Hollywood Beach
4.7(1.9K)google
4.3(111)yelp
NatureOutdoorWheelchair Accessible
Overview
Hollywood is a city in Broward County, Florida, United States. It is a suburb in the Miami metropolitan area. The population of Hollywood was 153,067 as of 2020, making it the third-largest city in Broward County.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration0.5-1 day
Best TimeSeptember through November offers ideal coastal templates around 78°F. Hit the sugar-white sand between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM; facing due east, this provides a front-row seat to watch the sun melt out of the open Atlantic ocean currents, casting a pure gold wash across the legendary 2.5-mile brick-paved pedestrian Broadwalk.
Getting ThereTake the Coast Transit trolley that routes along the coast. For drivers, cruise down the scenic highway A1A (Ocean Drive); the entire oceanfront features extensive parallel metered parking slots. To avoid summer gridlock, pull directly into the municipal multi-story paid China Bridge Garage structure on Johnson Street.
Travel Tips
- The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk stretches 2.5 miles, but adjacent public parking is extremely limited. Avoid pulling into private condominium or restaurant spaces, as predatory towing is enforced within minutes. Secure a space at the municipal Margaritaville or Nevada Street structured garages and monitor meters digitally.
- Enforce pedestrian and bicycle lane compliance: the Broadwalk utilizes strict operational zoning. The ocean-side asphalt lane is exclusively reserved for high-speed bicycles and multi-passenger surreys; walking or stopping for photography inside this active transit lane risks violent collisions and municipal code enforcement fines.
- Observe stringent eco-ordinances: local codes classify Hollywood Beach as a zero-plastic and zero-glass ecology zone, completely banning single-use containers, alcohol, and plastic straws on the sand. Pets are entirely barred from the oceanfront 24/7, except within the explicitly zoned and metered Dog Beach boundaries.
Reviews
Positive
- It features an iconic 2.5-mile oceanfront Broadwalk with absolutely no motorized vehicles, perfect for walking, biking, and jogging.
- The beach is quieter and more retro-nostalgic compared to neighboring Miami; the sand slopes gently and the water temperature is ideal for swimming.
- Along the Broadwalk are plenty of budget-friendly snack bars, ice cream shops, and open-air pubs, far more affordable than other upscale beaches.
- Public sanitation maintenance is highly efficient, with high-density trash cans along the sand and walk, and restrooms regularly cleaned.
Heads up
- The multi-level public parking garages here charge very high hourly rates, and long car queues often form due to lack of space.
- Pedestrians and rent-a-bikes/surrey carts share the Broadwalk; sometimes cyclists speed by fast, requiring constant alertness from parents.
- Some of the older oceanfront buildings and vintage motels look dated and lack upkeep, giving a slightly run-down, cluttered feel.
- At night, a few dim, isolated corners of the walk occasionally have homeless individuals staying; despite police patrols, solo females should stay alert.