Looking for your next ultimate vacation getaway? Hollywood, Florida is bursting with fun things to do, offering the perfect playground for everyone. Whether you’re heading down for a family vacation, a spontaneous weekend trip, or an unforgettable spring break, this coastal gem delivers.
Skip the hassle of international travel. You can soak up the pristine sunshine and vibrant beach vibes right here. Ready to explore? Let’s dive into Hollywood, Florida. Read on to the end!
Bear in mind to leave a comment at the end of the blog and share it with your loved ones.
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Where Is Hollywood Florida?
Hollywood is a beautiful beach town nestled between Fort Lauderdale and Miami Florida in the United States. It is known for its beautiful aqua-blue waters and coastal white sand beach, vibrant culture, and exciting attractions.
In this blog, I will be showcasing just a few of the many activities and attractions you will not want to miss.
1
Hollywood Beach
You cannot talk about Hollywood and not mention the beach. Hollywood Beach is one of the area’s top attractions, thanks to its soft white sand, warm waters, and a variety of beachfront amenities.
Relax in a beach chair, bathe in the sun, play volleyball or swim in the ocean before stopping for a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and cafes that runs along the board walk.
2
Hollywood Boardwalk
Taking a stroll along the Hollywood Boardwalk is the absolute perfect way to spend the day, especially with those stunning, uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean. However, here is a quick insider tip: keep an eye out for the many rollerbladers and cyclists zooming by!
Even though they have their own designated lane, I honestly lost count of how many times I was nearly run over while being completely mesmerized by the beautiful blue seas.
Still, with an endless stretch of fantastic restaurants, unique shops, and lively entertainment options along the way, it is an experience you won’t want to miss.
For a perfect evening activity that won’t break the bank, head over to the Hollywood Beach Theater. Every night at around 7 p.m., this vibrant open-air venue hosts free concerts that are completely accessible to everyone, all managed by the Margaritaville Beach Resort.
Located right on the Hollywood Boardwalk directly across from the resort, the theater features a fantastic rotation of live bands and local artists.
The musical genres span everything from soulful R&B and irie reggae to classic rock, making it the ultimate spot to sit back, enjoy the ocean air, and feed your soul with some great, high-energy live music.
Along the boardwalk, there are a number of bike shops.
Bike Shack, in particular, has a variety of bikes available. You can rent a 2 to 6-seater bike for your family and ride along the 2.5-mile boardwalk while admiring the beautiful ocean views.
5.
Restaurants in hollywood.
Let me introduce you to Hollywood’s culinary scene. Whether you are a Food Explora looking for new and exciting flavors or a casual dining experience, Hollywood has a diverse range of restaurants to suit every palate and budget.
If you ever visit Hollywood or Fort Lauderdale, be sure to take advantage of the city’s restaurant scene. Here are a few restaurant highlights on the board walk below.
If you’re looking for a spot that perfectly captures the laid-back, sun-soaked spirit of Hollywood Beach, look no further than this Mexican Restaurant called Taco Beach Shack.
The vibe here is completely infectious and inviting, with its colorful outdoor seating, live musical acts keeping the energy high, and an inviting open-air ambiance; it’s the kind of place where you can walk straight from the beach with sand still on your toes or dress up in casual attire for an evening dining.
Whether you are craving classic, flavor-packed street tacos or looking to sip on refreshing cocktails, this spot delivers a memorable, budget-friendly culinary experience right here in Hollywood, Florida.
As a passerby Foodie, I could not resist dining at this restaurant. If you want to pair oceanfront views with explosive, authentic Latin flavor, Mamacitas Latin Bar & Grill is a must-visitdining option right on the Hollywood Broadwalk.
Known for its lively, energetic atmosphere and colorful beachfront seating, this spot brilliantly blends Cuban, Mexican, and Caribbean culinary traditions. It’s the perfect place to sit back with a signature margarita, enjoy the sea breeze, and indulge in one of their hearty menu dishes.
The Star of the Menu: Pargo Entero Frito
Mamacitas’ most iconic, well-known dish is undeniably the Pargo Entero Frito (Fried Whole Red Snapper). This showstopping seafood dish features a fresh, whole red snapper fried to absolute crispy perfection on the outside while maintaining incredibly tender, flaky, and juicy meat on the inside. The fish is so huge, it could serve four people.
Even though I did not care for it too much, the crispy fried fish was generously topped with a rich mojo de ajo: a vibrant, savory garlic sauce packed with cilantro and onions to enhance its flavor profile.
Served traditionally alongside fluffy yellow Spanish rice and a crisp side salad, this authentic Latin preparation delivers a true taste of the coast that any seafood-loving Food Explora won’t want to miss.
What could be more relaxing than dining with a front-row view of the ocean? Nestled right inside the vibrant Margaritaville Beach Resort complex, LandShark Bar & Grill captures the absolute essence of coastal living.
