17 Things To Do In Hollywood, Florida, That Make It Better Than Miami

Hollywood, Florida, isn’t trying to be Miami—and that's its secret weapon. It doesn’t chase the glitz of overpriced bottle service or the endless valet lines that test your patience before the party even starts. Instead, Hollywood owns its vibe: proudly laid-back, a little offbeat, and bursting with homegrown flavor.

Imagine rollerbladers weaving along the Broadwalk like it's 1986 and never ended, taco joints serving flavor-packed bites that somehow taste better barefoot, and a community where everyone seems to know the best local band playing within a 10-mile radius. It’s the kind of place where beach hair is formal enough, frozen drinks pass for breakfast, and you leave your schedule—and maybe even your shoes—at the door.

If you're googling things to do in Hollywood, Florida, brace yourself: this isn’t a dry checklist of tourist traps. Instead, it's a choose-your-own-adventure full of secret mangrove trails, rooftop mojito nights, barefoot dancing under the stars, and maybe even a front-row seat to a real-life sea turtle hatching. Hollywood doesn’t just ask you to visit—it dares you to stay longer than you meant to.

1. Walk, Ride, and Relax on the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk

📍 Address: N Broadwalk, Hollywood, FL 33019

The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is more than a scenic sidewalk—it’s the heart and soul of the city’s coastal life. Stretching for more than 2.5 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, this paved path buzzes with rollerbladers, beach bikers, dog walkers, and families towing wagons full of sandy kids and cooler bags.

Locals love to remind you: while Miami Beach turns into a catwalk, Hollywood Beach is more of a barefoot dance party. It’s polished enough to impress but relaxed enough to feel like yours.

Travel Tip: Search “Hollywood Beach Reddit” and you’ll find endless love letters to the Broadwalk’s clean sands, chilled-out crowd, and perfect people-watching spots. It's no wonder Travel + Leisure recognized it as one of America’s best boardwalks for its timeless, car-free, flip-flop-friendly charm.

2. Discover Nature and Wildlife at Anne Kolb Nature Center

📍 Address: 751 Sheridan St, Hollywood, FL 33019

A 10-minute drive from the buzz of the Broadwalk drops you into another world entirely: the serene, green world of the Anne Kolb Nature Center. Spanning over 1,500 acres of protected mangroves and estuarine habitat, this massive preserve feels like stepping back into old Florida, where nature leads and humans follow.

Whether you're kayaking through glassy water trails shaded by ancient mangroves or hiking quiet boardwalks teeming with ibis and herons, there's a slow, sacred rhythm to this place. It’s one of those rare spots where you actually stop checking your phone—and start noticing the small things: the dragonfly landing on a railing, the splash of a fish, the way the breeze smells fresher here.

Personal Touch:
The last time I visited, I rented a kayak and spotted a pod of manatees lazily rolling just beneath the surface. No tour guide, no crowds—just pure, unexpected magic.

Anne Kolb isn’t flashy, and that’s exactly why it sticks with you long after you leave.

3. Experience Local Culture at ArtsPark at Young Circle

📍 Address: 1 Young Cir, Hollywood, FL 33020

If downtown Hollywood had a heartbeat, it would be ArtsPark at Young Circle. Spread across 10 lush acres, this open-air space is where creativity, community, and chill vibes collide. Whether it’s a salsa band filling the night air, a local food truck lineup dishing out late-night treats, or a glassblower crafting molten art before your eyes, there’s always something happening—and often, it’s free.

The first time I stumbled into ArtsPark, it was during a free reggae concert. Kids danced barefoot in the grass, couples swayed under the string lights, and the air smelled like kettle corn and empanadas. I hadn’t even planned to stop—I just followed the music. That’s the thing about Hollywood: sometimes the best moments find you.

Families love the splash pad and shaded playgrounds, while night owls appreciate the rotating art exhibits, yoga classes, and outdoor movie nights under the stars. Surrounded by buzzing cafes and indie bars, ArtsPark also makes a perfect launchpad for exploring downtown’s food and drink scene.

Fun Fact: The park's namesake, Joseph Young, envisioned Hollywood as a city where art and everyday life blended seamlessly—a dream that’s still alive nearly a century later.

4. Chill Out at Hollywood North Beach Park

📍 Address: 3601 N Ocean Dr, Hollywood, FL 33019

For those days when you crave the beach but not the crowds, Hollywood North Beach Park is pure gold. This is the mellow cousin to the bustling Broadwalk, where shady sea grape trees meet wide-open sands and gentle waves, and you can actually hear the sound of the ocean instead of a Bluetooth speaker party.

