Not to be confused with Hollywood in Los Angeles, Hollywood in Florida has a totally different vibe; think fewer films and more pristine beaches and iconic street art! Nestled on the coast, between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Hollywood is a Floridian city that’s perfect to visit. Not only that, there’s a heap of the best things to do in Hollywood, Florida that are dotted all across its coastal area and inner districts.
We had the most incredible time when we visited. To be honest, we hadn’t really thought about visiting Hollywood before. You see, we’d been to Miami quite a few times and decided to focus our attention over to Fort Lauderdale and it’s close neighbour, Hollywood.
The thing we loved most about Hollywood in Florida is that it’s got a vibe all of its own. It’s not trying to compete with its bigger next-door neighbours (Miami, etc) and feels like a much more chilled but still totally vibrant oceanfront city to explore. This is exactly why we loved it so much!
Oh, and the fact that’s it’s pretty easy to stroll around – we love a good city where you don’t need to drive or catch cabs all the time.
So, to help you get the most out of your time, I wanted to pop some of the best things to do in Hollywood, Florida that we totally loved. This way, it’ll help save you some valuable time when planning your trip and more time for some tasty cocktails on the beachfront.
Have the best time in Hollywood!
1.) See the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project
Seeing the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project was a highlight on our trip to Hollywood in Florida!
Whether you are an art lover or not, you’ll love spotting all the commissioned street art that fills the beating heart of Hollywood.
It’s a spot you really can’t miss, especially with artists from all over the world sharing their art, totally for free.
To help you find the best murals, check out this map that the city of Hollywood, Florida has created. It makes the stroll much easier.
Read more: How to explore the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project
2.) Visit Hollywood Beach
As I’ve mentioned, Hollywood Beach is located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale in Florida, which means one epic thing. It’s got amazing beaches! It’s almost a given in this area of Florida and Hollywood doesn’t disappoint.
Plus, it’s a great place to stay. You see, along the beach, you can find many hotels and lodges along the seafront to stay and really lean into that Hollywood vibe.
Once here, try your hand at kite-boarding, paddle-boarding or just head in the water for a dip – it’s so nice.
Oh yeah, if you’re an early riser, you’ll get the best sunrises over Hollywood Beach. Try and grab breakfast on the veranda on seafront nice and early. You won’t be disappointed.
3.) Explore the Anne Kolb Nature Center
This is one of the best things to do in Hollywood, Florida if you’re a total nature lover.
You see, the Anne Kolb Nature Center is more than 1,500 acres of coastal mangrove wetlands where you will get to see many unique, endangered plants and animals.
Once here, you’ll come across the four separate trails including South Trail, Mud Flat Trail, Fishing Pier Trail, and Lake Trail which are all relatively easy. Just make sure to take plenty of sunscreen – those rays are strong here!
Finally, the centre also has a boat tour which you can join, an exhibition hall of various nature-related artworks and displays, a fishing pier to name but a few.
Read more: Best places in Florida to explore
4.) Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, Florida
If you are a history buff or culture buff, then you will love the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood.
Here you’ll find many contemporary visual art exhibitions, live stage performances, educational facilities for aspiring local artists, and much more. Just be sure to check their website for listings and seasonal exhibitions that are so good.
We loved it here.
5.) Hollywood North Beach Park
The great thing about Hollywood North Beach Park is that it’s right next to the West Lake South Trail and the beach!
This means, after completing the West Lake South Trail you can head straight over to chill in the park and get ready for a dip, too.
With over 50+ acres to explore, it’s easily one of the best things to do in Hollywood, Florida to just chill out.
Trust me, you’ll easily whisk away a few hours around this area, especially with all the little eateries and shops around the area, too. Just make sure to grab some BBQ from Zack’s Snacks. Delicious.
6.) ArtsPark at Young Circle
You will find so many wonderful things and attractions at Arts park at young circle. It’s a 10-acre park where you will find many fun areas and activities for both kids and adults to enjoy. You’ll find musical performances, fountains, walking paths, a Splash Pad, an art gallery, cafes, and much more.
Also, typically, on a Monday evening, you can catch lots of food trucks and local vendors selling the tastiest treats. A great stop for a snack (and nearby Sabores and Ritmos Tapas Bar, too).
Oh, and it’s easy to partner up a visit here with a trip to Hollywood Blvd, too!
Read more: How to explore the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project
7.) Yellow Green Farmers Market
You might not think of a farmers market as one of the best things to do in Hollywood, Florida – especially for a beachside city?
Well, that would be wrong, the weekend warehouse has literally hundreds of vendors selling everything from local produce to organic goodies and treats.
Plus, if you’re looking for a trinket or souvenir to take home, this is a place to go. You’ll find crystal, clothes and bespoke art vendors to boot!
8.) Enjoy Walk At Hollywood Boardwalk
Another beachside gem, the Hollywood Boardwalk lines one of the most gorgeous coastlines in Florida. From here, you can walk for ages, soaking in the sun and that salty sea air.
Though, just remember, the sun can get intense in the midday heat. So, plan a walk early in the morning or later in the afternoon; it’s much cooler then.
Read more: Best things to do in Fort Lauderdale
9.) West Lake Park for kayaking
Just shy of the beachfront, visiting West Lake Park is ones of the best things to do in Hollywood, Florida if you love to Kayak. You see, here they have a heap of waterways to test your skills and master the art of bobbing and not crashing into fellow kayakers.
Trust me, that’s the biggest challenge… I always end up smacking into Yaya, which usually results in a few splashes from his paddle! Anyway, here’s hoping you’ll be a better kayaker than me.
10.) Stroll Downtown Hollywood Blvd
Just west of the ArtsPark at Young Circle, Downtown Hollywood Blvd is one epic place to go for little eateries, independent boutiques and a heap of thrift stores and cool galleries.
When here, stop off at Ginger Bay Cafe for some of their Jamaican dishes that are so good. Alternatively, if you want to visit a retro boutique, pop into Vinyl Asylum Records or the other thrift stores you see along the street. I think we saw this as a challenge and tried to visit them all!
Read more: Best things to do in Fort Lauderdale
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