With its laid-back atmosphere and breezy, beachy decor, it sets the ultimate scene for a casual lunch, a lazy weekend brunch, or a fun night out with family and friends.
The menu is packed with fresh seafood options, but the real star of my visit was the blackened Halibut fish burger. Highlighting the day’s fresh catch, the beautifully seasoned halibut paired with a side of crispy golden french fries and an ice-cold beer made for the absolute perfect beach day lunch.
Honestly, when you pair flavors like that with sweeping 180 degrees, uninterrupted Atlantic views, everything tastes just a little bit more delicious.
Located just a few steps away from my vacation rental, Florio’s of Little Italy is a small, homey Italian restaurant that delivers an unforgettable dining experience, transporting your tastebuds straight to Italy.
The cozy and inviting atmosphere offers both indoor and outdoor dining, making it the perfect backdrop for enjoying their authentic menu. From classic pasta dishes to fresh seafood and delectable pizzas, there is truly something for everyone.
A Foodie’s Experience
Now, I’m typically not a big fan of pasta, but the Food Explora in me convinced me to step outside my comfort zone and try their Linguine with Mussels. I am so glad I did! The dish was absolutely delicious.
The vibrant blend of garlic, rich marinara sauce, and savory mussel juices shone through beautifully in every single bite.
Visit HERE to learn more about their restaurant.
Rocco’s Pizza is conveniently located directly across the street from the Hollywood Theatre.
You can enjoy the featured musical band of the night while dining outside and indulging in one of their specialty pizzas.
You can hop over, sit, and enjoy the music after your meal. Keep in mind that seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Despite the fact that the name suggests a pizza restaurant. The menu is quite extensive. But I went with the Beef Hamburger with fries and a beer.
The flavors were delicious despite the fact that the burger beef was a little dry.
5F.
The Taco Joint
This outdoor dining establishment will take you on a culinary journey through Mexico.
Taco Joint is a must-visit for anyone looking for a filling and reasonably priced meal in Hollywood.
This cozy and inviting restaurant serves a wide range of mouthwatering tacos, burritos, and other traditional Mexican dishes.
There’s something on the menu for everyone, whether you want something spicy, savory, or sweet.
Because I enjoy a good quesadilla, I ordered their beef quesadilla. The Taco Joint also serves a fresh coconut that you have alongside your meal.
Burgerfi is located across Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Despite the fact this burger joint is not situated on the boardwalk, I had to recommend it to you because it may be one of the best burgers you will ever eat.
Their “hormone-free” Angus beef burgers are juicy and don’t miss out on their infamous onion rings.
If you are Vegan, don’t worry. They offer vegan burgers for those who don’t eat meat.
The Food Explora in me just had to try Rita’s frozen custard, especially since it was my very first time experiencing this type of frozen dessert.
I decided to start with the coffee custard flavor, and wow! It tastes a lot like gelato, but it is far richer and infinitely creamier. It was so incredibly good that I actually had to go back a second time to try their salted caramel, which I also highly recommend.
I can definitely see why it’s a bit pricey, but let’s be honest: you truly can’t put a price tag on a phenomenal food experience.
6.
Museums In hollywood.
I did not have time to visit any of these museums as planned. However, I visited the Holocaust Museum in Miami many years ago. You can read about it on my Miami blog, which you can find HERE .
If you enjoy museums, here are some recommendations I gathered for you to check out while in the Hollywood Fortlauderdale area.
Suarez Museum of Natural Science & History
Holocaust Documentation & Education Center
Graves Museum of Archaeology and Natural History
Florida Museum Of Natural History
There are several different accommodations in Hollywood and neighboring communities. Here are four of my recommendations based on my firsthand experience.
I found a great deal on this U.N.I. Airbnb. For its location, I give it a 10 out of 10. It’s only a few steps to Hollywood Beach and the Boardwalk.
However, several enhancements would have made my stay more comfortable. However, because I spent about 90% of my time outside, it wasn’t such a big deal.
The U.N.I. vacation rental has a lot of potential, and I hope the owner takes my suggestions for improvements into consideration. Check out the reviews on their website for more insight.
I will probably stay here again for a few days if I get a good deal.
When I return to Hollywood, I plan to stay at this hotel. From the outside, the resort appears enjoyable, particularly its Surf Rider activity.
The Margaritaville Beachfront Hotel is located directly off the Hollywood Boardwalk. The hotel and its amenities are prominently displayed; you can’t miss it.
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville restaurant, LandShark Bar & Grill, and 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill are among the dining options.
I dined at the LandShark restaurant on the second floor, as I mentioned earlier in the blog. It was a pleasure to eat while admiring the magnificent ocean.