Locals and savvy travelers alike come here to spread out their towels without bumping elbows, grill out in the picnic areas, or climb the modest observation tower for panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway and beyond.

Nearby, the Dania Beach Trail connects walkers and bikers to a network of parks and waterways. Bring your fishing rod for the pier, or pack a hammock and a paperback novel—this spot practically begs you to slow down and stay awhile.

Fun Fact: Hollywood North Beach Park seamlessly connects with West Lake Park, giving outdoor lovers an easy way to blend beach time with kayaking, birdwatching, and breezy waterfront strolls.

5. See the Walls Come to Life with the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project

📍 Address: Around Harrison St, Hollywood Blvd, and Tyler St, Hollywood, FL 33020

Forget stuffy galleries—Hollywood’s best art is right out in the open. Thanks to the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project, whole blocks of the city have been transformed into a walkable, colorful, living museum.

Massive murals splash across brick walls and storefronts, each one telling a different story: swirling abstract designs, portraits that feel like they're watching you, vibrant tributes to Latin culture, social justice messages, surreal dreamscapes. Some murals tower four stories high; others sneak up on you in quiet alleyways.

I wandered the murals one cloudy afternoon without a map, just letting color lead the way. A giant phoenix rising from cracked concrete, a woman's face dissolving into tropical leaves, a Miami-style flamingo dipped in neon pink—all unexpected, all unforgettable.

Guided walking tours are available if you want insider stories about the artists and their process, but honestly, even a solo wander feels magical.

Fun Fact: Launched in 2012 by the Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency, the Mural Project now boasts more than 30 jaw-dropping murals and has helped spark a downtown arts revival that's still going strong.

6. Play, Dine, and Catch a Show at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

📍 Address: 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314

You can see it before you even arrive: the enormous guitar-shaped tower lighting up the skyline like a neon beacon. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino isn’t just a place to gamble—it’s an entire playground for adults and adventure seekers.

Inside, the energy is electric. Slot machines flash and jingle, poker players lean in over velvet tables, and high-end restaurants buzz with conversation and clinking glasses. But what makes the Hard Rock special is how it appeals to everyone, not just gamblers. You could spend the evening savoring sushi at Kuro, sipping craft cocktails in a moody lounge, or catching a major concert at Hard Rock Live without ever touching a poker chip.

If you need a breather from all the excitement, there’s a massive lagoon-style pool outside, complete with waterfalls and private cabanas. The on-site spa offers luxurious massages and facials that can turn even the most stressful travel day into a mini-retreat. And if you love a good shopping spree, the Hard Rock’s upscale boutiques have you covered—from designer swimwear to fine jewelry.

The Seminole Hard Rock makes Hollywood feel glamorous without the pretension, and whether you're in it for the nightlife or a relaxing day by the pool, it delivers a full-throttle experience with real style.

Fun Fact: At 450 feet tall, the Hard Rock’s guitar tower is the first and only building in the world designed in the shape of a guitar—and every night, it lights up the sky with a synchronized light-and-sound show that's pure spectacle.

7. Slow Down and Recharge at Topeekeegee Yugnee (T.Y.) Park

📍 Address: 3300 N Park Rd, Hollywood, FL 33021

Sometimes you just need green grass, wide-open skies, and the simple pleasure of a slow afternoon—and that's exactly what you’ll find at Topeekeegee Yugnee Park, affectionately known as T.Y. Park.

This 138-acre oasis is a local favorite for good reason. Families come for the playgrounds, picnic tables, and splash pad; fitness enthusiasts love the paved trail that loops around a peaceful lake; and those just craving quiet can find a shady tree to sit under with a good book.

Rent a paddleboat for a lazy glide across the water, grill up lunch at one of the pavilions, or simply wander and let your mind wander with you. The park is so spacious that even when it’s busy, it never feels crowded—a rare and refreshing vibe in bustling South Florida.

There’s even an RV campground tucked inside for travelers who want to stay closer to nature without giving up creature comforts.

Fun Fact: The name "Topeekeegee Yugnee" comes from the Seminole language and means “meeting or gathering place”—a reminder that, even today, this park continues to bring people together in the simplest, most meaningful ways.

8. Family Fun and Ocean Views at Charnow Park

📍 Address: 300 Connecticut St, Hollywood, FL 33019

Tucked right along the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, Charnow Park is where easygoing beach days meet family-friendly play. It’s not massive or flashy—and that’s exactly why so many visitors fall in love with it.

