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Hollywood Beach
Most people come to Hollywood for its phenomenal beach – an oasis of soft, sugar-white sand, turquoise water, and towering palms that wave quietly in the breeze. Add to that the incessantly bright blue sky, and you'll see why so many visitors don't make it past this remarkable attraction. Not surprisingly, it's been dubbed one of the best beaches in neighboring Fort Lauderdale.
While you won't find the glitz or glam of its more famous Californian counterpart, this Hollywood beach is a definite crowd pleaser, and it boasts a ton of great opportunities for people-watching.
The beach is home to a lengthy paved boardwalk, which attracts visitors of all types (from bikini-clad rollerbladers to well-dressed dog walkers). It's lined by shops, restaurants, and quaint oceanfront cafés.
Set almost directly between the popular Fort Lauderdale (to its north) and Miami beaches (to its south), this lovely spot is a much quieter, more tranquil place to spend a day at the ocean. Its wide, vast expanse makes it easy to find a place to stretch out, throw a frisbee, or practice yoga on the sand.
Hollywood Beach Boardwalk
The immaculate Hollywood Beach Boardwalk stretches nearly 2.5 miles along the town's shore of the same name. A bright blip of bricked walkway, this expansive promenade welcomes exercisers of all sorts. Runners, walkers, stroller pushers, rollerbladers, scooters, and bikers all make their way along this popular tourist attraction and thoroughfare.
Remember when we told you about people-watching at Hollywood Beach? The boardwalk's winding stone wall is the perfect place to sit while you partake in this supremely entertaining pastime. If you catch it at the right time of day, you may even be able to rest in the shade of the neighboring palms.
When feeling peckish, you won't have to wander far. A variety of oceanfront restaurants and cafés line this strip, as do stores and bike and water sports rental companies.
Anne Kolb Nature Center
The Anne Kolb Nature Center boasts 1,501 acres of protected coastal mangrove wetlands. Within these wetlands lie an impressive array of native plants and animals, some of which are either threatened or endangered. If you're extra quiet while wandering along the wooden walkways, you may be able to spot some of them. In all, the center offers four main trails to explore: South Trail (2.3 miles), Mud Flat Trail (0.3 miles), Fishing Pier Trail (783 feet), and Lake Trail (0.2 miles).
If you'd prefer to see the area by boat, you're in luck! There are five vast boat trails to adventure through and fish in during the center's guided boat tours. On land, a large exhibit hall is home to a saltwater aquarium and plays host to a variety of traveling nature-themed exhibits by local artists.
Address: 751 Sheridan Street, Hollywood, Florida
Official site: http://www.friendsofannekolbnaturecenter.org/
ArtsPark at Young Circle
So many wonderful things happen at ArtsPark at Young Circle. From art festivals to open-air concerts, to dance shows to movie nights, there's always something to do in this 10-acre circle. Even better, it's all free!
Named after Hollywood's founder, Joseph Wesley Young, this popular tourist attraction is filled with an array of structures to keep kids and adults entertained. A 2,500-guest amphitheater, playground, walking paths, and a Splash Pad are just a few of the amenities on offer.
The Visual Arts Pavilion is another draw, beckoning guests to come in for a look at an artistic demonstration (i.e. glass blowing) or to attend a class (i.e. martial arts).
Insider's tip: If you're a fan of food, you won't want to miss out on Food Truck Monday. A local fave, this weekly event brings a ton of tasty food to this central spot.
Address: 2600 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida
Official site: https://www.hollywoodfl.org/65/ArtsPark-at-Young-Circle
Hollywood North Beach Park
There's a whole lot to love about Hollywood North Beach Park. A whopping 56 acres of sand; walking paths; picnic tables; and tall, skinny palms greet visitors to this vast nirvana. You'll also find access to the public Hollywood Beach and the Boardwalk.
Parking, located at the A1A and Sheridan Street, is a breeze. Plus, you won't need to worry about constantly feeding the meter, as there's a set daily fee.
Bring lunch or dinner, and make use of the grills to cook your meal and prolong your stay. Or grab a bite at one of the many restaurants close by. You'll also find plenty of facilities (including showers), an observation tower, and a fishing pier.
Address: 3601 North Ocean Drive, Hollywood, Florida
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel, Hollywood
Once you've settled at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel, you'll find it difficult to leave. This massive resort has pretty much everything you'd ever need for a fantastic vacation.
Whether you're traveling as a couple looking for romance, or with children who need to be constantly entertained, you'll find everything you need right here! Amenities include a fabulously relaxing spa, entrance to multiple area golf courses, and a long strip (26,000 square feet to be exact) of boutique shops. No wonder it's been dubbed one of the best places to visit in Hollywood.
The resort also boasts pools aplenty! With over 13.5 acres of pool area, guests can choose between a man-made beach section, tropical lagoon-style pool complete with waterfalls, or a massive water feature (we're talking the size of three football fields) that boasts canoeing, SUPing, paddle boating, and other activities. The hotel also offers a massive waterslide and Jacuzzis.
Being a Hard Rock Hotel, you know there'll be music. You also know that music is guaranteed to be good. Featured acts include the entertainment industry's hottest musicians – from Rod Stewart to Adam Sandler to The Who. The stage is also graced by hilarious comedians (i.e. Jerry Seinfeld), speakers, and giant screens broadcasting sporting events from across the globe.
Don't worry, you don't need to stay at the hotel to enjoy these fun facilities, but you will likely need to book events and rent a cabana in advance.
Address: 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, Florida