The hotel made a wise decision by making most of their restaurants open to the public.
The resort also has a full-service spa, a cutting-edge fitness center, and several swimming pools, including a rooftop pool with breathtaking views of the ocean
Looking for another fantastic coastal getaway?
A few years ago, I stayed at the Ocean Sky Beachfront Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, and it did not disappoint. My favorite part was the seamless transition from the sparkling pool deck directly onto the soft, white-sand beach. Plus, most of the rooms feature a private balcony, which I believe is the absolute perfect spot to unwind, take in the sweeping ocean views, and bask in that refreshing coastal breeze.
If you are planning to check out the famous Hollywood Boardwalk during your trip, it’s just an easy 30-minute drive away.
Finding a spot that lets you truly recharge is essential for both your mental health and your inner foodie.
Hollywood Beach Suits is a budget-friendly boutique beachfront property that sits just steps away from the powdery white sand and the bustling boardwalk, making it a fantastic jumping-off point for a sun-soaked adventure and restaurant-hopping for all the food lovers.
You won’t have to venture far for incredible flavors, as the hotel sits right in the heart of a bustling culinary stretch.
Taco Beach Shack, a Mexican restaurant with live music, is located right on the property. To learn more about the property, see below.
© Food Explora 2023 All Rights Reserved.
A Hollywood Experience To Remember
Your beach travel essentials
I usually recommend beachgoers to cover their feet with these Beach Shoes I ordered on Amazon. They provide foot protection while also being lightweight. and comfortable.
More importantly, please apply sunscreen on your face and body. I learned the hard way and got burned on my face. I recommend the Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen SPF 70 lotion and Keihl’s SPF 30 sun protection face cream.
A waterproof and sandproof Beach Blanket and polarized UV400 protection Sunglasses are essential on a beach day.
Hydration is key when you spend a long time on the beach. Make sure you carry a thermal water bottle like this 64-ounce stainless steel thermal water bottle from Amazon.
To protect your phone while in the water and to make sure you capture memorable moments, you must get this waterproof phone pouch like this one HERE.
© Food Explora 2023 All Rights Reserved.
Such an iconic place, I would love to visit.
I didn’t know there so many museums, pretty interesting.
Great post..
So many great options. I like this because I hadn’t heard of Hollywood Florida before and now I would love to check it out.
Hope you get to visit Hollywood someday, Jolayane. thanks for dropping by.
I love these kind of blogs! It’s always difficult to find good restaurants when you’re already hungry lol, it’s nice to plan ahead and know what to expect!
Thanks for visiting Jennifer. Glad my blog is helpful.
Wow what an awesome list of things to do in Hollywood, Florida! I can’t wait to go to Hollywood Beach and rent a bike and cruise around the area. Thanks for the great tips!
Thank you Pantea.
This a great article… Very informative! I want to pack my bags now! I have been to various parts of Florida, but never Hollywood. It looks beautiful!
Hope you get to visit Hollywood Florida someday. Thanks for visiting.
Great list of fun things to do in Hollywood, Florida. I love that you included some great restaurants and attractions. Rita’s is always a must-stop for us when we find one!
Thank you Debbie, Rita is my newly found ice-cream shop.
This is interesting and there are fun things to do in Florida. I will keep these ideas to do with my partner.
Fransic Verso, hope you get to visit some day.
Omg!!! I miss traveling to Florida. The last time I visited there was in 2002. I definitely miss Disney World and Universal Studios the most.
Well Fadima, add Hollywood Florida to your go-to place to visit. You will love it,
Very thorough review! I used to visit Miami and would see signs for Hollywood. I have never been, but your post is very convincing, I may have to add it to the list!
Hope you get to visit Hollywood Florida with your family soon. Thanks for visiting.
How awesome! It looks like a super, super fun place to visit and it fits many travelling occasions! Love the food suggestions too!
Thank you, Vanessa. Glad you found my blog helpful. I hope you get to visit Hollywood Florida someday
Some great places to dine and be entertained. I had no idea there was a Hollywood in Florida.
Jamie, I learned of the name Hollywood years ago when I visited another city in Forth Lauderdale. I am glad I experienced it and hope you get to do so as well some day.
I’m going to have to check that place out! Family in Miami is my only excuse for visiting Florida so Hollywood is now on the bucket list!
Thanks for visiting Collete. You and your family will love Hollywood.
Love your post, I love taking walks so taking a walk on the boardwalk will be great for me. I also love the idea of the free concerts so I can enjoy my day with music as well.
Thanks for visiting Christy. I am sure you will have a great time in Hollywood Florida. Hope you get to visit soon.
Great suggestions!
Thank you, Kirsten.
I have been to Miami a few times and for the most part, I did the usual things like visit beaches, drink beer, eat food. But one thing I have NOT done is visit museums! It sounds like I’m missing out.