Here, kids can splash around in the interactive fountain while parents lounge nearby with ocean views and a sea breeze. There's a shaded playground, clean restrooms (a serious blessing on long beach days), and plenty of picnic tables if you want to grab a smoothie from a nearby stand and refuel between swims.

Older kids and adults can jump into a game on the classic paddleball courts—a little throwback fun that feels like stepping into a vintage postcard. When you're ready to cool off, the beach is literally steps away.

Charnow Park is one of those spots that might not top a glossy brochure—but in real life, it’s where some of the best vacation memories are made.

Fun Fact: Originally part of a 1930s beach pavilion project, Charnow Park has been lovingly restored over the years to blend its vintage seaside charm with family-friendly modern upgrades.

9. Eat, Shop, and Explore at Yellow Green Farmers Market

📍 Address: 3080 Sheridan St, Hollywood, FL 33021

If you believe that a city’s heart beats strongest through its food, you’ll fall head-over-heels for Yellow Green Farmers Market.

Open on weekends, this sprawling indoor-outdoor market gathers more than 600 vendors offering everything from farm-fresh produce to international street food, handmade crafts, organic skincare, vintage clothes, and small-batch coffee roasters. It’s vibrant, colorful, and brimming with the kind of sensory overload that makes wandering feel like an adventure.

The smell of smoky barbecue, buttery pastries, spicy empanadas, and tropical smoothies fills the air. Live musicians often pop up around corners, and seating areas shaded by umbrellas invite you to linger, sip a fresh coconut, and soak it all in.

Unlike souvenir shops lined with mass-produced trinkets, everything here feels personal—you’re just as likely to meet the farmer who grew your tomatoes or the artist who painted your new wall art.

Fun Fact: Yellow Green Farmers Market covers nearly 200,000 square feet, making it one of the largest of its kind in Florida—and every purchase helps support small, independent businesses and local makers.

10. Catch Live Music at the Hollywood Beach Theater

📍 Address: 200 Johnson St, Hollywood, FL 33019 (on the Broadwalk at Johnson St)

Imagine ending your beach day with live music drifting through the salty air, your toes still sandy and a frozen drink in hand. That’s exactly what the Hollywood Beach Theater offers—night after night.

Perched right on the Broadwalk at Johnson Street, this open-air venue hosts free concerts that feel less like a production and more like a gathering of friends. Reggae, classic rock, Latin jazz, old-school soul—you never quite know what you'll hear, and that’s part of the charm.

The vibe is refreshingly no-frills. No wristbands, no overpriced beer, no dress codes. Just find a seat on the benches, settle onto the sand, or sway under the stars as the waves crash in the background. Families, couples, solo travelers—everyone fits in here. And with food vendors and casual bars just steps away, it’s easy to turn a quick stop into a whole evening.

Fun Fact: The Hollywood Beach Theater has been a beloved part of the beachfront since the 1950s, helping the city keep live music accessible, spontaneous, and woven into the everyday beach experience.

11. Cruise the Intracoastal on a Water Taxi Adventure

📍 Address: 1111 N Ocean Dr, Hollywood, FL 33019

If you want to see South Florida from its most beautiful angle, skip the rental car and hop aboard the Water Taxi.

Running along the scenic Intracoastal Waterway, the Water Taxi connects Hollywood to nearby spots like Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, and Las Olas, all while offering a breezy, front-row seat to the region’s waterfront mansions, yacht-filled marinas, and hidden mangrove sanctuaries.

It’s a floating adventure, not just a ride. Guides often share fun local facts, but the real joy is hopping on and off as you please—grabbing a coffee by the docks in the morning, strolling through Las Olas boutiques in the afternoon, and watching the sunset with a waterfront cocktail.

The top deck is the best spot: salty air, endless sky, and a feeling that you’re getting away with something by seeing this side of Florida without a single traffic jam.

Fun fact: One Water Taxi ticket gives you an all-day pass, so you can ride as much as you like—making it one of the best (and most relaxing) ways to explore Hollywood and its neighboring cities.

12. Paddle, Picnic, and Play at West Lake Park

📍 Address: 1200 Sheridan St, Hollywood, FL 33019

Tucked between city streets and beach traffic, West Lake Park feels like a hidden world.

Sprawling over 1,500 acres of mangroves, waterways, and open spaces, it’s a magnet for outdoor lovers who want a side of serenity with their sunshine. You can rent a kayak right on-site and paddle through shaded mangrove tunnels where the outside world disappears, or stay on land with walking trails, biking paths, and shady picnic spots.

