and the Historic Hammerstein House.
Why Do It? It’s the best way to learn some background context about Hollywood. The museum features exhibits on local history, including the early days of Hollywood, the Seminole Wars, and the area’s role in World War II.
Good to Know: Fun fact: The Hollywood Historical Society Museum Theater is in a historic building that was once the city’s first public library! It’s open on a limited schedule, so check before you turn up to ensure it’s open.