Bryan, museums are a great place to learn about the history and culture of a geographic location. I try to visit when I am on vacay. Unfortunately, we can’t enjoy a good beer while touring a museum. Lol
We were planning a vacation here but changed it last minute. I think we will reconsider for next time after reading this post!
Well Eva, I hope you get to visit Hollywood Florida soon. You all will have a great time; all the best.
This sounds like fun, and lot things to do but I had no idea that they have a Gollywood in Florida. I can’t wait to visit this place. Thank you for sharing😊👍!
Janice, Hollywood Florida is very family oriented. Happy my travel guide is useful.
Such an amazing review of Hollywood, Florida. There is certainly something for everyone there! It’s nice that there are free concerts offered every night for those looking for something fun to do that is budget friendly. Thanks for sharing your reviews!
Thank you, Jenna.
These are a lot of great ideas and suggestions for the Hollywood area. I can’t wait to check these out on my next visit to the area.
I am sure you will have a great time, Wendy.
Wow, these are some interesting things to do in Hollywood, Florida! I love the idea of having a rooftop pool with breathtaking views of the ocean. I’m definitely adding Margaritaville hotel to my bucket list. And its great that free concerts are available for anyone looking to entertain themselves at night. Thank you so much for sharing!
You are welcome, Vanelle.Thanks for visiting Food-Explora. I am glad my blog was helpful.
I recall seeing signs to Hollywood on our way from Miami to Fort Lauderdale. And now that I’ve read your post next time where near either, we’ll make a stop for Hollywood. Rita’s custard ice-cream is calling.
GWT, I saw the same Hollywood sign in Forth Lauderdale. I am glad I was inspired to visit Hollywood Florida; you all will love it there.
I have never been to Hollywood before but I like the idea of the free concerts, that is such a great idea for all people to enjoy regardless of finances. Thank you for sharing other fun things to do in Hollywood.
Lauren – bournemouthgirl
Thank you Lauren.
We have family we visit in Delray Beach so we could definitely incorporate a visit to Hollywood on our next visit! Thanks for this post; lots of great info!
Awesome! Thanks for visiting Laurie. I am glad you found my blog useful.
I love the sound of Hollywood, Florida! There is so much to do and see, it would just be jam packed with such fun. Definitely somewhere I’ll have to put on my bucket-list for sure, especially trying out all of the food places, YUM!
Jordanne, Thanks for visiting my blog. Happy you were inspired by my Hollywood trip.
This is the perfect information for when I visit! Thank you for sharing!
You are welcome, Katrina. Glad you found my Hollywood blog informative.
This helped me plan out my upcoming trip! Thanks for sharing the “spots” in great detail.
Appreciate you visiting and sharing your thoughts. Happy you found it helpful.
Very detailed information esp on restaurants. Always appreciate an insider idea of where to go & what to eat! Thanks!
Thank you for visiting, Morgan. Glad my blog was helpful.
Hollywood in Florida sounds like it has a lot to offer; I like that there is likely something for most people to enjoy if they wanted to visit here. I didn’t know much about it until reading this — thanks for sharing!
You are welcome, Molly. Happy you found my blog useful.
Florida is one of my favourite destinations. I’ve been there twice. My Favorite thing to do in Florida is visiting theme parks. I miss Disney World and Universal Studios.
Florida is one of my main destinations to visit due it easy flight from NYC
With family now living in the Cayman Islands, Florida is high on our radar to visit…thank you so much for all these wonderful suggestions Margaritaville Beach Resort sounds like my sort of place…and we love different options for meals, though we gravitate towards Italian always…thank you I will also keep one eye on the roller bladders
I did not stay at the Margaritaville Resort, but from the looks of it, seems a great place to stay with family and friends.
Such a great informative post! packed with great to do’s for vacation. Thank you for your insight and great recommendations.
Thanks for dropping by Matt. Glad you found my blog on Hollywood Florida informative.
Another reminder to enjoy my ever popular state. I hardly even go the the beach…do it more on vacation. I would add The Taco Beach Shack if you haven’t been there before.
Thanks for your comments. I appreciate your support. Hope you get to visit Hollywood Florida someday.
This is interesting and there are fun things to do in Florida.
Thank you, Tyler. Hope you get to visit Hollywood Florida someday.
I would love to get lost in the museums and eat ice cream at Rita Ice Cream! And I can image the photography must be insane! Thanks for sharing!
Lauren, with the type of camera you have, you would capture so much great photos in Hollywood Florida.
Such a great post! I love your blog.
Thank you, Hi Forties
This makes me want to plan a trip ASAP. So many fun things to do 😍Hollywood, Florida looks like a fun little getaway 💛
Giangi, thanks for visiting. I am happy my hollywood blog was valuable to you. Hope you get to visit hollywood someday.