Families love the open green spaces and playgrounds; anglers post up along the water; birdwatchers quietly track herons and ibises darting through the trees. It’s the kind of place where you can fill your day—or just steal an hour—and feel completely recharged either way.

Plus, West Lake Park connects seamlessly to Anne Kolb Nature Center, making it easy to turn a simple visit into a full-day nature escape without ever leaving Hollywood.

Fun fact: West Lake Park is one of the largest remaining mangrove ecosystems in Broward County, making it a crucial sanctuary for wildlife—and an unforgettable playground for anyone willing to slow down and explore.

13. Step Into the Past with the Hollywood Historical Society

📍 Address: 1520 Polk St, Hollywood, FL 33020

Every city has a story, but Hollywood’s is particularly colorful—and the Hollywood Historical Society is the place to hear it come alive.

Housed in a charming mid-century building, the Society offers a glimpse into the city's beginnings, from Joseph W. Young's grand vision in the 1920s to Hollywood’s rise, fall, and modern-day renaissance. Exhibits showcase rare vintage photos, original city plans, old-school promotional materials, and tales of boomtime optimism (and a few colorful missteps).

Walking tours are a highlight, weaving you through historic neighborhoods filled with Mediterranean Revival architecture, Art Deco gems, and lush old-growth trees that have watched the city evolve over a century.

It’s a must for anyone who likes their beach vacations with a side of real history—not just Instagram gloss.

Fun fact: Joseph Young, Hollywood’s founder, dreamed of building a city that combined “the best of Hollywood, California, with the best of Atlantic City” — and despite hurricanes, economic swings, and modern development, you can still trace that quirky, ambitious spirit today.

14. Kayak, Bike, and Explore at Oleta River State Park

📍 Address: 3400 NE 163rd St, North Miami Beach, FL 33160
(Approx. 20-minute drive from Hollywood)

If you're itching for a true outdoor adventure just outside the city, Oleta River State Park delivers in a big way.

As Florida’s largest urban park, Oleta feels like a wild world apart, even though it's surrounded by city life. Kayakers and paddleboarders glide through quiet mangrove trails, mountain bikers race down rugged single-track trails, and swimmers cool off on the small sandy beach that feels like a secret hideout.

You don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy Oleta. There are mellow hiking trails, rustic cabins for overnight stays, and picnic pavilions perfect for a lazy afternoon feast. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure destination, with just enough wilderness to feel like you’ve truly escaped.

Fun Fact: Despite its urban location, Oleta River State Park is home to countless species of native wildlife—including manatees, ospreys, and schools of jumping mullet that practically perform for paddlers.

15. Paddle Peacefully Through Whiskey Creek

📍 Address: 6503 N Ocean Dr, Dania Beach, FL 33004

Inside the Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park lies one of the area's most peaceful—and surprisingly historic—paddling spots: Whiskey Creek.

This winding, calm waterway is perfect for beginner kayakers and paddleboarders, offering a slow, scenic ride through mangrove forests rich with wildlife. Herons stalk the shallows, tiny crabs scuttle across roots, and—if you’re lucky—you might even spot a manatee gliding by like a gentle submarine.

There’s a rich history here, too. During Prohibition, smugglers once used the creek’s hidden channels to transport illegal whiskey under the cover of night, giving the waterway its memorable name.

Today, Whiskey Creek is all about peace and nature—no rum-running required.

Fun Fact: Local outfitters offer eco-tours that not only guide you through the waterways but also dive into the creek's colorful smuggling past and rich ecological importance.

16. Grab a Burger with a View at Le Tub Saloon

📍 Address: 1100 N Ocean Dr, Hollywood, FL 33019

Some places don’t need fancy signs or PR teams to build a cult following—they just need unforgettable food, waterfront views, and a little bit of weird charm. Le Tub Saloon is that place.

Built inside a former gas station and decorated with driftwood, old bathtubs, and random bits of Florida kitsch, Le Tub feels like the set of a Jimmy Buffett song come to life. It’s casual, colorful, and a little chaotic in the best way.

And the burgers? Worth every second of the (often long) wait. The star here is the famous 13-ounce sirloin burger, cooked over an open flame and dripping with old-school, no-frills flavor. It’s juicy, it’s massive, and it’s been crowned “America’s Best Burger” by Oprah herself—a badge of honor the locals will proudly tell you about over a cold beer.

While you wait (and you will wait), you can sip a frozen margarita, watch boats cruise down the Intracoastal Waterway, and let the laid-back vibe wash over you. No rush, no reservations—just good food, good views, and the kind of authenticity that chain restaurants can’t fake.

