When people hear "Hollywood" they automatically think California but there is a Hollywood in Florida. When you land in Fort Lauderdale / Hollywood International Airport you can either go north to Fort Lauderdale or south to Hollywood. A lot of people go North but if you are looking for a calmer, more local experience then head south to Hollywood.
Started in 1920 this city sprung up as the middle part between Miami and Florida with a one-of-a-kind oceanfront promenade that allows for a two and a half mile walk along one of America's Best Beaches. Just watch where you are walking as the joggers, bikers, and rollerblades like to use it as well! Over the years the city has grown but it has not lost it's village like feel with a family friendly atmosphere.
The downtown area is very walkable and is covered by a bunch of restaurants from American to Irish, Mediterranean to Peruvian, Indonesian to Thai, and everything in between. If you are wanting something local or upscale, there is lots to choose from and something for everyone.
If you have little ones then check out the Garfield Street courts where you can play paddleball or they can play in the dolphin fountain.
Art is a major thing in Hollywood; so much so that the city has started the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project which features over 24 curated contemporary outdoor murals at important locations throughout downtown. If you are interested in learning more about these murals then join the free Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk every third Saturday; you are luck you might even see an artist at work. While not everyone will be in town at that time or maybe you want to do it by yourself, a self-guided tour is available here.
Wanting more to do? Visit Florida has put together an itinerary for a day trip:
Here's an itinerary for a great day in South Florida: from Hollywood's beautiful beach to the Boradwalk – yes, the Broad-walk, a 2½-mile beachside strolling lure – to a pleasant trolley ride to renowned burger joint Le Tub, conveniently located just a few steps from Hollywood Beach along State Road A1A. Also found in Hollywood: the Anne Kolb Nature Center, shops both family-owned and shopping mall-intensive, and restaurants for every taste and budget. But in the end, the dominant enticement is Hollywood’s beach, with a vintage feel and the distinction of being named Fodor's "Best Beach for Families."