Fun Fact: Le Tub's quirky, lived-in aesthetic has been featured in everything from food shows to travel blogs—and yet, it’s still delightfully unpolished and true to its beach-bar roots.

17. Experience Local Culture Through Events and Festivals

If you want to really feel the spirit of Hollywood, Florida, time your trip with one of its many festivals and community events. Throughout the year, Hollywood throws a lineup of celebrations that blend music, art, food, and local culture into lively, can’t-miss experiences.

In November, the Hollywood Beach Latin Festival takes over the Broadwalk with live salsa and merengue bands, street food stands serving everything from empanadas to grilled corn, and a joyful energy that dances well past sunset. Every month, the Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk turns city blocks into a living gallery, with local artists painting live, shops staying open late, and musicians filling the streets with sound.

Families won’t want to miss the Hollywood Beach Candy Cane Parade every December, a tradition where floats, dancers, and lights wind along the oceanfront under the stars. And year-round, ArtsPark at Young Circle hosts free outdoor movie nights, food truck rallies, and cultural nights that celebrate Hollywood’s richly diverse community.

Hollywood isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place you join, even if just for a weekend.

Fun Fact: Hollywood is one of the only cities in South Florida that maintains a steady calendar of free and low-cost cultural events year-round, creating a local scene that’s welcoming to travelers of all ages and budgets.

Conclusion

There are countless things to do in Hollywood, Florida—but what sets this coastal city apart is how naturally it blends easygoing beach life with real-deal local culture.

Here, you can wake up to a sunrise stroll along the Broadwalk, paddle through mangrove tunnels before lunch, chase murals downtown in the afternoon, and dance barefoot at a beach concert by sunset—all without ever feeling rushed or boxed into a tourist itinerary.

Hollywood invites you to slow down, stay curious, and say yes to unexpected moments—whether it’s finding your new favorite Cuban sandwich in a hole-in-the-wall café or stumbling into a backyard concert where the only ticket you need is a smile.

It’s beachy, but it’s not basic. It’s laid-back, but it’s full of life.
It’s the kind of place that doesn’t just give you a vacation—it gives you stories.

If you're planning to experience Hollywood’s irresistible charm, Karta has some incredible deals on Hollywood vacation rentals, because once you're here, you'll definitely want to stay a little longer.

FAQ

1. What’s the best way to get around Hollywood, FL without a car?

Hollywood is surprisingly easy to explore without needing your own wheels. The Hollywood Trolley is a budget-friendly and convenient option that loops through major spots like the Broadwalk, downtown, and local parks. For beachgoers, walking and biking along the Broadwalk is ideal—there are multiple bike rental stations and wide, flat paths perfect for cruising. If you're going farther, ride-shares like Uber or Lyft are reliable, and Water Taxi services connect Hollywood to nearby cities like Fort Lauderdale via the Intracoastal. Most attractions are within a 15-minute radius, so getting around is simple and stress-free.

2. Are there free or low-cost activities in Hollywood, Florida?

Definitely. Many of the city’s highlights don’t cost a thing. You can walk the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, enjoy free live music at the Hollywood Beach Theater, or explore public art through the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project. Families love parks like Charnow Park and West Lake Park, where playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic spots are completely free. Even many of the city’s festivals, outdoor movies, and cultural nights at ArtsPark at Young Circle are open to the public at no cost.

3. Is Hollywood, FL good for a family vacation?

Yes—and it’s actually one of the more underrated family destinations in South Florida. There’s a great mix of outdoor fun, beach time, and kid-friendly attractions. Charnow Park has a splash pad and shaded play areas right by the beach. Topeekeegee Yugnee (T.Y.) Park is a hit with its huge playgrounds, bike paths, and a quiet lake. Families can kayak through West Lake Park, take a Water Taxi ride, or even visit Yellow Green Farmers Market for food, live music, and local treats. Add in free events, calm beaches, and easy transportation, and you've got a solid family trip.

4. What are some lesser-known local favorites that tourists often miss?

While most visitors head straight to the Broadwalk, locals often recommend a few quieter gems. Le Tub Saloon is a funky waterfront spot known for its massive burgers and laid-back vibe. Whiskey Creek, inside Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, offers peaceful kayaking and wildlife spotting. For something cultural, the Hollywood Historical Society hosts walking tours that tell the story behind the city’s layout and architecture. If you’re into nature, nearby Oleta River State Park makes a great half-day trip with biking trails and paddleboarding—just 20 minutes away but often skipped by tourists.